Adauto Santos

Origin

Bernardino de Campos, SP

Genres

caipira music, mpb, regional music

Instruments

guitar, viola caipira

Biography

Adauto Santos was a renowned Brazilian musician, singer, and songwriter who made significant contributions to the traditional caipira music genre. Born in Bernardino de Campos, São Paulo, he grew up in Londrina and began his artistic journey performing alongside his sister as the Duo Havaí before eventually relocating to São Paulo in 1962. Throughout his career, he became celebrated as a master soloist of the viola caipira, skillfully blending regional folk traditions with Brazilian Popular Music (MPB).

As a fixture of the vibrant São Paulo nightlife, Adauto regularly performed at the famous bar O Jogral, where he captivated audiences with his distinctive repertoire and virtuosity. His creative path crossed with legendary figures of Brazilian culture, notably collaborating with composer João Pacífico on notable works and performing the classic song 'Triste Berrante', which was famously recorded by the duo Pena Branca e Xavantinho. He also gained widespread national exposure through television appearances on Rolando Boldrin's influential program Som Brasil.

Though he described his artistic path as handcrafted and demanding, Adauto left behind a cherished legacy that includes memorable albums such as Nau Cararineta and his 1997 release Tocador de Vida e de Viola. He passed away in 1999, but his pioneering efforts in bringing the viola caipira into urban venues continue to inspire subsequent generations of musicians who honor the roots of Brazilian regional music.