Paulinho da Costa, born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a world-renowned percussionist celebrated for his versatility and mastery of over 200 percussion instruments. Beginning his musical journey in samba schools, he expanded his repertoire to encompass genres such as jazz, pop, R&B, and world music. After relocating to Los Angeles in the early 1970s, Paulinho became one of the most sought-after session musicians, collaborating with icons like Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Quincy Jones. His contributions are featured on numerous Grammy-winning albums, including Michael Jackson's "Thriller" and the "We Are the World" project. In recognition of his profound impact on the music industry, Paulinho is set to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2026, marking him as the first Brazilian-born entertainer to achieve this honor. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paulinho_da_Costa?utm_source=openai))