Ari Kerner

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Ari Kerner Veiga de Castro, Ary Kerner

Years Active

1926–1961

Genres

samba, marcha, choro, embolada, song, toada, waltz

Instruments

piano

Biography

Ari Kerner Veiga de Castro, better known as Ari Kerner, was a multifaceted Brazilian artist born in Rio de Janeiro on February 27, 1906. His career spanned several areas, standing out as a composer, instrumentalist, journalist, poet, and playwright. Kerner began his artistic journey early, composing his first song at seventeen and having his first recording in 1928.

Throughout his career, Ari Kerner composed an expressive repertoire, with songs recorded by renowned artists of the era, such as Francisco Alves, Patrício Teixeira, Gastão Formenti, and Carmélia Alves. Among his standout compositions are the samba "Xô canarinho", the marcha "Seu Agache" (a satire of Rio de Janeiro's modernization plan), the choro "Vida de passarinho", and the embolada "Trepa no coqueiro", which was re-recorded by Ney Matogrosso in 1975.

In addition to his work in the musical scene, Kerner also pursued a career in journalism, collaborating with important publications such as "O Malho", "Fon-Fon", "O Cruzeiro", "O Correio da Manhã", and "O Globo". He was also a civil servant, having worked as a commercial education inspector and at the Secretariat of the Federal Senate. Ari Kerner passed away in Rio de Janeiro on April 4, 1963, leaving an important legacy for Brazilian popular music.