João Donato (1934–2023) was a visionary Brazilian pianist, composer, and arranger whose work helped shape the sound of bossa nova and Brazilian jazz. Blending samba rhythms with cool jazz sophistication, his music exuded effortless swing and tropical warmth. Over a career spanning seven decades, Donato collaborated with icons like João Gilberto, Antônio Carlos Jobim, and Astrud Gilberto, leaving a lasting influence on generations of musicians. His inventive harmonies and rhythmic innovations made him a cornerstone of Brazilian music and a timeless figure in global jazz.