Antônio Borba

Origin

Varginha, MG

Years Active

1950s–2025

Genres

jovem guarda, country music, MPB

Biography

Antônio Borba de Melo (Varginha, November 15, 1940 – Jaú, December 29, 2025) was a Brazilian singer and songwriter who moved through the Jovem Guarda movement and established himself in country music.

He began his artistic career in the 1950s, performing on Rádio Clube de Varginha. His talent caught the attention of the duo Cascatinha and Inhana, who took him to São Paulo. There, he had his first opportunity on the "Programa César de Alencar" on Rádio Record, and was later hired by Walter Silva for the show "Toca do Disco". He worked as a crooner for the orchestras of Henrique Simonetti, Sílvio Mazzuca, and Georges Henry, even singing at the inauguration of Brasília with Simonetti's orchestra.

In 1966, Antônio Borba entered the Jovem Guarda scene with a single released by RCA Victor, featuring the songs "Sozinho" and "Linda Espanhola". He participated in TV Record's Bienal do Samba Festival in 1968. In the 1970s, he shifted his focus to country music, recording his first LP, "Antonio Borba", in 1978. Throughout his career, he released several LPs and singles, as well as participating in films and television programs, establishing himself as an important name in Brazilian popular music, especially in the country genre.