Américo Jacomino

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Also known as

Canhoto, Canhoto do Violão

Years active

1907–1928

Genres

choro, valsa, polca, marcha, samba, maxixe, tango

Instruments

violão, cavaquinho

Biography

Américo Jacomino, better known as Canhoto, was born in São Paulo on February 12, 1889. The son of Italian immigrants, he was a self-taught guitarist, learning to play in secret from his father, who did not approve of his son's dedication to the instrument. His skill with the guitar, played in a peculiar way because he was left-handed and did not invert the strings, earned him the nickname that would make him famous.

His professional artistic career began in 1907, and soon in 1913 he recorded his first album. Throughout his career, he stood out as a composer, guitarist, and teacher, being considered one of those responsible for the "ennoblement" of the guitar in Brazil, elevating the instrument from a position of lesser importance to a prominent place on stages and in recordings. He recorded over 90 songs, many considered classics of the genre, and influenced generations of guitarists.

Canhoto was also a pioneer on several fronts, organizing musical groups such as "Grupo do Canhoto" and "Os Turunas Paulistas", in addition to participating in the "O Que É Nosso" contest, in which he was crowned "King of the Brazilian Guitar". His work, such as the waltz "Abismo de Rosas", continues to be a reference and is performed to this day. Américo Jacomino passed away in São Paulo on September 7, 1928, at the age of 39, leaving an invaluable legacy for Brazilian instrumental music.