Athos Campos

Origin

Bebedouro, SP

Genres

sertanejo, moda de viola, musica popular brasileira

Instruments

viola caipira

Biography

Athos Campos was a renowned Brazilian composer and traditional viola player born in Bebedouro, São Paulo, on July 14, 1923. He became an important figure in Brazilian popular music, particularly within the traditional genre of caipira music and moda de viola. Throughout his career, he crafted numerous compositions that celebrated rural life and the simple beauty of the Brazilian countryside.

In 1939, he co-wrote his most famous composition, "Chitãozinho e Xororó," alongside Serrinha. This landmark song became a cornerstone of themoda de viola genre and famously inspired a legendary country duo to adopt the song's title as their own artistic moniker. His timeless compositions have been performed and recorded by prominent Brazilian artists such as Sérgio Reis and Tonico & Tinoco, cementing his legacy in the roots of Brazilian sertanejo music.

Athos Campos passed away on November 1, 1992, in Bragança Paulista, leaving behind a rich musical catalog that includes works like "Boiada saudosa," "A saudade continua," and "Sinhazinha." His dedication to the viola and rural narratives established him as an enduring influence on subsequent generations of traditional musicians.