Carequinha

Origin

Rio Bonito, RJ

Also known as

George Savalla Gomes

Years Active

1920–2005

Genres

children's, circus music, marchinha, MPB

Instruments

voice

Biography

George Savalla Gomes, immortalized by the stage name Carequinha, was one of the most emblematic figures of children's entertainment and circus culture in Brazil. Born in 1915, in Rio Bonito, into a family with a circus tradition, Carequinha had his destiny charted out in the circus rings since his birth, which literally occurred during his mother's trapeze performance. His official debut as a clown took place at the age of five in Minas Gerais, using the wig and makeup that would become his trademark for the following decades.

The transition from the circus to mass media marked the pioneering nature of his career. In 1938, he debuted as a singer on Rádio Mayrink Veiga and, years later, became the first clown to host a television show in the country. "Circo do Carequinha," broadcast by TV Tupi between the 1950s and 1960s, consolidated his image as a national idol and laid the foundations for the children's variety shows that would follow, blending games, music, and circus acts.

His influence extended to subsequent generations, serving as direct inspiration for presenters such as Xuxa Meneghel, with whom he worked on TV Manchete under the direction of Marlene Mattos. Throughout his career, Carequinha worked across various broadcasting networks and participated in iconic shows such as "Os Trapalhões," alongside Renato Aragão, and "Escolinha do Professor Raimundo," by Chico Anysio. The artist passed away in 2006, in São Gonçalo, leaving a legacy of purity and joy that defined the imagination of Brazilian childhood for over half a century.

Discography

• Carequinha, Altamiro Carrilho, Sua Bandinha e Côro Infantil – Cantigas de Roda (1959)
• Carequinha com Altamiro Carrilho e Sua Bandinha e Côro Infantil – Cantigas de Roda N.2 (1960)
• Ele É um Estouro (1963)
• O Baile Do Carequinha (1969)
• Carequinha Viaja pelo Brasil (1970)
• Clube da Criança (Convidados Especiais: Xuxa ☆ Carequinha) (1984)
• Musica e alegria
• Carequinha
• No Twist no Cha-Cha-Cha e no Etc...
• O Amiguinho das Crianças
• O Astronauta Carequinha
• Carequinha, Coro Infantil de Irany de Oliveira – Carequinha no Parque Shangai