Brazilian percussionist Paulinho da Costa received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 [1].
The honor recognizes the influence of a musician who shaped the sound of global pop music through decades of session work in the U.S. [1].
Costa, 77 [1], was awarded the 2,844th star on the historic Los Angeles sidewalk [1]. The ceremony celebrated his 55-year career within the United States [1]. According to officials, he is the first artist born in Brazil to receive this specific distinction [3].
Throughout his tenure in the American music industry, Costa contributed to many of the world's most famous pop recordings [4]. His work as a percussionist provided the rhythmic foundation for a vast array of genres and artists, cementing his status as one of the most recorded musicians in history.
During the event, Costa shared the achievement with his home country and supporters. "Não é só minha, é nossa," he said [5].
The recognition comes as a milestone for Brazilian representation in the entertainment capital of the world. While many Brazilian artists have found success in the U.S., the Walk of Fame star serves as a permanent physical marker of Costa's enduring contribution to the recording arts [2].
“Paulinho da Costa became the first Brazilian-born artist to receive the honor.”
This honor marks a significant shift in the visibility of session musicians on the Walk of Fame, which typically favors front-facing stars. By recognizing a percussionist, the institution acknowledges the technical and rhythmic contributions that underpin the global pop music industry, while simultaneously highlighting the long-term cultural impact of Brazilian musicians in the U.S. recording scene.
