Capitão Furtado

Origin

Tietê, SP

Also known as

Ariovaldo Pires

Years active

1929–1979

Genres

musica caipira, musica sertaneja raiz, musica popular brasileira

Instruments

violao

Biography

Capitao Furtado, artistic name of Ariovaldo Pires, was born in Tiete on August 31, 1907 and passed away in Sao Paulo on November 10, 1979. Nephew of the renowned writer and promoter of caipira culture Cornelio Pires, he stood out as one of the most important composers and radio broadcasters dedicated to valuing and spreading Brazilian caipira music throughout the 20th century.

Throughout his career, Capitao Furtado composed over a thousand songs and worked extensively in radio, creating legendary programs such as "Arraial da Curva Torta" on Radio Difusora de Sao Paulo, a space where he revealed prominent sertanejo duos, most notably Tonico and Tinoco. He was also part of the famous "Trinca do Bom Humor" alongside Alvarenga and Ranchinho, besides exploring various musical genres, writing marches, toadas, and creating successful versions of songs.

His work left an invaluable legacy for the preservation of the traditions of the rural people of Sao Paulo and Brazil, and his songs have been recorded by various acclaimed interpreters. The artist passed away at the age of 72, leaving a definitive contribution to the history of popular and regional music in Brazil.