César Faria

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years active

1930s–2007

Genres

choro, samba, música popular brasileira

Instruments

violão

Biography

Benedito César Ramos de Faria, known as César Faria, was a renowned Brazilian acoustic guitarist, born in Rio de Janeiro on February 24, 1919. His musical career spanned approximately 70 years, establishing him as one of the great names in rhythm guitar in Brazil. Faria was the father of fellow musician Paulinho da Viola, whom he introduced to the universe of Brazilian popular music, and the grandfather of singer Eliane Faria.

In the early 1960s, César Faria was one of the founders of Conjunto Época de Ouro, alongside Jacob do Bandolim. This group became a fundamental reference in choro, playing a crucial role in the resistance and popularization of the genre during a period dominated by bossa nova. Throughout his career, Faria participated in more than 15 albums with Época de Ouro, contributing significantly to the dissemination of choro in the country and abroad.

In addition to his work with Época de Ouro, César Faria collaborated on albums and shows with various renowned artists, such as Waldir Azevedo, Arthur Moreira Lima, and his son Paulinho da Viola. His skill and elegance on the acoustic guitar made him a respected and influential figure, leaving a lasting legacy in Brazilian popular music. César Faria passed away on October 20, 2007, at the age of 88, in Rio de Janeiro, but his work and memory live on.