Rubens de Queiroz Barra
1950–2026Brazilian singer, composer, instrumentalist and music producer who co-wrote the disco anthem 'Dancin' days' and sang the hit 'Cinderela'.
Particulars
Rubens de Queiroz Barra, known professionally as Ruban Barra, was born on 5 June 1950 in Valença, Rio de Janeiro. He built a career as a singer, composer, instrumentalist and music producer, becoming a notable figure in Brazilian pop music during the 1970s and 1980s.
His most famous composition was 'Dancin' days' (1978), written with Nelson Motta and recorded by the group As Frenéticas. The song became an anthem of the Brazilian disco era and served as the opening theme of the Globo telenovela of the same name, later being covered by artists including Lulu Santos, MPB4 and Latino.
As a singer, his greatest success was 'Cinderela' (1986), a song he composed with Patricya Travassos and released on the album 'Vitrine'. He also placed hits such as 'Eu sou free' (1983), recorded by the group Sempre Livre, and released singles including 'Rebola bola' (1982) and 'Vem nessa' (1983).
Ruban Barra died on 30 October 2026 in Rio de Janeiro at the age of 76, following an illness diagnosed in 2024.
Compiled from source reports. Automated record.