March’s Brazilian Datebook

1

(1913) Singer Nuno Roland born in Joinville (SC).

2

(1947) Singer Nelson Ned born in Ubá (MG). (1996) Five members of the band Mamonas Assassinas were killed in an airplane crash in Sao Paulo.  They had legions of children and adolescent fans due to their irreverent style.

3

(1926) Singer and Composer of more than 900 songs, Teixeirinha (Victor Teixeira) born in Taquara (RS). Died November 5, 1985.  (1929) Composer and instrumentalist Copinha (Nicolino Copia) born in São Paulo(SP) Died March 4, 1984.  (1943) Singer, Composer, and Instrumentalist Jards Macalé born in Rio de Janeiro(RJ).  Known for creative collaborations with Elizeth Cardoso, Gilberto Gil, Gal Costa, Caetano Veloso, Naná Vasconçelos, and Paulo Moura.

4

(1921) Singer, Queen of Choro, Ademilde Fonseca born in Macaíba (RN).  Beloved for her interpretations of choros such as “Tico-tico no Fuba”, and “Brasileirinho”. (2010) Pre-Bossa Nova star, pianist and singer Johnny Alf dies from cancer in São Paulo at age 80.

5

(1887) Composer Heito Villa-Lobos is born in the Laranjeiras neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro. He is considered by many to be the greatest classical composer in Brazil. Died Nov. 17, 1959. (1909) Poet, Improvisor, and Composer Patativa do Assaré (Antônio Gonçalves da Silva) born in Assaré (CE). One of the most important poets of the Northeast. He published 8 books of poetry. Died June 8,2002.

6

(1900) Composer Joubert de Carvalho born in Uberaba (MG). He had his first success with a fox-trot “O Príncipe”, and went on to compose over 800 sambas, maxixes,and modinhas.  Died Sept. 20, 1977.

7

(1943) Guitarist Turibio Santos born in Sao Luis (MA).  (1948) Singer and composer Danilo Caymmi born.  Son of Dorival Caymmi, brother to Dori and Nana Caymmi.

8

(1929) Singer and television presenter, Hebe Camargo, born in Taubaté (SP).

9

(1927) Singer and Composer Bezerra da Silva born in Recife (PE).  Died Jan 17, 2005

10

(1945) Singer Wanderley Cardoso born in Rio de Janeiro (RJ).  One of the idols of the yê-yê-yê decade of the 60’s.

11

(1962) Composer Zé Dantes (José de Souza Dantas Fiho) died in Rio de Janeiro. He was one of the most important partners of Luiz Gonzaga.

12

(1999)Lyric singer Bidu Sayão (Balduína de Oliveira) died in Maine, USA.  Born on May 11, 1902, in Rio de Janeiro. He studied in Rio at the Teatro Municipal and in France.  He returned to Brazil in 1926 to perform in “The Barber of Seville”.  In 1995 the Samba School Beija-Flor honored him.

13

(1946) Poet and Composer o Cacaso (Antânio Carlos Ferreira de Brito) born in Uberaba (MG).  He wrote over 200 songs and partnered with Tom Jobim, Edu Lobo, and Djavan, among many others.  He published 7 volumns of poetry before dying at age 41 on December 27, 1987.

14

(1903)  Musician and Composer Benedito Lacerda born in Macaé(RJ).  He worked principally with Pixinguinha. (1988) Singer, Composer, and Guitarist Chico Mário, (Francisco Mario Figueiredo de Souza) died in Rio de Janeiro.  He was a pioneer in launching independent records in Brazil.

15

(1956)  Singer and Composer Oswaldo Montenegro born in Rio de Janeiro(RJ). (1998) Singer and Composer Tim Maia (Sebastião Rodrigues Maia)died.

16

(1908) Producer Carlos Machado born in Porto Alegre (RS).  He was central to the careers of many composers and singers in the 40’s and 50’s.

17

(1921) Composer Antônio Maria born  in Recife (PE).  Teacher Edinho Krieger born in Brusque, (SC).  (1945)Great singer Elis Regina born in Porto Alegre (RS). Known as “Pimentinha”, Elis began to sing on Rádio Farroupilha at age 11.  To this day she is revered as one of the greatest performers in Brazilian history.  She died on January 19, 1982 at the age of 36.

18

(1975) Composer Bide (Alcebíades Maia Barcelos) died in Rio de Janeiro.  (1976) Pianist Francisco Tenório Júnior, age 35, disappeared in Buenos Aires along with many other artists.  Ten year later the Argentinean Military Police revealed that he had been shot. 

19

(1870) On this date the Brazilian opera, “O Guarani”, by Carlos Gomes and Antônio Scalvini opened at La Scala in Milan.  It opened at the Teatro Imperial in Rio later that year.  (1937) Singer and Composer Fernando Lona born in Salvador(BA).

20

(1922) MPB Singer Nora Rey born in Rio de Janeiro (RJ). (1959) Singer, Musician and Arranger Mário Sève born in Rio de Janeiro (RJ). In 2007 he recorded “Casa de tudo mundo”.  (1948) Singer and Composer Xangai (Eugênio Avelino) born in Vitória da Conquista (BA). 

21

(1907) Singer and Composer André Filho born in Rio de Janeiro (RJ).  (1915) Composer and Broadcaster Haroldo Barbosa born in Rio de Janeiro (RJ).

22

(1934) On this date the theater most associated with MPB, Teatro Rival, opened on Rua Álvaro Alvim in Rio de Janeiro.

23

(1947) On this date  Sebastião Oliveira, Mestre Fuleiro, Elói Antero Dias, and Mano Décio da Viola established Serrano Empire.  The green and white colors belong to one of the most recognized samba schools in Rio de Janeiro.

24

(1889) Composer Olegário Mariano born in Recife (PE).  (1902) Composer Januário de Oliveira born in Rio de Janeiro (RJ).  (1922) Composer Miguel Gustavo born in Rio de Janeiro (RJ).  (1924) Composer Norival Reis born in Angra dos Reis (RJ)

25

(1910) Composer Custódio Mesquita born in Rio de Janeiro (RJ).  One of the great name of Brazilian MPB in the 30’s and 40’s.

26

(1953)  Musician, Arranger and Producer Marcos Leite born in Rio de Janeiro.  Started the group Garganta Profunda in 1985. Died January 14, 2002.

27

(1933) Singer Marisa Gata Mansa (Marisa Vértulo Brandão) born in Rio de Janeiro (RJ).  (1951) Singer and Composer Carlinhos Vergueiro born in São Paulo (SP).  (1960) Singer and Composer Renato Russo born in Rio de Janeiro. Died October 11, 1996. 

28

(1863) Composer and Pianist Ernesto Nazareth born in Rio de Janeiro (RJ). (1918) Composer Adelino Moreira born.(1935) Composer, Producer and Poet Hermínio Bello de Carvalho born in Rio de Janeiro (RJ).  (1956) Singer Zizi Possi born in São Paulo (SP).

29

(1907)  Composer Braguinha (Carlos Alberto Ferreira Braga) born in Rio de Janeiro (RJ).  He composed his first opera, “Vestidinho Encarnado”, at age 16.  He partnered with Pixinguinha to write “Chiquita Bacana” and “Carinhoso”.  Died on Decmber 24, 2006. (1940) Bossa Nova siren, actress and artisan Astrud (Weinert) Gilberto is born in Salvador, Bahia. She was married to Joao Gilberto when she was invited to sing the English lyrics to ‘The Girl From Ipanema’ with Stan Getz in 1963.

30

(1942) Composer and Musician Edmundo Rosa Souto born in Belém (PA).  (1981) On this date Singer Lindomar Castilho killed his second wife, Eliane de Grammont, and he later went to prison for 12 years.  

31

(1904) Singer and Acteress Araci Cortes (Zilda de Carvalho Espíndola) born in Rio de Janeiro (RJ).  She helped to launch the careers of Ary Barroso and Bendito Lacerda.  (1926) Singer and Composer Luís Reis born in São Luis (MA).

February’s Brazilian Datebook

1

(1911) Composer Pedro Caetano born in Bananal (SP). One of the most elegant and inspired composers of MPB.  Author of the “Botões de Laranjeira” and “A Dama de Vermelho”.  Caetano  died in Rio on July 27, 1992.

2

(1889) Luís Peixoto, partner with Ary Barroso of the lovely song “Na Batucada da Vida”. Peixoto died on Nov. 14, 1973. (1959) Singer and composer Lenine born in Recife (PE). (1997)Composer and singer Chico Science died in an automobile accident.  He led the cult band Nação Zumbi.

3

(1914) Composer Hervé Cordovil born in Viçosa (MG).  (1998) Poet and journalist Silvio Caldas dies in Atibaia (SP).  

4

(1959) Singer and composer Zeca Pagodinho (Jesse Gomes da Silva) born in Rio de Janeiro (RJ).  One of the most popular and successful musicians in Brazil.  (1923) Singer and composer Preto Rico born in Rio de Janeiro (RJ).

5

(1932) Singer Lana Bittencourt born in Rio de Janeiro (RJ).

6

(1913) Dona Zica (Eusébia Silva de Oliveira) born in Rio de Janeiro.  She founded the Samba School Mangueira and was the wife of composer Cartola.  Dona Zica died on Jan 22, 2003.

7

(1900)  Broadcaster Renato Murce born in Rio de Janeiro (RJ).  He was responsible for starting the careers of many musicians.  Murce died on Jan. 25, 1987.  (1928) Journalist and researcher of MPB José Ramos Tinhorão born in Santos (SP). Musician and arranger Rogério Duprat born in Rio de Janeiro(RJ).  Associated with the Tropicália movement, arranged “Tropicália  ou Panis et Circenses”. Duprat died on Oct. 26, 2006.

8

(1921) Great singer of Sambas, Roberto Palva, born in Rio de Janeiro(RJ).  Popular during the 40’s and 50’s as an interpreter of the songs of Wilson Batista and Geraldo Pereira.

