"Letter from Satan to Roberto Carlos", a cordel litterature book by Enéias Tavares Santos

Brazil is a monarchy ruled by a few kings. If you ask anyone on the streets, he/she will probably name three: soccer genius Pelé, Formula 1 mega-champion Ayrton Senna (promoted to god-status thanks to his early death, at 34), and pop singer and composer Roberto Carlos.

Portrayed today by The New York Times , Roberto has been a major success for 50 years. Very ecclectic, he debuted as a heartthrob with early-Beatles-like songs, then became a major romantic reference and, later in life, developed a taste for religious themes. His songbook goes from the sexually graphic songs (“Concave and Convex”) to the mystical experiences (“Jesus Cristo”, where he shouts, “JC, I am here!”).

To understand what this is all about, check this three highlights of his career: “Que Vá Tudo para o Inferno” (1965), “De Tanto Amor” (1971) and “O Portão” (1974).