Edson Duarte

Origin

Riacho Doce, AL

Also known as

José Eusébio da Silva, Pirril

Years active

1960s–2022

Genres

forró, samba, pagode, baião, maracatu

Instruments

percussão, zabumba, triângulo, pandeiro, voz

Biography

Edson Duarte, whose birth name was José Eusébio da Silva, was born in Riacho Doce, Alagoas, on November 2, 1947 (although his birth certificate lists 1952, he himself stated he was born in 1947). From a very young age, he showed an aptitude for music, beginning his artistic trajectory in Maceió, where he worked as a seresteiro and sambista. At age 13, he moved to Rio de Janeiro in search of better opportunities, playing the pandeiro in samba circles and singing in serestas. It was in the Army, where he served at age 18, that his musical career took a new turn, bringing him closer to great forró names like Luiz Gonzaga and Jackson do Pandeiro, and leading him to transition from samba to forró, starting to play the triangle and joining the trio "Os 3 Cangaceiros".

After leaving the trio, Edson Duarte managed the "Forró do Moraes" dance party and accompanied accordionists like Zé Gonzaga and Luiz Gonzaga, playing the zabumba. Under the pseudonym "Pirril", he recorded his first LP in 1976, with the Tropicana record label. He remained at CBS until 1983, releasing several hits. In 1986, he moved to Fortaleza, where he recorded more LPs, and with the advent of the CD, he continued his musical production, totaling about 20 records throughout his career, in addition to participations in compilations and friends' albums.

Edson Duarte was one of the exponents of Alagoan and Brazilian forró, known for his striking voice and compositions that celebrated northeastern culture. He toured Europe, participating in pé de serra forró festivals, and consolidated his presence in the musical scene until his final years. He passed away on February 7, 2022, in Rio de Janeiro, leaving an important legacy for northeastern and Brazilian music. His work is marked by partnerships with renowned composers such as Cecéu, João Silva, and Florival Ferreira.