9

Frevo Day 

(1909) Singer Carmen Miranda born in Porto, Portugal.  She came to Brazil when she was 2 years old with her family.  She started her career at the Radio Club of Brazil in 1930, singing the song “Taí” by Jouber de Carvalho.  Known for her colorful costumes and Bahian turbans.  In 1939 she left Brazil for United States and soon became the highest paid actress in Hollywood.  She died in the US on Aug. 5, 1955.

10

(1947) Pianist and composer Antônio Adolfo born into a musical family.  Toured with Milton Nascimento and Elis Regina, and his music has been covered by many other great singers. Adolfo hás written several books on Brazilian music.   Currently teaching at his own music school in Hollywood, Florida(US).

11

(1904) Singer Zé Carioca (José do Patrocínio Oliveira) born in Jundiaí (SP).  He was the inspiration for the Walt Disney character, Zé Carioca.  He died in Los Angeles on Dec. 22, 1987.  (1941) Pianist, arranger, producer and composer Sérgio Mendes born in Niteroi (RJ). Active 1961 to present.  Mendes has released 35 albums, and plays Bossa Nova crossed with Jazz and Funk.  Mendes has lived in USA since 1964, and had a lot of success in the mid 60’s-70’s and more recently with 2006 release “Timeless”. 

12

(1938) Singer and samba composer Martinho da Vila born in Duas Barras (RJ).  In 1965 he was already in the samba school Vila Isabel, for which he wrote and sang many sambas, such as “Iaiá do Cais Dourado”, “Carnaval de Ilusões” and “Onde o Brasil Aprendeu a Liberdade”. (1966) Singer and Instrumentalist Luciane Menezes born in Rio de Janeiro(RJ). One of the great voices of her generation.

13

(1928) Violinist and teacher Gilda Valença born in Lisbon, Portugal. 

14

(1918) Instumentalist and composer Jacob do Bandolim(Jacob Pick Bittencourt) born in Rio de Janeiro(RJ).  He is known for his choros such as “Doce de Coco”, “Noites Cariocas” and “Receita de Samba”.  He died on Aug. 13, 1969.  (1926) Pianist and composer Newton Mendoça born in Rio de Janeiro(RJ).  He partnered with Tom Jobim and others, and was important to Bossa Nova music.  He died on Nov. 22, 1960.

15

(1905) Composer Waldemar Henrique born in Belém do Pará(PA).  He explored the Amazon and indigenous culture, and incorporated it into his music. He died in Belem on March 29,1985. (1915) Clarinetist and choro composer Abel Ferreira born in Minas Gerais. 

16

(1957) The controversial Governor of São Paulo, Jânio Quadros, forbid any public dancing with Rock and Roll music.

17

(1973) Composer and instumentalist Pixinguinha (Alfredo Rocha Viana Filho) died in a church during a baptism in Rio de Janeiro.

18

(1939) Composer Marlos Nobre born in Recife, (PE).  He has conducted orchestras around the world and won several composer’s competitions.

19

(1921) Guitarist Fafa Lemos born in Rio de Janeiro(RJ). Died on Oct. 18, 2004.  (1942) Singer Nara Leão born in Vitória (ES). She went on to become an icon in Bossa Nova music and a muse for Bossa Nova musicians.  She was also known for having perfect knees, a clear voice and being unlucky in love.  She was part of the historic show “Opinião” in 1964. She died in Rio on June 7, 1989.

20

(1951) Composer, instrumentalist, arranger and producer Eduardo Souto Neto born in Rio de Janeiro(RJ).  From a noble Brazilian musical family, he is the son of pianist and composer Nelson Souto and grandson of composer Eduardo Souto.

21

(1795) Composer Francisco Manuel da Silva born, author of  the Brazilian national anthem. (1928) Singer and arranger Severino Filho born in Belem(PA).

22

23

(1923) Great singer of the 40’s radio era Isaurinha Garcia (Isaura Garcia Mendoça born. Died on Aug. 30, 1993. (1949) Singer and composer Nego Nelson born in Belem(PA).

24

(1949) In a fierce contest Marlene won the battle for Queen of Radio over Emilinha.

25

(1945) Writer, researcher, and folklorist Mario de Andrade died in São Paulo.

26

(1939) Singer Wilson Simonal born in Rio de Janeiro (RJ). Died June 25, 2000.   (1944) Singer Maria Creuza born in Esplanada(BA). Toured internationally with Vinicius de Moraes in the 60’s.  (1944) Instrumentalist Déo Rian born in Rio de Janeiro(RJ).

27

(1900) Composer Luís Americano born in Aracaju(SE).  (1971) Singer Mônica Salmaso born in São Paulo(SP).

28

(1945) Composer, journalist and writer Abel Silva born in Cabo Frio(RJ).  One of the most important lyricists of MPB, partnered with Edu Lobo and João Bosco, among others.  (1968) Singer and composer Teresa Cristina born in Rio de Janeiro(RJ). 

29

(1856) Composer , conductor, and pioneer of Brazilian music Domingos Muçurunga died in São Paulo.

January’s Brazilian Datebook

1

(1917) Composer David Nasser born in Jau (SP).  (1935) Composer Chico Feitosa born in Rio de Janeiro(RJ). Co-wrote with Ronaldo Boscoldi the classic MPB hit “Fim de Noite”. (1958) Composer Eduardo Dusek born in Rio de Janeiro(RJ).

2

(1997) Guitarist and Composer Dilermando Reis died in Rio de Janeiro. He was one of the most celebrated instrumentalists of the 30’s, and gave President Jusclino Kubitschek lessons.

3

(1921)Composer Guilherme de Brito, born in Rio de Janeiro (RJ). Principal partner of Nelson Cavalquinho,  co-wrote “A Flor e o Espinho e Degraus da Vida”. He was also an artist. Died in Rio April 27, 2006.

4

(1915) Composer Rui Rei born in São Paulo(SP). (1920) Composer Mário Zan born in São Paulo(SP).

5

(1920)Singer Carmen Costa (Carmelita Madriaga) in Trajano de Moraes (RJ). She had grand success in MPB, with “Cachaça Não é Água”, “Eu Sou a Outra”, Tem Nego Bebo Aíe Marcha do Cordío da Bola Preta”. Died on April 25, 2007 in Rio.

6

(1908) Composer Zé da Zilda in Rio de Janeiro,(RJ).(1911) Composer Ciro de Souza born in Rio de Janeiro(RJ).(1926) Great singer Jorge Goulart born in Rio de Janeiro, (RJ). Married for many decades to Nora Ney.  Goulart recorded enormous successes like “Miss Mangueira” and “Balzaquiana”. (1945) Composer Walter Franco born in São Paulo,(SP).

7

(1951) Singer and Composer Liuz Melodia born in Rio de Janeiro, (RJ). (1927) A music store on Avenida Marechal Floriano,52, Rio de Janeiro opened, “Ao Bandolim de Ouro”.   Ao Bandolim specialized in selling and fixing Mandolins to celebrity clients like Pixinguinha, Waldir Azevedo  and Paulinho da Viola.

8

(1906) Composer Alcir Pires Vermelho born in Uba, (MG).  He composed with many partners,(Ary Barroso, Lamartine Babo, Walfrido Silva, and others) and left marvelous songs, “Canta Brasil”, “Tic-Tac de Meu Coracão” “Onde o Céu é Mais Azul e Laura” and others. He died in May of 1944.

9

(1987) Singer and Composer Alcides Gonçalves died in Porto Alegre.   He partnered with Lupicinio Rodrigues and Ataulfo Alves. He was featured on the Rádio Naçional in Rio de Janeiro and was given the nickname “Voice of Thunder”.

10

(1904) Composer and Carnevalesco Lamartine Babo born in Rio de Janeiro(RJ). He began composing very early, and his first success was with Ary Barroso, “ No Rancho Fundo”. A Soccer fanatic, he wrote hymns for all the Futebol Clubs in Rio de Janeiro.  He died June 16, 1964.  (1952) Composer Lô Borges born in Belo Horizonte (MG). Borges debuted with his own recording “Lô Borges” in 1972,  the same year he collaborated with Milton Nascinmento and others to create “Clube de Esquina”, both recordings are considered great, and he was only 19 years old. Borges released “Harmonia” in 2009.   

11

(1923) Journalist and Composer Sérgio Porto born in Rio de Janeiro (RJ). (1972) Singer and Composer Caetano Veloso returned to Rio de Janeiro after two-year political exile in England.  (1985) First Rock In Rio concert.  Brazilian performers included Gilberto Gil, Ivan Lins, Ney Matogrosso, and Rita Lee.  Queen, George Benson, Rod Stewart and James Taylor also performed.

12

(1915) Composer and Instrumentalist Arnô Carngal born in Rio de Janeiro (RJ). (2001)

13

(1947) Music Producer, Poet and lyricist Sergio Natureza born in Rio de Janeiro (RJ).  Partnered with Paulinho da Viola to compose the beautiful “Velano Breu”.  (1993) Composer and Pianist Mozart Comargo Guarnieri died.

14

(1926) Multiinstrumentalist, (vibraphone,piano,organ and harmonica) Silvio Vianna born in Rio de Janeiro (RJ). Played with Dick Farney and wrote the song “Icaraí”, a big success in the 50’s.

15

Composer’s Day

(1929) Trumpeter Buda (Dorival Auriani) born in São Paulo (SP).  He was soloist for the most important orchestras in the country.

16

(1969) Singer and Composer o Gordurinha (Waldeck Artur de Macedo) died in Nova Iguaçu.

17

(1901) Composer Erastóstenes Frazão born in Rio de Janeiro (RJ). (1922) Guitarist and Composer, one of the great names in Bossa Nova, Luis Bonfá born in Rio de Janeiro (RJ). Best known as the composer of the music for the movie “Black Orpheus”, his best known composition is “Manhã de Carnaval”. Died in US Jan 12, 2001. (1927) Composer Francisco Egydio born in São Paulo (SP).

18

(1924) Singer Heleninha Costa born in Rio de Janeiro (RJ). (1991) Rock in Rio 2  at Maracanã featuring Elba Ramalho, Alceu Valença, and the groups Roupa Nova and Capital Inicial.   Also headlining were George Michael, Prince and Santana.

19

(1923) Director of Harmony Xangô da Magueira (Olivério Ferreira) born in Rio de Janeiro(RJ).

