Anjos do Inferno

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Os Anjos do Inferno

Years active

1934–1967

Genres

samba, marchinha, popular Brazilian music

Biography

Anjos do Inferno was a Brazilian vocal and instrumental ensemble formed in 1934, specializing in samba and carnival marchinhas. Their name was chosen as a lighthearted irony directed at the famous orchestra Diabos do Céu, led by Pixinguinha. Throughout a career spanning approximately three decades, the group underwent numerous line-up changes while maintaining a distinctive sonic identity anchored strongly by the trumpet (pistom). They reached the height of their popularity during the golden age of radio in the 1940s, recording dozens of 78 rpm records for prominent labels such as Columbia, Continental, Copacabana, and RCA Victor.

During the 1940s, the ensemble achieved major success with iconic tracks written by renowned Brazilian composers. They collaborated closely with seminal artists of the era, notably recording works by Assis Valente and Dorival Caymmi, as well as performing internationally in Latin America and the United States, where they notably shared stages with Carmen Miranda. Their extensive discography and cinematic appearances cemented their legacy as one of the most prominent vocal groups of mid-century Brazilian popular music.

The group experienced several major shifts in personnel over the years, including splitting into different factions during international tours in the late 1940s, when some members performed in the United States while others remained in Brazil. Despite these frequent transitions involving dozens of musicians such as Léo Vilar, Aluísio Ferreira, and Walter Pinheiro, Anjos do Inferno endured as a vital bridge between traditional carnival music and the sophisticated vocal arrangements of the radio era.