Carlos Alberto

Origin

Astolfo Dutra, MG

Also known as

Nuno Soares

Years active

1941–2000

Genres

bolero, brazilian popular music

Instruments

acoustic guitar, piano

Biography

Carlos Alberto, whose birth name was Nuno Soares, was born in Astolfo Dutra, Minas Gerais, on September 29, 1933. He began his musical career early, at the age of 8, playing the acoustic guitar. His artistic journey led him to move to Rio de Janeiro, where he took his first professional steps in Três Rios. It was around this time that he began to gain prominence, being nicknamed the "King of Bolero" by the legendary host Chacrinha, a title that would follow him throughout his life and that highlights his deep connection to the genre.

Throughout his career, Carlos Alberto stood out as one of the artists who recorded the most boleros in Brazil, establishing himself as a unique figure in Brazilian popular music. He released over 50 works and accumulated an impressive total of nearly 800 recorded songs with various labels, such as CBS, Som Livre, Continental, RCA Victor, and CID. His influence and success were so great that he became one of the top-selling record holders for CBS, rivaling the iconic Roberto Carlos in sales figures.

In addition to being a singer, Carlos Alberto also worked as an acoustic guitarist and composer, demonstrating his artistic versatility. He received various awards throughout his journey, including the Chico Viola Trophy and the Chacrinha Record Library Trophy. Even after the peak of his career in the media, he remained active, performing sporadic shows and maintaining his passion for music until his final years. Carlos Alberto passed away on July 7, 2020, in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, leaving an invaluable musical legacy for MPB.