20

(1951) The inauguration of TV Tupi in Rio de Janeiro, where many singers started their careers.

21

(1937) Singer Núbia Lafayete(Ideenilde de Araújo Alves da Costa) born in Açu(RN) Died in Niteroi in 2007. Remembered for her recordings of “Lama”, “Devolvi”, and “Casa e Comida”. (1940) Singer and Composer Lindomar Castilho born in Rio Verde (GO). (1948) Composer Ronaldo Bastos born in Niteroi(RJ). 

22

(1921) Brazilian Diplomat and Musicologist Vasco Mariz born in Rio de Janeiro (RJ).  He was the Ambassador to Equador, Peru, Israel, and Germany.  He wrote numerous papers and books on the history of Brazilian Music.

23

(1914)Composer Babaú da Mangueira (Waldomiro Jose da Rocha).Died July 3, 1993.

(1943) Singer and Composer Vital Farias born in Taperoá (PB).  Active 1978-2002.

24

(1937) Composer Rossini Pinto born in Itabapoana(ES). (1940) Composer Paulo Diniz born in Pesqueira (PE). (1980) Musicians and actors celebrate the end of Federal censorship of Chico Buarque de Hollanda’s play “Calabar”.  It was written and ready for a performance in 1973, but the government stopped the production after reviewing the script.  It was about the 17^th Century Dutch invasion of Brazil, and was a thinly veiled comment on the military dictatorship of Brazil. 

25

(1927) Composer Tom Jobim (Antônio Carlos Brasileiro de Almeida) is born at home on Rua Conde do Bonfim, 634, Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro.  He went on to become one of the giants of Brazilian music, had numerous successful songs at an international level, most notably “Garota de Ipanema” (with Vinicius de Moraes). Died in New York December 7, 1994.  (1943) Singer Leny Andrade Lima born in Rio de Janeiro(RJ).    She shared a Latin grammy with Cesar Camargo Mariano for Best MPB Album “Ao Vivo” in 2007. Nicknamed “The Woman from Ipanema”.

26

(1935)Singers Deo and Durval Ferreira born in Rio de Janeiro (RJ). (1941) Poet and Composer Paulo Emílio, partner with João Bosco, Aldir Blanc and Ivan Lins among others. Died in Rio de Janeiro December 30, 1990. (1954) Singer and Composer Chico Cesar born in Catolé do Rocha (PB).

27

(1902) Journalist and researcher of MPB Jota Efegê (Joao Ferreira Gomes), died May 27 1987. (1906) Composer, arranger and conductor Radamés Gnattali. Received the Shell Award in 1983. Compositions ranged from classical to popular. Died in 1988.  (1948) Singer Djavan in Alagoas. Known for “Meu Bem Querer” and “Oceano”.

28

(1925) The great singer Lucio Alves,born in Cataguazes(MG). Considered one of the great voices of Brazil. (1983) singer and actress Sandy Leah Lima, born in Campinas(SP), daughter of singer and composer Xororó.  Formed with her brother the band “Sandy and Junior” in 1989.

29

(1909) Composer Roberto Martins  born in Rio de Janeiro(RJ). Wrote “Beija –me” (with Mário Rossi, “Favela”(with Waldemar Silva), and “Leva Meu Coraçao”(with Mario Lago). Martins died on March 14, 1992.  (1947) Singer and Composer Jerry Adriani born in Sao Paulo(SP), one of the idols of the yê-yê-yê movement in the early 1960’s.

30

(1912) Singer and Composer Herivelto Martins born in  Paulo de Frontin (RJ). One of the most known composers of MPB, married to singer Dalva de Oliveira. Martins died on Sept. 17, 1992. (1967) Tom Jobim began recording in New York  “Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim”.

31

(1928) Singer Miltinho (Milton Santos de Almeida). Began his career in 1940 as a singer in the Cancioneiros do Luar group. He had many hits in the 1950’s with recordings on over 100 albums.

December’s Brazilian Datebook

1

(1921) Composer, poet, journalist, dramatist and radio producer Nestor de Holanda is born in Vitoria de Santo Antao (PE). (1929) Singer and Composer Roberto Luna is born in Serraria (PB). 

2

National Day of Samba. Commemorated in some cities, most notably Salvador, where the entire city celebrates, and Rio where the traditional Pagode do Trem goes from Central Station to Station Osvaldo Cruz. (1930) Singer and Composer Oswaldo Nunes born in Rio de Janeiro (RJ)

3

(1932) Singer Rinaldo Calheiros born in Ferrao Velho (AL). (1970) Composer Luis Carlos Parana dies in Sao Paulo.

4

(2001) Composer Elton Medeiros, in Rio, received the Shell Prize in Brazilian Music.

5

(1919) Popular Singer Blecaute (Otavio Henrique de Oliveira) the “General of the Band” born in Espírito Santo do Pinhal (SP).  (1944) Composer Egberto Gismonti born in Rio de Janeiro (RJ).

6

(1946) Singer Emilio Santiago born in Rio de Janeiro (RJ). (1996) Singer and Composer João do Vale dies in São Luis do Maranhão.

7

(1925) Composer, Singer, and arranger, Ismael Neto born in Belem (PA). (1942) Singer and Composer Heitor dos Prazeres Filho, Heitorzinho, in Rio de Janeiro (RJ) Son of composer and artist Heitor dos Prazeres.

8

(1935) Singer Alaide Costa born in Rio de Janeiro, one of the great interpreters of Brazilian music.

9

(1902) Composer Nelson Ferreira born in Bonito (PE), one of the major composers of Frevo.

(1919) Pianist Ribamer born in Rio de Janeiro (RJ). (1935) Composer Almir Ribeiro born in Sao João da Boa Vista (SP).

10

(1980) Composer  and Journalist David Nasser died in São Paulo. He wrote for the main newspapers and magazines of Rio, O Cruzeiro, O Jornal, O Globo, and wrote the lyrics to several successful songs, “Nega do Cabelo Duro” (notably recorded by Elis Regina), “Engole ele”, and “Confete e Maria”.

11

(1910) The great composer, Noel Rosa  ‘The Cole Porter of Brazil” is born in Rio de Janeiro.  The poet of Vila Isabel wrote more than 300 songs; his first success was “Com que Roupa”. (2003) Composer Cesar Pinheiro wins the Shell Prize in Brazilian Music.

12

(1932) Composer Noca da Portela born in Rio de Janeiro. (1936) Composer Wilson Moreira born in Paraiba do Sul (RJ), writer of several fine MPB songs and partner, among others, of Nei Lopes. (1945) Composer and pianist Wagner Tiso born.  He is known as one of the best arrangers and instrumentalists of MPB.

13

(1912) Singer and Composer Luis Gonzaga “The King of Baiao” is born in Exú (PE).  Among the highlights of his career include: “Asa Branca” (with Humberto Texeira), “Triste Partida” (with Patativa do Assare).  Died August 2, 1989. (1968) Opening of the Bar BipBip in Copacabana, known for the best Roda de Samba in the city.

14

(1901) Composer, Pianist, Cellist Homéro Dornelas born in Rio de Janeiro.  Died Dec. 28, 1990

15

(1905) Composer and Maestro Waldemar Henrique born in Belem (PA). Died March 28,1995.

16

(1908)  Composer Dunga (Waldemar de Abreu) born in Rio de Janeiro. 

17

(1966) Pioneering Bossa Nova and MPB singer Silvia Teles dies in Rio de Janeiro, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident, only days after her successful TV debut on the Andy Williams Show in New York City.

18

(1908) Singer, Poet, and Composer Zé do Norte (Alfredo Ricardo do Nascimento) born in Cajazeiras (PB). (1913) Singer Ronaldo Lupo born in Sao Paulo(SP).

19

(1930) Violinist and Composer Manuel da Concelção born in Rio de Janeiro.  Known for “Mão de Vaca”. Died June 30, 1996 in Rio de Janeiro. (1941) Composer Jose Carlos Capinam is born in Esplanda (BA). He was a songwriting partner with, among others, Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, Edu Lopo and João Bosco.

20

(1931) Composer Benil Santos born in Rio de Janeiro. (1948) Composer Roberto Gnatalli born in Rio de Janeiro.

21

(1924) Altamiro(Aquino)Carrilho born in Santo Antonio de Padua (RJ). 

22

(1980) Composer and radio announcer Almirante (Henrique Foreis Domingues), died. Born on Feb.19, 1908 in Rio de Janeiro.  In 1929 wrote his first samba, “Na Pavuna”.  He was responsible for innovations in radio as producer and presenter of programs.

23

(1919) Pianist Aloysio Figueiredo born in Cajuru (SP). (1950) Singer Cristina Buarque de Hollanda, sister of two singers and composers: Chico Buarque and Miucha Ana de Hollanda. Cristina is a well know interpreter of Samba.

24

(1901) Composer J.B. de Carvalho born in Rio de Janeiro. (1935) Composer and Musical Producer Carlos Imperial born in Cachoeiro do Itapemirim(ES).  Known for  the song “Rei da Pilantragem”. Died in Rio on Nov. 4, 1992. (1958) Singer and Composer Olivia Byington born in Rio de Janeiro.

25

(1949) Singer Simone Bittencourt de Oliveira born in Salvador. 

26

(1914) Composer and Pianist Walzinho born in Rio de Janeiro.

27

(1943) Composer and Instrumentalist Mauricio Tapajos, son of singer composer Paulo Tapajos and brother to Dorinha and Paulinho Tapajos, born in Rio de Janeiro.  He composed as a partner with Aldir Blanc, Paulo Cesar Pinheiro and Herminio Bello de Cavalho.  Died April 21, 1995.

28

(1945) Writer, Journalist, and Researcher of MPB Luis Fernando Vieira born in Rio de Janeiro.

29

(1940) Singer and Composer Jorge Ben bon in Rio de Janeiro.  Later changed last name to Benjor.  Wrote Mais Que Nada and many other Samba Soul and MPB hits.

30

(1911) Composer Ciro de Souza born in Rio de Janeiro. (1914) Composer and violinist Aluisio de Oliveira born in Rio de Janeiro.  (1930) Noel Rosa records the Samba “Com Que Roupa”.

