Bezerra da Silva

Origin

Recife, PE

Also known as

José Bezerra da Silva

Years Active

1950–2005

Genres

samba, partido alto, coco

Instruments

zabumba, vocals, percussion, guitar

Biography

José Bezerra da Silva, born in Recife, Pernambuco, on February 23, 1927, was a pivotal figure in Brazilian music, renowned for his unique contributions to samba, particularly the partido alto style. He began his musical journey in his childhood, playing the zabumba and singing coco in Recife. At the age of 15, he moved to Rio de Janeiro, where he would later establish himself as a significant artist. His professional career in music began in 1950 when he was hired by Rádio Clube do Brasil as a session musician. Throughout the 1960s, he was part of the Orquestra Copacabana Discos in São Paulo, and in the 1970s and 1980s, he performed with the Orquestra da TV Globo. Bezerra da Silva released his first singles in 1969 and went on to record over 30 albums throughout his career, achieving numerous hits in Brazil. His music is characterized by its sharp social commentary, often addressing themes of gang violence, the drug trade, political corruption, and the struggles of marginalized communities in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. This made him a voice for the underrepresented and earned him the unofficial title of spokesman for the slums. He was known for recording songs from lesser-known composers who often depicted harsh realities with irony, leading to his work sometimes being labeled as 'sambandido' (samba + bandit), a term he disliked. One of his most famous songs, "Malandragem Dá Um Tempo," became a significant hit and has been re-recorded by various artists. Bezerra da Silva's influence extended beyond samba, with his lyrical style and social consciousness being seen as a precursor to gangsta rap. He passed away on January 17, 2005, at the age of 77, leaving behind a powerful legacy in Brazilian popular music. His work continues to inspire many contemporary musicians and remains a significant part of Brazil's cultural heritage. Many artists like Clara Nunes and Beth Carvalho are also celebrated figures in Brazilian samba and are often associated with his musical era and genre.

Discography

• O Rei do Côco (1973)
• O Rei do Côco, Vol. 2 (1976)
• Genaro (2) & Bezerra da Silva – Partido Alto Nota 10 (1977)
• Partido Alto Nota 10 Vol. 2 (1979)
• Partido Muito Alto, Bezerra da Silva Provando e Comprovando Sua Versatilidade (1980)
• Bezerra da Silva e Rey Jordão – Partido Alto Nota 10 Vol. 3 (1980)
• Samba Partido e Outras Comidas (1981)
• E um Punhado de Bambas (1982)
• Produto Do Morro (1983)
• É Esse Aí que É o Homem (1984)
• Malandro Rife (1985)
• Alô Malandragem, Maloca o Flagrante! (1986)
• Malandragem dá um tempo (1986)
• Justiça Social (1987)
• Violência Gera Violência (1988)
• Se Não Fosse o Samba... (1989)
• Eu Não Sou Santo (1990)
• Partideiro da Pesada (1991)
• Presidente Caô Caô (1992)
• Cocada Boa (1993)
• Contra O Verdadeiro Canalha! (1995)
• Moreira, Bezerra e Dicró – Os 3 Malandros In Concert (1995)
• Meu Samba é Duro na Queda (1996)
• Provando e Comprovando Sua Versatilidade (1998)
• Eu Tô de Pé (1998)
• As 20 Preferidas (1998)
• Bezerra da Silva Ao Vivo (1999)
• Malandro É Malandro e Mané É Mané (2000)
• RCA 100 Anos de Música (2001)
• A Gíria É Cultura do Povo (2002)
• Meu Bom Juiz (Ao Vivo 2) (2003)
• O Partido Alto do Samba (2004)
• O Samba Malandro de Bezerra da Silva (2005)
• A Voz do Morro (2008)