Bororó

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Alberto de Castro Simões da Silva

Years Active

1920–1986

Genres

samba, choro, modinha, lundu, valsa

Instruments

violão

Biography

Alberto de Castro Simões da Silva, better known as Bororó, was born in Rio de Janeiro on October 15, 1898. The son of Elvira de Castro Simões da Silva and Alberto de Castro Simões da Silva (Sinhozinho), a bohemian and guitar teacher, Bororó had contact with music since childhood. His nickname arose during the period when he studied at Colégio Santo Inácio, when a group of Bororó Indians visited his house and his teacher started calling him that.

He began his artistic career as a composer around 1920, creating music for various carnival "ranchos". He formed a musical ensemble with other artists, performing at parties with a repertoire of lundus, waltzes, and modinhas. Despite having few recorded compositions, his work achieved recognition, especially with the samba "Da Cor do Pecado", recorded by Silvio Caldas in 1939, and the stylized choro "Curare", recorded by Orlando Silva in 1940. "Da Cor do Pecado" became a major success, being re-recorded by countless artists over the decades.

Bororó also played an important role in helping singer Orlando Silva get his first contract at Rádio Cajuti in 1934. In addition to being a composer and guitarist, he worked in various jobs until he was employed at the Ministry of Justice in 1931. He passed away in Rio de Janeiro on June 7, 1986, at the age of 87, leaving a legacy in Brazilian popular music, with songs that became classics.

Discography

• Fogaréu (1998)