31

(1947) Singer and Composer Rita Lee Jones born in Americana (SP).  Singer in the Tropicalismo group Os Mutantes, later an accomplished solo career.   (1997) Football Player, Pianist, and lawyer Capiba (Lourenco da Fonseca Barbosa born in Recife. He composed “Meu Destino” in 1923. Partnered with, among others, Ariano Suassuna.

November’s Brazilian Datebook

1

(1983) Maestro Chiquinho dies in Rio de Janeiro.  

2

(1883) João (Teixeira Guimarães) Pernambuco is born in Jatobá, Pernambuco. He is best remembered for his compositions reflecting on the folksong styles of his homeland in the Brazilian northeast, hence his nickname. A move to Rio de Janeiro brought him into close contact with many of Brazilian music’s early pioneers, including Donga and Pixinguinha. Also a recognized master of the violão (Spanish guitar), João was greatly influenced by the music of Heito Villa-Lobos. (1998) Singer & songwriter Jovelina (Farais Belfort) Perola Negra passes away in Rio de Janeiro, of a heart attack at age 54.  Known for her raspy voice and an earthy, undiluted singing style, she left her work as a house maid to begin her recording career at 40. She recorded five albums, one of which earned a platinum rating.

3

(1992) Maestro Cipó (Orlando Silva de Oliveira) dies in Rio de Janeiro. An arranger for radio Tupi show ‘Na Batida do Samba’ in the early 50’s, Cipó also worked for TV Tupi and TV Globo as a conductor and arranger and saxophonist – notably for his shows with Nat King Cole, Quincy Jones and Dizzy Gillespie. He also led the famous Orchestra Tabajara for more than two decades.

4

(1903) Singer, actor, instrumentalist, songwriter and painter Monsueto (Campos de Menezes) is born in Rio de Janeiro. A Sambista at heart, he remarkably passed through many of Rio’s top Escolas, without attaching himself to any particular one. He composed 140 songs and is best known for ‘Mora na Filosofia’ (Life In Philosophy) and ‘Me Deixa Em Paz’ (Leave Me In Peace) which was first recorded by Marilla Batista in 1952.

5

(1913) Songwriter and musician Joel de Almeida is born in Rio de Janeiro. (1915) Composer Humberto Teixeira is born in Iguatu, Ceará. He learned to play flute as a child, and later, the mandolin ahead of his first composition ‘Miss Ermengarde’ at age 13. Moving to Rio to study medicne, his interest in music grew, and by the mid-1930s, his songwriting skills were favorable compared to those of compatriot Ary Barroso. His chosen profession was law, but music remained an avocation and his songs with Luiz Gonzaga and Sivuca have become an important part of Brazilian msuic history. Teixeira later would become a congressman, championing Brazilian music issues.

6

(1916) The very first ‘authentic’ Samba song ‘Pelo Telefone’ (‘On The Telephone’) is officially registered by Donga, in Rio de Janeiro. (1922) Singer Dora Lopez is born in Rio de Janeiro.

7

(1903) Bandleader and songwriter Ary Barroso is born in Ubá, MG. Keeping in step with American contemporaries Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman, Barroso is considered to be one of the most important musicians of his era, composing hit songs in Brazil which topped the radio charts in the USA, including ‘Aquarela do Brasil’ (‘Brazil’) and ‘Na Baixa do Sapateiro’ (‘Bahia’). (1928) Instrumental legend Chiquinho do Acordeon (Romeu Seibel) is born in Santa Cruz do Sol. His passion for the accordion helped move the instrument’s sound from Brazil’s country style – sertaneja – to Bossa Nova in the 60’s and later, MPB.

8

(1909) Composer Alberto Lonato – one of the great mestres of Samba – is born in Rio de Janeiro. (1925) Singer Francisco Petrônio is born in São Paulo. He is best remebered for his top- charting 60’s hit ‘Baile da Saudade’. (1929) Singer Rosita Gonzales is born in Rio de Janeiro.

9

(1983) Singer Altemar Dutra (de Oliveira) dies in New York City. Known as ‘the king of Bolero’ in Brazil and popular throughout Latin America, Dutra spent much of his career in the US, and was a pioneer for popularizing the Latin sound here.

10

(1972) Poet, composer and journalist Torquato (Pereira de Aráujo) Neto dies of suicide in Rio de Janeiro. Neto, who was an originator of Brazil’s Tropiclia movment, also became a counter-cultural icon in the 1970’s.  One of his best known songs is ‘Soy Louco Por Ti, America.’

12

(1941)  Guitarist, Samba singer and songwriter João Nogueira is born in Rio de Janeiro. (1942) Singer and composer Paulinho da Viola (Paulo César Batista de Faria) is born in Rio de Janeiro. He is considered to be one of the greatest voices of Samba.

13

(1953) Poet and MPB lyricist Salgado Maranhão is born in Caixas, AM,

14

(1921) Crooner and pianist Dick Farney (Farnese Dutra e Silva) is born in Rio de Janeiro.  He debuted his signing career at age 16 with the TV show ‘Hora Juvenil’ on Radio station Cruzeiro do Sul do in Rio de Janeiro, earned his first hit record with his verison of David Rose’s ‘Deep Purple’ and found lasting popularity with a generation of same-age fans. In 1946, he came to New York and a two-week stint on NBC TV. He returned to a televison offer in São Paulo to host ‘The Dick Farney Show’ where his reputation as “the Brazilian Frank Sinatra”  began to grow. His unquie style helped to shape Bossa Nova’s early years. Today, Farney’s legacy is often found in the music of Emilio Santiago. (1972) MPB and pop singer, composer, instruemntalist and producer Max de Castro is born in Rio de Janeiro. He is the son of singer Wilson Simonal. (1999) ‘Samba Carioca’ singer, songwriter and actor Zé Kéti (José Flores de Jesus) dies in his birth city of Rio de Janeiro at age 78. Among his many hit songs are ‘A Voz do Morro’, ‘Tio Sam No Samba’ and ‘Leviana’ which was included in the 1955 film ‘Rio 40 Graus’. In 1964, Kéti would write the title song for the groundbreaking MPB stage show ‘Opinião’, with Nara Leão and João do Vale.

15

(1909) Songwriter Zé Pretinho (Manuel do Espirito Santo) is born in Capela, SE. He is remembered for his Sambas, ‘Amar é Bom’ and ‘Cinza do Passado’.

16

(1920) Instrumentalist, pianist and composer Bené Nunes is born in Rio de Janeiro. (1950) Singer and Songwriter Jane Duboc (Vaquer) is born in Belém do Pará. At 17, she received a scholarship to study piano, guitar, voice and flute at the University of Georgia in Columbus, where she met her husband, Gay Vaquer and remained for six years. Duboc is an MPB adherent and many of her albums, such as ‘Paraiso’ (with saxophonist Gerry Mulligan), ‘Parituras’ and ‘Sweet Lady Jane’ are critically acclaimed. (1959) Instrumentalist Tuninho Galente is born in Rio de Janeiro.

17

(1959) Brazil’s most celebrated modern composer, Heitor Villa-Lobos dies in Rio de Janeiro. Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1887, Villa-Lobos received a fellowship from the Brazilian government to study and continue his work in Paris, in 1923. There he came into contact with many of the top composers and artists of the day, including, Prokofiev, Stravinsky and Picaso and Rubenstein. On his return to Brazil in 1931, Villa-Lobos was named Director of Musical Education for public schools in Rio de Janeiro, and he founded the Brazilian Academy of Music in 1945.  In all, Heitor Villa-Lobos wrote about 2000 works- operas, ballets, symphonies, chamber music and piano pieces. And while he did not use actual Brazilian folk tunes, his original melodies where developed from the variety of the Brazilian musical spectrum. He’s best known for his Bachianas Brasileiras, nine suites combining the musical idiom of Johann Sebastian Bach with the powerful rhythms and melodic styles of Northeastern Brazil. Upon his passing, the state funeral was the final major civic event held in Rio de Janeiro before the nation’s capitol was transferred to new interior complex of Brasília. (19

18

(1994) Bossa Nova pioneer, songwriter and journalist Ronaldo (Fernando Esquerdo) Bôscoli dies in Rio de Janeiro. His ‘behind the scenes’ role in the birth of Bossa Nova was nothing less than remarkable: Early connections as a journalist brought him to Vinicius de Moraes and Antonio Carlos Jobim – he introduced the two when de Moraes was searching for a composer and arranger for his stage play ‘Orpheu’ (Black Orpheus) – an event analogous to the birth of the Bossa Nova movement. Bôscoli was also married to singer Elis Regina, after courting both Nara Leão and Maysa. Among his best remembered songs are ‘O Barquinho’ (‘The Little Boat’) and ‘Telefone’ with Roberto Menescal, plus ‘Lobo Bobo’ with Carlos Lyra.

19

(1930) Songwriter Osmar Navarro is born in Rio de Janeiro.

21

(1947) Samba and MPS singer, trumpeter and songwriter Alcione (Dias Nazareth) is born in São Luis, MA. Among her many pop radio hits are the songs ‘Garoto Maroto’, ‘Gostoso Veneno’, ‘Não Deixe O Samba Morrer’, ‘Nem Morta’, ‘‘Rio Antigo’ and Sufoco’. (1953) Romantic singer and actor Fábio (Correa Ayrosa Galvão) Júnior is born in São Paulo. (1962). New York’s Carnegie Hall presents the first Bossa Nova show outside of Brazil. Now legendary for its place in history, the concert was poorly attended and plagued by sound amplification problems. It did however, launch the American careers of several Bossa Nova musicians, including Sergio Mendes, Oscar Castro-Neves and Antonio Carlos Jobim. It also helped to propel Bossa Nova’s appeal worldwide.

22

Today is ‘Dia da Música’ (Music Day) in Brazil. (1972) Singer Moreno Veloso, son of Caetano Veloso, is born in Rio de Janeiro. His God Mother is singer Gal Costa.

