Augusto Calheiros

Origin

Murici, AL

Also known as

A Patativa do Norte

Years active

1920s–1956

Genres

samba, waltz, coco, seresta, embolada

Instruments

voice

Biography

Augusto Calheiros, known artistically as "A Patativa do Norte", was a prominent Brazilian singer and composer, born in Murici, Alagoas, on June 5, 1891. His musical career took off in the mid-1920s in the city of Recife, where he came into contact with the musician family of mandolinist Luperce Miranda. It was during this period that he began to be recognized for his tuned voice and unique interpretive style, which earned him his nickname.

In 1927, Calheiros joined the Pernambucan group Turunas da Mauriceia, with which he moved to Rio de Janeiro. The group's debut in the federal capital took place at the Teatro Lírico, achieving great success by presenting northeastern rhythms such as emboladas and cocos, which were until then little known in the city. Dressed in outback attire, Turunas da Mauriceia made history, and Calheiros, with his voice, became one of the central figures of the ensemble.

Throughout his career, Augusto Calheiros released numerous records and composed several songs, consolidating himself as one of the most popular artists of the "golden age" of Brazilian radio. His work encompasses genres such as samba, waltz, coco, and seresta. Despite having faced health problems, such as tuberculosis which caused him to sing for long periods with only one lung, Calheiros maintained an intense artistic output until his death on January 11, 1956, in Rio de Janeiro. His influence and legacy in Brazilian popular music are undeniable, with songs that continue to be remembered and re-recorded.