Bahiano

Origin

Santo Amaro da Purificação, BA

Also known as

Manuel Pedro dos Santos

Years active

1902–1944

Genres

lundu, modinha, samba

Instruments

violão

Biography

Manuel Pedro dos Santos, known artistically as Bahiano, was a Brazilian singer and songwriter who marked the beginning of the recording industry in Brazil. Born in Santo Amaro da Purificação, Bahia, on December 5, 1870, he moved to Rio de Janeiro, where he became a prominent figure in the Rio musical scene.

Bahiano is recognized for his pioneering work at Casa Edison, one of the country's first record labels. In 1902, he recorded "Isto É Bom", a lundu by Xisto Bahia, which is considered the first record recorded in Brazil. His discography spanned genres such as modinhas and lundus, popular rhythms at the time. He was part of Casa Edison's first group of professional singers, alongside names like Cadete and Eduardo das Neves.

One of Bahiano's most notable achievements was the recording, in January 1917, of the samba "Pelo Telefone", by Donga and Mauro de Almeida. This recording is considered the first of a samba, a milestone in the history of Brazilian music and in the consolidation of the genre. Bahiano passed away in Rio de Janeiro on July 15, 1944, leaving a legacy as one of the first artists to have their work recorded on disc in Brazil.