23

(1962). Singer, songwriter, percussionist Carlinhos Brown (Antônio Carlos Santos de Freitas) is born in Salvador, Bahia. With his stage name inspired by soul singer James Brown, this former percussion star of the group Timbalada has written and recorded with many of Brazil’s most talented musicians, including Sergio Mendes and Marisa Monte, who also joined him to form the supergroup Tribalistas in 2006.

25

(1915) Trombonist Raul de Barros is born in Rio de Janeiro.

26

(1993) Actor, singer and composer Grande Otelo (Sebastião de Souza Bernardes Silvera) passes away in Paris. Orphaned, he was a runaway child until he found his place in the artistic world. His acting career began in 1935 with the movie ‘Noites Cariocas’ and he also will be remembered for the comic act he created with Oscarito.

28

(1922) Composer and violinist Armandinho (Armando Neves) is born in Campinas, SP.

29

(1950) Songwriter, journalist, producer Nelson Motta (Nelson Candido Motta Filho) is born in São Paulo.

30

(1937) Singer Miucha (Heloisa Maria Buarque de Hollenda) is born in Rio de Janeiro. Sister to singer and songwriter Chico Buarque, she was also formerly the wife of Bossa Nova legend João Gilberto, and the mother of Brazilian pop singer Bebel Gilberto. (1980) Legendary songwriter Cartola (Angenor de Oliveira) dies in Rio de Janeiro. One of the pioneers of Samba in the early 1900’s, he was also a founding member of the famous Escola de Mangueira in the late 20’s. His career as a songwriter blossomed in the 1930’s, often with his vocalist daughter Creusa singing his tunes on the radio. His commercial success came late in life with the recording of his first album in 1972 at the age of 66. In all, he has composed or co-written more than 500 songs.

September’s Brazilian Datebook

1

(1906) Classical pianist, violinist and conductor Alberto Lazzoli is born in Rio de Janeiro.  (1961) With military dictatorship bringing an end to the Bossa Nova era in Brazil, this month heralded the arrival of another musical revolution: the social protest song.  Concerts and student debates found a home in Rio de Janeiro’s Centro Popular do Cultura, at the National Student’s Union in the Zona Sul district of Flamenco. New voices, led by Nara Leão and Carlos Lyra made themselves heard, and manifestos replaced the carefree feeling of Rio’s early 60’s.

2

(1946) Songwriter and lyricist Aldir Blanc is born in Rio de Janeiro. As a drummer in his teens, he formed the Bossa group ‘Rio Jazz Trio’. He left psychiatry for a career in music, and his work has been characterized by his songwriting collaborations with Ivan Lins, Guinga, Cristióvão Bastos  - and most notably, João Bosco – and has played its role in defining MPB (Música Popular Brasileira) in the 80s and 90s. A short list of his songs include: ‘Bala Com Bala’, ‘Dois Pra lá, Dois Pra Cá’, ‘De Frente para o Crime’, ‘Kid Cavaquinho’, and ‘O Bêbado e a Equilibrista’.

3

(1926) Early MPB Diva Zezé Gonzaga is born in Manhuaçu, MG. Radamés Gnatalli once said that she had “one of the silkiest voices  in the world”.

4

(1912) Singer Carmen Barbosa is born in Rio de Janeiro.

5

(1979) Radio humorist and composer Haroldo Barbosa dies. A pioneering script writer for many of Brazil most popular radio comedy shows, he also wrote screenplays and the lyrics to more than 500 songs, including ‘Baião Copacabana’, ‘De Conversa Em Conversa’, ‘Samba de Balanço and ‘Tin Tim Por Tin Tim’.

6

(2001) The legendary “Tijolo” (Alexandre de Jesus) passes away in Rio de Janeiro. He was one of the best performing dancers of Samba Carioca as a life-time member of Portela Samba School.

7

Brazilian Independence Day. Dom Pedro Primeiro, first Emperor of Brazil, declares independence from Portugal in São Paulo, 1822.  

8

(1961) Pop singer Fernanda Abreu is born in Rio de Janeiro. Her early association with singer/producer Herbert Vianna has helped to define her career as Brazil’s “First Lady of Funk”.

10

(1916) Singer Leny Eversong is born in Santos, SP. Among her many hits is her popular 1950’s  verson of the song ‘ Jezebel’, which inspired Desi Arnez to add the song  to an episode of the “I Love Lucy” TV show.

11

 (1915) Singer Jairo Agular is born in Rio de Janeiro.

12

(1936) Rádio Nacional begins to broadcast from Rio de Janeiro As Brazil’s first radio station to broadcast nationally, it was also was the first to broadcast the first rádionovela, “Em Busca Da Felicidade” in 1942. (1944) Singer and songwriter Leci Brandão is born in Rio de Janeiro.

13

(1949) Composer Itamar Assumpção is born in Tietê, SP. As a member of the Vanguard Paulista, he was a prominent supporter of the alternative and independent music scene in São Paulo during the 1980s and 90s.

14

‘Dia do Frevo’ in Brazil, to celebrate the Frevo music style. (1905) Samba composer Ismael Silva is born in Niterói, RJ. He was the founder of Rio de Janeiro’s first Escola da Samba (Samba School), Deixa Falar, and co-wrote many Samba hits with Noel Rosa, Nilton Bastos and Lamartine Babo. (1943) Legendary Bossa Nova star Marcos Valle (Kostenbader) is born in Rio de Janeiro. As a singer and songwriter, he has written and co-written many timeless hit songs, including ‘Sei La’ and ‘Samba de Verão’ (Summer Samba).

15

(1944) Singer and songwriter Zé George is born in Aracatuba, SP.

17

(1955) MPB and Brazilian Rock singer and songwriter Marina (Correia) Lima is born in Rio de Janeiro. Living in the US as a child, she learned to read in English first and then in Portuguese. Her most popular songs included ‘Sugar’ and ‘Fullgás’ and an English-language hit ‘It’s Not Enough’.

18

‘Dia do Promulgação de Constituição Brasileira’ Day in Brazil, to mark the reestablishment of individual and civil rights after the end of the Fascist years of Brazil’s Estado Novo. (1950) São Paulo’s TV Tupi makes its television broadcast debut to become Brazil’s first television network.  The network ceased broadcasting in 1980. (1954) Pianist, flutist, composer and producer Jovino Santos-Neto is born in Rio de Janeiro. After spending several years as part of Hermeto Pascoal’s band, he relocated to the United States, where he has collaborated with musicians in a variety of styles.

19

‘Dia Nacional do Teatro’ in Brazil, to honor Brazilian Theater. (1880) Composer Zequinha (José Gomes) de Abreu is born in Santa Rita do Passa Quarta, SP. His best known songs are ‘Branca’ and ‘Tico-Tico No Fubá’, a Choro written in 1917, which is considered a Brazilian classic. It came to international fame when Carmen Miranda performed the song in the 1944 film ‘Copacabana’. It was also included in the 1942 Disney film –‘Saludos Amigos’ and 1987’s ‘Radio Days’, a Woody Allen movie. (1943) Grammy-winning pianist, keyboardist, producer and composer Cesar Camargo Mariano is born in São Paulo. A protégé of Johnny Alf in the 1950’s, he headed two of Brazil’s greatest jazz groups during its Bossa Nova years:  The Sambalanço Trio and Som Tres. Later, he was hired as music director for (and later married) singer Elis Regina and in 1973 he produced her legendary recording ‘Elis & Tom’ with Antonio Carlos Jobim. Now living in New York, he is the father of Marcelo, Pedro, Luisa, and Maria Rita, all of who are exceptional musicians.

22

Primavera (Spring) arrives in Brazil on this day, occasionally alternating with the 23^rd. (1945) Singer and songwriter Gonzaguinha (Luiz Gonzaga do Nascimento Júnior) is born in Rio de Janeiro. The son of Gonzagão (Luiz Gonzaga do Nascimento – the “King of Baião”), he composed MPB hits recorded by Maria Bethânia, Simone, Elis Regina, Fagner, and Joanna among others. (1950) Classically-trained guitarist Paulo Bellinati is born in São Paulo.

25

(1956) The musical ‘Orfeu da Conceição’ opens in Rio de Janeiro, marking the beginning of the songwriting partnership between Antonio Carlos Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes. This theatrical performance would lead to the first album featuring this legendary pairing. The LP included seven songs from the musical, and the guitar play of Luis Bonfá . An Oscar-winning movie version, titled ‘Orfeu Negro’ (Black Orfeus) followed in 1959, paving the way for the international explosion of Bossa Nova.

26

(1945) Singer Gal Costa (Maria de Graça Costa Penna Burgos) is born in Barra, Salvador, Bahia. Introduced to fellow Bahians Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil at age 18, she became part of the nucleus of the short-lived Tropicália movement in 1968, earning her the moniker of  the ‘Brazilian Janis Joplin’ before returning to the MPB and Bossa Nova styles which have come to define her career since the mid-70’s. Today she is considered to be one of her countries’ greatest Divas, and a cultural standard-bearer for Brazil worldwide. (2000) Legendary guitarist Baden Powell (de Aquino) passes away in Rio de Janeiro. Regarded by many as the best guitarist in Brazil’s musical history, Powell composed and performed in many styles, including Bossa Nova, Samba, Brazilian jazz, Latin jazz and MPB. He was named after Robert Baden Powell, the founder of the Boy Scouts.

27

‘Dia do Música Popular Brasileira’ Day in Brazil, to celebrate Brazilian popular music – MPB. (1952) Considered by many as one of Brazil’s all-time greatest singers, Francisco Alves dies in a car accident while travelling between Rio and São Paulo

28

(1942) Singer and songwriter Tim Maia (Sebastião Rodrigues Maia) is born in Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro. An original member of the early Brazilian Rock group Os Sputniks with Erasmos Carlos, Maia was known for his outspoken, counter-culture  (and often light-hearted) brand of Brazilian MPB, Rock and dance music. Among his many hits are ‘Primavera’, ‘Azul da Cor do Mar’, ‘Meu Pais’ and ‘Sossego’.

29

(1950) Guitarist Paulão Sete Cordas (Paulo Roberto Pereira de Araújo) is born in Rio de Janeiro. (1968) Two legendary songs – Geraldo Vandré’s ‘Caminhando’, and ‘Sabiá’ by Chico Buarque and Antonio Carlos Jobim complete for top honors at the third Festival Internacional da Canção. ‘Sabiá’ wins.

