Tristeza is a Brazilian samba written by Haroldo Lobo and Nilton de Souza, known as Niltinho. The original recording and release were by Ary Cordovil in 1965–66 as a single. Niltinho wrote an initial draft in 1963, and Lobo gave it its definitive form in 1965, shortly before his death. The Portuguese-language song became a Carnival favorite and is regarded as the last traditional samba to win Carnival before sambas-enredo took over. Jair Rodrigues delivered a famous live version on O Fino da Bossa, and Norman Gimbel issued an English version, Goodbye Sadness, in 1967. The 1966 release occurred during Rio de Janeiro floods, which heightened its emotional resonance. The tune also earned Niltinho the nickname “Niltinho Tristeza.”
