He has been an active performer and songwriter of Brazilian popular music (MPB) and jazz for over 30 years. His first hit, "Madalena", was recorded by Elis Regina in 1970. His 1989 hit song "Love Dance" is one of the most re-recorded songs in musical history.
Testifying to Lins's importance as a composer is the frequency with which tribute albums and new covers of his compositions appear. His jazz classics have been recorded by many notable international artists including Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald,Barbra Streisand, Quincy Jones, Joe Pass, George Benson, the Manhattan Transfer, Diane Schuur, Carmen McRae, Nancy Wilson, Eliane Elias, Patti Austin, Sting, Toots Thielemans, Take 6, Lee Ritenour, David Benoit, Carlos do Carmo, Mark Murphy,Dave Grusin, Sérgio Mendes, Michael Bublé, Jane Monheit and Shirley Horn, among countless others.