August’s Brazilian Datebook

1

(1909) Instrumentalist and composer Buci Moreia is born in Rio de Janeiro. (1923) Popular singer of the 1940’s and ’50 Orlando Silva is born in Recife PE. (1941) MPB singer Ney (de Souza Pereira) Matogrosso is born in Bela Vista, MS.

2

(1944) Percussionist Nana Vasconcelos is born in Recife, PE. (1947) Singer Sergio Murilo is born in Rio de Janeiro. (1989) Prominent singer, songwriter and accordionist Luis Gonzaga dies in the city of his birth, Exu, PE. Gonzaga – also known as the ‘King of Baião’ and ‘Gonzagão’ – is remembered for popularizing the music of the Brazilian Northeast to the rest of the country.

3

(1942) Pioneering singer Mario Ramos (Vassourinha) passes away at age 19. In his brief life, the teen vocalist became a major star of Samba and the early period of MPB. (1993) Pre-Bossa crooner Lucio Alves dies. He helped to move Brazilian popular music from the staid sound of Samba-Canção to a more refined and romantic style reflective of Bing Crosby. Along with Dick Farney, Alves was an early influence of João Gilberto’s, and was a leader of the vocal group Namorados da Lua in the 1940’s.

4

(1930) Samba composer Sinhó (José Barbosa da Silva) dies in Rio de Janeiro. He was part of the group of musicians who frequented the home of Tia Ciata at Praça Onze, the site of Samba’s birth in Rio de Janeiro in the early 1900’s. Sinhó composed more than 150 songs and in 1927 was commended with the title ‘Rei do Samba’ (King of Samba).

5

(1891) Singer Augusto Calheiros is born in Maceió, AL.  (1924) Composer Oscar da Penha (Batatinha) is born in Salvador, Bahia. Over the course of his career, he complied a compendium of the best songs of MPB. (1937) Singer and composer Orlandivo is born in Itajai, SC.

6

(1937) Legendary guitarist and composer Baden Powell (de Aquino) is born in Rio de Janeiro. Regarded by many as the best guitarist in Brazil’s musical history, Powell composed and performed in many styles, including Bossa Nova, Samba, Brazilian jazz, Latin jazz and MPB. He was named after Robert Baden Powell,  the founder of the Boy Scouts. (1940) Songwriter Paulo Sérgio Vale is born in Rio de Janeiro.

7

(1942) Caetano (Emanuel Vianna Telles) Veloso is born in Santo Amaro da Purificação, Bahia. He is considered to be one of the all-time major forces in MPB as a singer, songwriter, author, poet, philosopher and trend setter. Veloso (along with Gilberto Gil) was exiled from Brazil by the government in 1969 as a result of political dissent. He is the brother of renowned vocalist Maria Bethania. (1978) Singer Orlando (Garcia da) Silva passes away. As Brazil’s first recognized ‘pop’ star, no other performer was more popular in Brazil during the 1930’s and 40’s. It earned him the nickname “O Ídolo das Multidões” (The Idol of the Multitudes).

8

(1934) Brazilian actor and playwright Gianfrancesco (Sigfrido Benedetto Marinenghi de) Guarnieri is born in Milan, Italy. His family moved to Brazil when he was 3. He wrote nearly 30 plays, and appeared in several movies, soap operas, and mini-series to become a leading figure in Brazilian theater and music.

9

(1944) Singer and songwriter Paulinho Soares (da Costa) is born in Belém do Pará. (1959) Singer Jussaria Freire is born in Nanuque, MG.

10

(1922) Singer and composer Gordurinha (Waldeck Artur de Macedo) is born in Salvador, Bahia. He is perhaps best known for writing Jackson do Pandeiro’s  hit song ‘Chiciete Com Banana’. (1956) Singer Fafá de Belem is born in Belém do Pará.

11

 (1912) Composer and Diplomat Brasilio Itiberê passes away in Berlin Germany.

12

(1928) On this day Deixa Falar, the very first Samba School (Escola de Samba) is founded  in Rio de Janeiro by Sambistas Bide, Mano Edgar, Ismael Silva, Brancura and Baiaco. (1948) Singer Ana de Hollanda is born in São Paulo. She is sister to Miucha, Cristina Buarque and Chico Buarque, and an Aunt of Bebel Gilberto: all singer/songwriters. (1943) Axé idol and singer Clara Nunes is born in Paraopeba, MG.  During her brief career, she put her indelible mark on MPB and is considered as one of Brazil’s most beautiful voices.

13

(1913) Composer Augusto Mesquita is born in Rio de Janeiro. (1936) Singer Silvio César is born in Raul Soares, MG. (1951) Singer, songwriter and  ‘Clube da Esquina’ member Beto Gudes is born in Monte Claros, MG. (1965) Singer Eliane Faria is born in Rio de Janeiro. She is the daughter of Paulinho da Viola.

14

(1930) Composer Ari Lobo is born in Belém, PA. (1953) Composer and violinist Jorge Simas is born in Rio de Janeiro. (1963) Percussionist Marcos Suzano is born in Rio de Janeiro.

15

(1966) Composer, author, poet, patron and newspaper owner and journalist Orestes Barbosa passes away. Active in virtually every area of music entertainment, Barbosa wrote dozens of hit songs for MPB’s pioneering stars, including Silvio Caldas, Noel Rosa, Carlos Galhardo, Orlando Silva, Aracy de Almeida,Zezé Gonzaga, Francisco Alves, and Paulinho da Viola.

16

(1999) Composer Carlos Cachaça (Carlos Moreira de Castro) passes away in Rio de Janeiro. He was a founder of the Escola de Samba Estação Primeira de Mangueira and wrote the Samba School’s first parade song ‘Homenagem’. He also co-wrote dozens of Samba hits with Cartola.

17

(1934). Legendary MPB , jazz and Bossa Nova pianist, keyboardist and  songwriter João Donato (de Oliveira Neto) is born in Rio Branco, AC. Among his many compositions are “Amazonas’, ‘A Ra’ (with Caetano Veloso), ‘Lugar Comun’ (with Gilberto Gil), ‘Muito à Vontade’, ‘Nãna das Águas, and ‘Whistle Stop’ (with Eumir Deodato).

18

19

This is ‘Dia do Artista’ day in Brazil. It celebrates the founding of Rio de Janeiro’s Casa dos Artistas in 1918 by Irineu Marinho and Leopoldo Fróes.

20

(1920) Maestro, pianist, composer and arranger Guio de Moraes (Guiomarino Rubens Duarte) is born in Recife. PE.

21

(1989) Brazilian Rock pioneer Raul (Santos) Seixas dies. He was the leader of the proto-Rock group Os Panteras, formed in the late 1950’s. A fan-led parade is held in his memory each year on his birthday (June 28th) in São Paulo.

22

(1965) The popular TV music show ‘Jovem Guarda’ (Young Guard) premieres on São Paulo’s TV Record, channel 7.  Retransmitted via videotape to Brazil’s most populated cities, it ushered in a new trend for Brazilian pop. The show features Roberto Carlos, O “Braza”, Erasmo Carlos and Wanderléa to showcase a Top-40 sound called ‘Yê- Yê- Yê‘ – named after the catch phrase “Yeah, Yeah. Yeah” from the Beatles 1963 hit “She Loves You”.  

25

(1974) Donga (Ernesto Joaquim Maria dos Santos), the songwriter of the very first, pure Samba hit ‘Pelo Telefone’ (On the Telephone) passes away in Rio de Janeiro. Written in 1916 with his friend Pixinguinha, the song was recorded by their band Oita Batutas in 1917 and became a great success at Carnaval that year.

26

(1943) Singer, guitarist and composer Dori Caymmi is born. His is the son of legendary Bahian Dorival Caymmi, and brother to musical siblings Danilo Caymmi and Nana Caymmi. A highly accomplished arranger, he is also a two-time Grammy winner. Among his best known songs is ‘O Cantador’, (‘Like A Lover’) which has become a much-recorded pop and jazz standard. Versions of this song have been popularized by Sergio Mendes & Brasil 66, Al Jarreau and Rosalia de Souza. (1959) Singer Kenia Gould (Ashby) is born in Rio de Janeiro. Her post Bossa Nova Brazilian style played an important role in the birth of the Smooth Jazz radio format in the late 80′s.

28

(1945) Famed jazz saxophonist Victor Assis Brasil is born in Rio de Janeiro. (1946) Gilda de Abreu’s feature film ‘O Ébrio’ plays at the top movie theaters in Rio de Janeiro. This uniquely Brazilian melodrama starred Vicente Celestino and went on to become a major hit, attracting nearly four million viewers. (1955) Vocalist Sandra da Sá is born in Rio de Janeiro.

29

(1943) Legendary singer and songwriter Edo Lobo is born in Rio de Janeiro. He began with Bossa Nova, forming a trio with Dori Caymmi and Marcos Valle. Later on, he wrote soundtracks for theater plays. In 1965, Lobo penned one of his best known tunes – ‘Upa Neguinho’ – (co-written with Gianfrancesco Guarnieri). This song became a lasting hit for singer Elis Regina and has become a cherish evergreen in the MPB songbook.

30

(1972) Singer Dalva de Oliveira (Vicentina de Paula Oliveira) passes away. Raised as an orphan in Sao Paulo, she moved to Rio as a teen to become radio star in the 1930’s, where most of her long career remaind focused. She is the mother of singer Pery Ribeiro.

31

(1923) Singer Emilinha (Savana da Silva) Borba is born in the barrio disrict of Mangueira in Rio de Janieiro. A top star of Brazilian pop in the 1950’s, she earned the title of ‘Rainha do Rádio’ (Queen of Radio) in 1953. Her debut recording came in 1939, a year before she was invited to join Rádio Nacional as a featured vocalist, where she continued to work until her retirement in the late 1960’s. Many of her hits were rumbas and sambas, and she had a famous (and friendly) rivalry with the singer Marlene. Borba also starred in many films and was an annual personality for the Carnaval parades in Rio de Janeiro.

