Alcides Fernandes

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Doca, Alcides de Souza Fernandes

Years Active

1950s–1960s

Genres

samba, bossa nova, música popular brasileira

Instruments

surdo

Biography

Alcides Fernandes, also known by the pseudonym Doca, was a Brazilian musician and composer born in Rio de Janeiro in 1918 and who died in 1962. A resident of the Mangueira and Cantagalo hills, he stood out as a "surdo player" and musical partner of important figures in the Rio de Janeiro music scene. His journey led him to frequent the home of Tom Jobim and Thereza Hermanny, where he came into contact with the universe of bossa nova in its early days.

Fernandes was a fundamental link in Tom Jobim's career, being responsible for introducing him to Marino Pinto, one of the founders of the Brazilian Society of Authors, Composers and Music Publishers (SBACEM). According to accounts, Alcides wrote many songs, especially for carnival, and Tom Jobim's first arrangements were created for a publisher that published sheet music for parties and balls, indicating the involvement of both in the musical scene of the time.

His work includes partnerships with Tom Jobim, such as the songs "Solidão" and "Vem viver ao meu lado", which were recorded by artists like Nora Ney and Gilda de Barros. Alcides Fernandes's influence also extended to other musicians, such as Bezerra da Silva, whom he introduced to artistic life in Rio de Janeiro. His son, Sérgio Fernandes, also pursued a musical career, co-authoring samba plots for the São Clemente samba school.