Arlindo Pinto

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Also known as

Arlindo Pinto dos Santos

Years active

1934–1961

Genres

sertanejo, moda-de-viola, rasqueado, baião, valsa, samba, xote, arrasta-pé, polca, chorinho, tango, guarânia

Biography

Arlindo Pinto dos Santos was a Brazilian composer, born in São Paulo on September 19, 1906, and who passed away in the same city on April 29, 1968. Before dedicating himself to music, Pinto worked as a printer, a profession that fostered his love for reading and writing verses and parodies. He presented his works at various parties, circuses, and theaters, even performing monologues of his own authorship in comedy theater. In 1928, he joined the São Paulo Civil Guard, where he served for 25 years.

By the late 1940s, Arlindo Pinto was already recognized as one of the most important sertanejo (country music) composers. His first recorded composition was the moda "Desafio Nº 2," performed by Nhá Zefa. Throughout his career, he collaborated with numerous artists and partners, including Hélio Sindô, Anacleto Rosas Jr., Mário Zan, and Palmeira. His compositions spanned various rhythms, such as xote, arrasta-pé, polca, chorinho, tango, valsa, samba, moda-de-viola, rasqueado, and guarânia.

Arlindo Pinto's most significant success as a composer was the rasqueado "Chalana," written in partnership with Mário Zan, which was released in 1954. This song became a major hit and was recorded by a vast array of artists, including Tonico e Tinoco, Almir Sater, and Inezita Barroso. Other notable collaborations include "Segue Teu Caminho" with Mário Zan, "Baldrana Macia" with Anacleto Rosas Jr., and "Cantando" with Mário Zan, which was a success in 1957 and later re-recorded on a compilation album celebrating 50 years of sertanejo music. Pinto's legacy lies in his prolific contribution to Brazilian popular music, particularly within the sertanejo genre.