July’s Brazilian Datebook

1

(1946) Forró star Alceu Valença is born in Sao Bento do Una, MA. (1967) MPB singer/songwriter Marisa Monte is born in Rio de Janeiro. She ushered in a new generation of Brazilian music stars.

2

(1823) Bahia achieves independence. The day is celebrated as a holiday in Brazil. (1916) Guitarist and composer Antônio Rago is born in São Paulo.

3

(1914) Composer Wilson Batista is born in Campos, RJ.

4

(1949) Instrumentalist, composer and arranger David Tygel is born in Rio de Janeiro. He is one of the founders of the groups Momento Quatro and Boca Livre.

5

(1908)  The Brazilian guitar is accepted into Brazilian high society through the efforts of poet and musician Catulo da Paixao Cearense.

6

(1946) Antonio Pecci Filho, better known as singer & songwriter Toquinho is born in São Paulo. An important part of his career was spent as Vinicius de Moraes singing and songwriting partner. Toquinho’s ‘Aquarela’ remains a cherished standard in Brazilian song. (1948)  Os Mutantes member Arnaldo Dias Baptista is born in São Paulo.

7

(1968) Wilson Batista dies in Rio de Janeiro. Considered to be one of the best songwriters in Brazilian history his many hot songs included ‘O Seu Oscar’, ‘Samba Rubro-Negro’ and Eu Sou Assim’. (1990) Songwriter, poet and Brazilian rock singer Cazuza (Agenor de Miranda Araujo Neto) dies at age 31 from AIDS in Rio de Janeiro.

8

(1947) Novos Baianos founder Moraes Moreira is born in Itaçu BA.

9

(1980) Vinicius de Moraes dies in Rio de Janeiro at age 67.  Marcus Vinicius da Cruz de Mello Moraes was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He was a seminal figure in contemporary Brazilian music. As a poet, he wrote lyrics for a great number of songs that became all-time classics, including the original Portuguese lyrics to Garota de Ipanema (The Girl From Ipanema). He was also a composer of Bossa Nova, a playwright (Black Orpheus), a diplomat (vice consul in Los Angeles, for the Brazilian Embassy as well as postings in Paris and Rome) and as a recording artist, he left several important albums.

10

(1982) Jackson do Pandeiro passes away in Paraiba. (1958) João Gilberto records the definitive ‘take’ of the very first Bossa Nova song ‘Chega de Saudade’ on a 78 rpm LP in Rio de Janeiro. The flip side of the disc holds his ‘practice’ song, ‘Bim Bom’.

11

Today is the annual Dia do Mestre da Banda in Brazil.  (1836) Maestro and composer Carlos Gomes is born in Campinas, SP. (1848) Flutist and composer Joaquim Antonio da Silva Calado is born in Rio de Janeiro. (1944) Bossa Nova singer Wanda Sa is born in São Paulo.  The original voice for Sergio Mendes’ US-band group – in 1965.

12

(1966) Singer Simone Guimarães is born in Santa Rosa do Viterbo, SP.

13

(1946) MPB singer, songwriter and guitarist João Bosco is born in Ponte Nova MG. With Aldir Blanc, Bosoc penned some fo the most famous and enduring songs of MPB’s ‘Golden’ age, including ‘Kid Cavaquinho’, ‘De Frente Pro Crime’, and ‘O Bebado E A Equilibrista’.

14

(1909) Rio de Janeiro’s legendary Teatro Municipal is opened to the public in grand fashion, with an orchestra comprised of 64 music professors directed by Maestro Francisco Braga.

15

(1920) Noel Rosa (de Oliveira), one of MPB’s early pop songwriters is born in Rio de Janeiro. He is known as the ‘Cole Porter of Brazil’. (1932) Saxophonist, clarinetist and songwriter Paulo Moura is born in São José do Rio Preto, SP.

16

(1920) Singer and actress Elizeth Cardoso is born in Rio de Janeiro. She was unquestionably the most famous female singer of her day, recording more than 40 albums in Brazil, Portugal and other countries. During almost seven decades of artistic life, she interpreted many forms of music but her base was always samba, Her fans held her in the highest esteem, givingher nicknames like “A Noiva do Samba-Canção” (the Bride of Samba), “Lady do Samba”, “A Magnifica” (the Magnificent One), and the one most connected with her name, “A Divina” (the Divine One). Elizeth was the voice for the original version of ‘Manhã de Carnaval’ from the Orfeu Negro soundtrack, and was the first to record Antonio Carlos Jobim’s ‘Chega de Saudade’, the very first Bossa Nova song.

17

(1947). Legendary songwriter and media personality Ronnie Von is born in Niteroi, RJ. (1966) Songwriter Paulo Santoro is born in Belo Horizonte, MG.

18

(1968) The invasion of the Teatro Galpão in Sao Paulo, of the play Roda Viva with Chiaco Buarque, by a Communist commando group.

19

(1987) Singer Clementina de Jesus dies in Rio de Janeiro at age 87.

20

(1940) Singer and songwriter Roberto Ribeiro is born in Campos RJ. (1958) Instrumental star Pedro Amorim is born in Rio de Janeiro. (1965) Famed songwriter Haroldo Lobo passes.

21

(1949) Samba singer and composer Luis Carlos da Vila is born in Rio de Janeiro.

22

(1930) Elton Mederios is born in Rio de Janeiro. Rated among the best of Samba composers, his is best known for his creations for Cartola and Paulinho da Viola.

24

(1941) The musical ‘Joujoux E Balangandans’ premieres at Rio de Janeiro’s Teatro Municipal to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the ‘Estado Novo’.

27

(1960) Singer Marco Sacramento is born in Niteroi RJ. (2003) Singer Zeca Pagodinho receives the Premio TIM award for music.

28

(1953) Singer and MPB songwriting star Guilherme Arantes is born in São Paulo. (1965) Singer Daniela Mercury is born in Salvador, Bahia.

30

(1941) Guitarist Rosinha da Valença (Maria Rosa Canelas) is born in Valença RJ.  Highly respected as a master of the Brazilian guitar, she was an early trailblazer for a greater feminine role in Brazilian song. She died in 2004 after being in a deep coma for 12 years. (1981) Singer Paulo Sergio, a top idol of Brazil’s Jovem Guarda music movement dies.

31

(1963) Singer Paula Morelenbaum is born in Rio de Janeiro.

1

(1948) During this month, The first LP record is released in Brazil by Columbia Records.  Father’s Day – In Brazil, Father’s Day (Dia do Papa) is observed on the first Sunday after June 29^th.

2

Italian Community Day in São Paulo. Today, Paulistanos of Italian decent make up the largest percentage of the city’s population. In 1897, Italians accounted for more than half of the city’s population. (1930) São Paulo’s Samba master, Mauro Duarte is born.

3

(1976) Singer/songwriter Risadinha is born in Rio de Janeiro. (1981) Singer Nilo Sergio is born in Rio de Janeiro.

5

(1941)  Singer and songwriter Erasmo Carlos (Esteves) is born in the Tijuca district of Rio de Janeiro. A star of the Jovem Guarda (‘Young Gaurd’) pop-rock music movement in the late 60’s, he is best known for his work with Roberto Carlos. They are not related. (1946) Singer Wanderlea (Wanderléa Charlup Boere Salim) is born in Governador Valadares. She co-hosted the historic TV show ‘Jovem Guarda’ with Roberto Carlos and Erasmo Carlos on TV Record between 1965 and 1969. (2000) Singer João Nogueira dies in Rio de Janeiro.

7

(1986) Poet and songwriting pioneer Bororó (Castro Simões da Silva) dies in Rio de Janeiro.

8

(1970) Actor, singer and songwriter Seu Jorge (Jorge Mario da Silva) is born in Belford Roxo. Fans credit him for reinventing the pop Samba sound. He came to international attention with his role in the movie ‘City of God’.

9

(1956) Singer and songwriter Cláudio Nucci is born in the Jundiai district of São Paulo.  (1981) Pianist Oswald Henrique dies in Rio de Janeiro.

10

(1931) João Gilberto, ‘The Father of Bossa Nova’ is born in Juazeiro, Bahia. His unique style of acoustic guitar play in the late 50’s precipitated the birth of Bossa Nova. His life story is chronicled in the book ‘Bossa Nova’ by Ruy Castro. (1950) Guitarist and composer Guinga (Carlos Althier de Souza Lemos Escobar) is born in the Madureia district of Rio de Janeiro. His artistic name comes from a boyhood nickname ‘Gringo’ – due to his fair complexion.

 11

(1987) The Associação Brasileira de Música is founded.

12

Brazil’s Valentine’s Day, ‘Dia dos Namorados’ is celebrated today.

13

(2001) MPB and Bossa Nova bassist Tião Neto dies.

14

(1936) Singer and drummer Wilson das Neves is born in Rio de Janeiro.

15

(1978) Dodó (Adolfo Antonio do Nascimento) dies in Salvador, Bahia. In 1951, he organized the original ‘Trio Elétrico’ group for Salvador’s Carnaval celebration  a musical tradition that continues still today.

16

(1945) MPB singer and songwriter Ivan Lins is born in Rio de Janeiro, and moves with his father to Boston MA for several childhood years.  A multi-Grammy winner, his songs comprise a cornerstone of Brazilian pop music in the 70s-80s. Internationally, his songs have been recorded by Quincy Jones, Lee Ritenour, George Benson, Barbra Streisand, Sergio Mendes, Michael Bublé and many others. (2007). The Centro Municipal de Referência da Música Carioca is inaugurated to chronicle Rio de Janeiro’s musical contributions to the world.

17

(1929). Legendary singer Noel Rosa makes his public performance debut at the Tijuca Tennis Club in Rio de Janeiro. Rosa is considered to be one of Brazil’s earliest pop songwriters, somewhat akin to Cole Porter of the same period. (2007) Bossa Nova pioneer Durval Ferreira dies in Rio de Janeiro. He played a pivotal role in the formation of the Bossa movement.

