I was sad to find out about the passing of Portuguese singer Roberto Leal this morning.

According to CM, the legendary performer died today after a two-year battle with cancer.

I am not going to tell you that I've ever been a big fan of Portuguese music, but after living on the SouthCoast for the past 25 years, I have grown to enjoy a couple of the bigger songs. How could you not? Some of these songs are a part of almost every family celebration in this part of the world.

When I first started to DJ weddings here on the SouthCoast, I had no idea who Roberto Leal was. Now, if I'm looking for a slam dunk Portuguese song at a Portuguese wedding, I know that I can always drop "Bate O Pe" for the win.

Floriano Cabral is the creator of the International Portuguese Music Awards. This morning at his home in Dartmouth, Floriano was going through some of his Roberto Leal memories, and he shared some of them with Fun 107.

He performed in New Bedford at the very first IPMA in 2013 . Roberto was awarded the lifetime achievement award that night. As a person, he was by far the kindest and most humble I have ever met. Roberto was always ready to help. He was an icon in Portugal and Brazil, and in many other countries around the world. The world lost a great performer and a great man today. --Floriano Cabral, International Portuguese Music Awards Creator

In addition to his work as a singer, Leal was also the winner of a Portuguese reality show called "Last To Leave."

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