César de Alencar

Origin

Fortaleza, CE

Years Active

1939–1990

Genres

MPB, samba, radio music

Instruments

vocals

Biography

Hermelindo César de Alencar Mattos, known professionally as César de Alencar, was a multifaceted Brazilian artist, radio broadcaster, singer, songwriter, actor, and television presenter. Born in Fortaleza in 1917, he began his radio career in 1939 at Rádio Clube do Brasil before moving to the prominent Rádio Nacional in 1945. At Nacional, he gained immense popularity hosting his own Saturday program, where he frequently worked alongside major musical stars of the era such as Emilinha Borba.

Beyond his work as a radio host, Alencar ventured into recording music, often collaborating with artists like Marlene and Emilinha, and composed songs that were recorded by notable interpreters including Cauby Peixoto and Nora Ney. Capitalizing on his widespread radio fame, he also established the Copacabana nightclub "A Cantina do César," which featured performances by legendary artists like Dolores Duran. Later in his career, he expanded into television, presenting his own show on TV Excelsior.

Following the 1964 military coup, Alencar's career suffered a dramatic decline amid accusations and documentation regarding his collaboration with the military dictatorship and the denunciation of colleagues at Rádio Nacional. Despite attempts to maintain his career and defend his actions, his reputation was severely damaged, leading to the cancellation of his program and his eventual fall into obscurity until his death in Rio de Janeiro in 1990. Throughout his career, he intersected with numerous cultural icons of Brazilian radio and music, including Paulo Gracindo and Mário Lago.

Discography

• Heleninha Costa - Cesar de Alencar – Não Interessa Não / Que É Isto (1951)
• Linda Baptista / Cesar de Alencar – Conformada / Há Sinceridade Nisso (1952)