Born in Ponte Nova in 1946, Joao Bosco cut his musical teeth in a family where music was just as important as eating and sleeping: his mother was an accomplished violinist; his father, a singer of samba; his sister, a concert pianist; and his brother, a composer. While attending Ouro Preto University, Bosco became steeped in American jazz (Miles Davis in particular), and the Bossa Nova sound of Joao Gilberto and Antonio Carlos Jobim. It was also at this university that he met lyricist Vinicius de Moraes, who contributed beautiful poetic lyrics to Bosco's music.

In the 70’s Bosco became involved musically with Aldir Blanc, a psychiatrist who decided to give up his practice to become a lyricist. An extremely clever writer, Blanc became the perfect foil for Bosco and the two would work together, quite successfully, until the mid-1980s.

In 1977, Bosco wrote what was (and is) his most personal protest song, "O Bebaido e a Equilibrista" (The Drunkard and the Tightrope Walker), which became the theme song of Amnesty International.

Bosco’s American breakthrough followed a guest appearance with jazz guitarist Lee Ritenour on the latter's 1988 record Festival. By the early 90's, Bosco mounted a major tour of the U.S. and has since become increasingly popular internationally, playing year after year at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival.

His music is rooted in Brazil's classic Samba and Bossa Nova traditions; a combination of rock and roll, jazz and other ethnic styles in an eclectic brew.