18

(1946) MPB singer and songwriter Maria Bethânia (Maria Bethânia Vianna Telles Veloso) is born in Santo Amaro da Purificacão, Bahia. She is sister to Caetano Veloso. Her debut came in 1964 with the show ‘Opinião’ (Opinion). Her 1965 single ‘Carcará’ made her a star in Brazil. Bethânia has released more than 30 albums in her career.

19

(1944) Legendary singer, poet, author and songwriter Chico Buarque (Francisco Buarque de Hollenda) is born in Rio de Janeiro. Son of Brazilian historian Sergio Buarque de Hollenda, his career began in 1964 with the song ‘Pedro Pedreiro’. A winner of the popular ‘Festival da MPB’ competition, Buarque’s songwriting and lyrics during Brazil Dictatorship were filled with double-entendre. No surprise, as his family ‘wrote the book’ on Portuguese, publishing several editions of the popular Brazilian dictionary.

20

(1988) Singer Aracy de Almeida dies in Rio de Janeiro. She was considered to be the greatest interpreter of songwriter Noel Rosa’s compositions.

21

(1919) Singer Nelson Gonçalves is born in Santana do Livramento. He would grow to become one of Brazil’s “most beautiful voices”, covering a variety of styles in his long career.

22

(1936) Brazilian jazz & instrumental innovator Hermeto Paschoal is born in Arapiraca. Known for his unusual compositions which embodied the spirit of the Brazilian northeast, Hermeto, who was born an albino, reportedly once scoured the countryside, squeezing pigs until he found one that would squeal the right pitch. (1967) Rio’s famous Canecão nightclub opens its doors, with singer/actress Bibi Ferreira headlining. Since, then it has become the legendary stage of Brazil’s best performers.

23

(1937) Singer Elza Soares is born in Rio de Janeiro. (1971) Producer, composer and pianist Marcos Souza is born in Rio de Janeiro. (1943) Keyboardist, songwriter & Grammy-winning producer Eumir Deodato is born in Rio de Janeiro. Deodato’s stellar career includes arranging songs for Frank Sinatra’s recordings with Antonio Carlos Jobim, arranging dozens of recordings for Creed Taylor’s CTI record label and signing young Milton Nascimento to his first recording deal – to a US label  - months before a Brazilian record agreement was reached. arranging and producing top 10 hits for Kook & The Gang and k.d. lang. Deodato scored his own Top 10 hit with ‘Theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey’ in 1973. Completely self-taught, he has produced more than 500 recordings. (1945) Famed guitarist João de Aquino is born. He is cousin to legendary guitarist Baden Powell.

26

(1942) Grammy-winning singer/songwriter & former Cultural Minister of Brazil Gilberto Gil (Gilberto Passos Gil Moreira) is born in Salvador, Bahia. A prime voice for the short-lived ‘Tropicália’ music movement in the late 60’s, he was imprisoned, and later exiled for his public defiance of the Brazilian Military Dictatorship. During this time, he lived in London, which accounts for his crisp British accent to his English. In a continuation of his controversial life, Gil recently became an Italian citizen.

28

(1915) Guitarist/songwriter Garoto – the father of the modern Brazilian guitar – is born in Sao Paulo. (1945) Sing and songwriter Raul Seixas is born in Salvador, Bahia.

29

(1949) Samba singer Neguinho da Beija-Flor (Luis Antonio Feliciano Marcondes) is born in Rio de Janiero.

30

(1964) Composer and journalist Andrea Dutra is born in Rio de Janeiro.

May’s Brazilian Datebook

1

(1968) During this month, Brazil’s short-lived Tropicália music movement is born with the recording of the record album ‘Tropicália ou Panis et Circenses’ with songs from Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, Gal Costa, Rita Lee with Os Mutantes and even Bossa’s muse, Nara Leão. Learn more about Tropicália here. (1994) Three-time Formula One world champion Ayrton Senna da Silva dies in a racing accident during the Grand Prix of San Marinao at Imola, Italy. Senna is regarded as one of the greatest drivers in the history of Formula One.

2

(1972) Brazilian singer Ivete Sangalo is born in Juazeiro, Bahia.

3

(1955) Legendary Brazilian guitarist Garoto dies. Born Anibal Augusto Sardinha, ‘Garoto’ is generally regarded as a pioneer in the development of the modern Brazilin guitar style.

4

(1937) Brazil’s pioneering pop songwriter Noel Rosa dies in Rio of tuberculosis at age 26. Rosa gave Samba a new twist by injecting social commentary into his lyrics, much like our own Cole Porter.

(1953) Singer & songwriter Lulu Santos is born in Rio de Janeiro. (1961)  Herbert Vianna – lead singer and guitarist for the rock/pop group Paralamas do Sucesso – is born in João Pessoa, Paraíba.  Singer/guitarist/songwriter Celia Vaz is born in Rio de Janeiro.

5

(1918) Guitarist Dino 7 Cordas, Herondino Jose da Silva is born in Rio de Janeiro. He dies on May 27, 2006 – also in Rio. (1946) Samba singer Beth Carvalho is born in Rio de Janeiro.

6

(1958) MPB singer and composer Fátima Guedes is born in Rio de Janeiro. (2001) Composer Mario Telles dies.

7

(1990) Proto-Bossa legend Elizeth Cardoso passes away in Rio de Janeiro. Her original recording of Antonio Carlos Jobim’s and Vinicius de Moreas’  ‘Chega de Saudade’ in May of 1958 included João Gilberto’s revolutionary guitar rhythm, preceding Bossa Nova’s birth by about eight weeks.

8

(1924) Songwriter Billy Blanco is born in Belem, PA. His work includes: Sinfonia Paulistana, Tereza da Praia, O Morro, Estatuto da Gafieira, Mocinho Bonito, Samba Triste, Viva Meu Samba, Samba de Morro, Pra Variar, Sinfonia do Rio de Janeiro. (1977) Singer and instrumentalist Mariana Bernardes is born in Rio de Janiero.

9

(1942). Samba/MPB singer and songwriter Nei Lopez is born in the Irajá district of Rio de Janeiro. He is also known for promoting African-Brazilian studies as a lecturer and writer.

10

(1918) Conductor /composer Moacyr Silva is born in Conselheiro Lafayete. Mato Grosso. (1957) Singer Fausto Fawcet is born in Rio de Janeiro. (1960) São Paulo wraps up its very first Bossa Nova show at Teatro Record. Among the stars for the 1st ‘Festival Nacional da Bossa Nova’ are Norma Bengell, Carlos Lyra, Elza Soares, Alaide Costa, Agostinho dos Santos and Juca Chaves fronting a band led by Luis Carlos Vinhas and Oscar Castro Neves. (1975) Hélio Castroneves (born Hélio Castro-Neves) is born in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo. Helio is a tw0-time winner of the Indianapolis 500 (in 2001 and 2002). He is also the nephew of Bossa Nova guitar legend Oscar Castro-Neves.

 11

(1939) Bossa legend Carlos Lyra is born. Lyra’s most famous compositions include ‘Coisa Mais Linda’, ‘Você e Eu’, ‘Maria Ninguém’ (noted by Jacqueline Kennedy to be her favorite song), and ‘Influência do Jazz’.

12

(1932) Keyboard/Organist Walter Wanderley is born in Recife PA. (1966) Singer and songwriter Bebel Gilberto, daughter of João Gilberto and Miucha is born in New York City, NY.

13

(1956) MPB singer, songwriter Vânia Bastos is born in Ourinhos, São Paulo.

14

(1965) Singer and instrumentalist Ju Cassou – founder of the group Garganta Profunda is born in Curitiba PR. (1969) Singer Adriana Moreira is born in Curitiba PR.

15

(1940) Guitarist, arranger, conductor and songwriter Oscar Castro-Neves is born in Rio de Janeiro. At 14 he formed a Bossa Nova/Jazz group with his brothers, later moving to the US to become a citizen. Oscar’s credits appear on countless recordings and concert date and he is an integral part of the Brazilian ‘sound ‘ in the US. He is also the uncle of Brazil race car driver Helio Castroneves.

16

(1963) Antonio Carlos Jobim leaves Rio to live in New York City and begin his career as one of Brazil’s most successful musicians. A week earlier, he had completed the first recording under his own name, ‘Antonio Carlos Jobim – The Composer of “Desafinado” Plays’, produced by Creed Taylor and arranged by Claus Ogerman.

17

Today is Constitution Day in Brazil. (1912) Frederico Cardoso de Menezes presents the operetta ‘Colégio de Senhoritas’ at the Teatro São Jose in Rio de Janeiro, showcasing the talent of early MPB songstress Chiquinha Gonzaga. (1926) Helena de Lima, a pioneering vocalist for MPB is born in Rio de Janeiro.

18

(1950) Saxophone and flute player Mauro Senise is born in Rio de Janeiro. (1954) Cellist and composer Jaques Morelenbaum is born in Rio de Janeiro.

19

(1929) Bossa Nova singer and songwriter Johnny Alf is born in Rio de Janeiro. (1940) Piano master Luis Carlos Vinhas is born in Rio de Janeiro.

21

(1912) The operetta ‘Colégio de Senhoritas’ –by Fredrico Cardoso se Menezes – a precursor to MPB begins its successful run at Teatro São Jose.

23

(1908) Singer/songwriter Silvio Caldas is born in Rio de Janeiro. He is remembered for many popular songs, including ‘Chão de Estrelas’. (1972) Formula One driver Rubens Barrichello, born Rubens Gonçalves “Rubinho” Barrichello is born in São Paulo. Barrichello, who in 2009 competes in Formula One for the Braun GP Team (nee Honda F-1), rose to fame as teammate to Michael Schumacher at Ferrari and was championship runner up in 2002 and 2004.

24

(1978) The profession of ‘Artist’ is officially recognized by the Brazilian government, to include dancers, actors and musicians.

25

(1992) Pianist Luiz (Luis) Eça – of Tamba Trio fame – passes away in Rio de Janeiro.

26

(1930) Composor, accordionist and guitarist Sivuca, Severino Dias de Oliveira is born in Itabaiana PB. Singer and actor Tony Tornado , Antonio Viana Gomes is born in Mirante de Paranapanema, SP.

27

(1937) Journalist, author, writer, lyricist and supporter of MPB, Sergio Cabral is born in Rio de Janeiro.