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.