Carlos Gonzaga

Origin

Paraisópolis, MG

Years Active

1950s–1990s

Genres

jovem guarda, MPB, pop

Instruments

vocals

Biography

Carlos Gonzaga, artistic name of José Gonzaga Ferreira, was born in Paraisópolis, Minas Gerais, on February 10, 1924. From a humble background, he spent his childhood and adolescence in his hometown before seeking new opportunities in the Paraíba Valley and, later, in the city of São Paulo, where he worked and began to stand out in amateur talent shows due to his great vocal tune.

His artistic career gained enormous national prominence starting in 1958, when he recorded with immense success the Portuguese version of the song "Diana", originally released by Paul Anka. Throughout his journey with the RCA Victor record label and other labels, he established himself as one of the great names of Jovem Guarda and the radio era, landing hits such as "Oh! Carol", "Bat Masterson" and "Cavaleiros do Céu", in addition to sharing albums with major icons of the era, such as Nelson Gonçalves.

The singer passed away on August 25, 2023, at the age of 99, in Velletri, Italy. Throughout his life, in addition to his striking discography focused on youth and the hits of the time, he also dedicated himself to his faith as an elder of Jehovah's Witnesses, leaving an indelible legacy in Brazilian popular music.

Discography

• Quisera Te Dizer (1958)
• Meu Coração Canta (1959)
• Carlos Gonzaga (1959)
• The Best-Seller (1960)
• Carlos Gonzaga Canta (1961)
• És Tudo para Mim (1961)
• O Cantor "Hit Parade" (1962)
• Para a Juventude (1963)
• RCA Victor SD-21 Promo (1963)
• Rapaz Solitário (1968)
• Simplesmente (1971)
• Os Sucessos de Paul Anka e Neil Sedaka com Carlos Gonzaga (1975)
• Meu Eterno Querer (1985)
• Sua Melhor Época (2025)
• Nelson Gonçalves, Alda Perdigão, Carlos Gonzaga, Núbia Lafayette – Brasil Canta
• Carlos Gonzaga & Hully Gully