Bastinho Calixto

Origin

Campina Grande, PB

Also known as

Sebastião Tavares Calixto

Years Active

1971–2021

Genres

forró, MPB

Instruments

accordion, zabumba, percussion

Biography

Sebastião Tavares Calixto, widely known as Bastinho Calixto, was a prominent Brazilian singer, composer, and accordionist born in Campina Grande, Paraíba, in 1951. He hailed from a family with a strong tradition in playing the eight-bass accordion, a distinctive instrument in Northeastern Brazilian music.

Calixto began his musical journey at a young age, initially playing the zabumba for the legendary Luiz Gonzaga and performing percussion for Jackson do Pandeiro. These early experiences with iconic figures of Brazilian music allowed him to tour extensively across the country. His career gained significant momentum in the 1970s, particularly in the Northeast region, after being discovered on the TV Tupi program "A Grande Chance" in 1971, which led to the recording of his first LP.

Throughout his career, Bastinho Calixto was a prolific songwriter, credited with over 400 compositions, many of which were recorded by other artists. He was also a producer, working on numerous albums for various labels. He passed away on September 4, 2021, in his hometown of Campina Grande, leaving behind a rich musical legacy. His brother, Zé Calixto, is also a well-known musician in the Brazilian forró scene.

Discography

• Bastinho Calixto e Genival Santos – Eu Canto e Você Toca (1972)
• O Mais Jovem 8 Baixo (1973)
• Bastinho Calixto (1974)
• Naquele Baile (1975)
• O Meu Presente (1977)
• De Volta pra Iracema (1980)
• Pegando Fogo