Share

New York City witnessed a momentous celebration as the legendary music hub, Sounds of Brazil (SOB’s), marked its incredible 40th anniversary. The milestone event honored the historic venue that has propelled numerous A-list artists to stardom and has been a cultural haven for four unforgettable decades. SOB’s, the tropical-themed supper club, blazed a trail by spotlighting the rich musical heritage of the Afro-Latino diaspora, showcasing genres such as Salsa, Funk, Jazz, Merengue, Reggae, R&B, and Soul. It was also a pioneer in introducing Hip Hop to New York long before it became mainstream.

During the jubilant occasion, founder Larry Gold received an official proclamation from the Mayor’s Office, designating July 25th as “SOB’s Day.” The proclamation recognized the transformative impact of the venue:

“Native New Yorker Larry Gold established a nightclub and restaurant at 204 Varick St. in lower Manhattan’s SoHo Neighborhood, in a space that had previously housed his father’s sandwich shop. He named it Sounds of Brazil (SOB’s), inspired by the years he had recently spent traveling Europe where he was introduced to and first fell in love with Brazilian music. This iconic venue has greatly strengthened the performing arts and nightlife sectors in our global city ever since, and I am pleased to celebrate its 40-year Anniversary.”

The celebratory affair was an intimate gathering featuring mesmerizing live performances by Roc Nation’s enchanting songstress, Maeta, and RCA’s gifted R&B singer-songwriter Tone Stith. Cameras rolled to capture the essence of the iconic space for an upcoming documentary that promises never-before-seen footage showcasing the early careers of some of the entertainment industry’s biggest names.

SOB’s has left an indelible mark on the careers of Hip-Hop & R&B luminaries, serving as a launching pad for the likes of Kanye West, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Jill Scott, John Legend, Justin Timberlake, and many more. It has not only witnessed the initial performances of music legends but has also fostered comedic geniuses, making it an incubator for talent and a stage where extraordinary moments have etched themselves into music history. The greatest performers of our time, from Madonna and Bruce Springsteen to Dave Chappelle and Jerry Seinfeld, have graced SOB’s stage.

In a viral video clip from Drake’s “It’s all a Blur Tour” in Brooklyn, the rapper reminisces about his early New York performances, saying, “I remember doing Daemon College in Buffalo, SUNY purchase, I remember doing SOB’s… it’s been a wild ride.” Another viral video features Kendrick Lamar, sharing old SOB’s performance footage, reflecting on his journey: “I used to look at videos on BET, seeing all my favorite rappers out there, Jay-Z, Nas, and just imagining, damn I wish I can get out there one day… then to actually have a sold-out show at SOB’s, that’s overwhelming to me,” exclaimed the 17-time Grammy Award Winner.

Jeanine McLean, Music Veteran & Co-Creator of the upcoming SOB’s documentary, summarized the significance of SOB’s 40 Year Anniversary: “It is a testament to the enduring impact of art and the transformative power of music, and we are simply elated to celebrate the long-standing legacy as one of the last independent entertainment venues left in the city.”