Erlon Chaves

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Years Active

1940–1974

Genres

samba, MPB, pop

Instruments

piano, voice

Biography

Erlon Chaves was born in São Paulo on December 9, 1933, standing out throughout his career as a conductor, arranger, pianist, and singer. He began his artistic career in childhood, performing on radio shows and working as a child actor, before graduating in piano from the Carlos Gomes Musical Conservatory in 1950, further refining his studies with important figures such as Luís Arruda Paes.

Over the years, he consolidated his name on Brazilian television, working as a musical director at TV Rio and participating in landmark moments of national culture. In 1968, he had the opportunity to accompany the renowned Elis Regina in an international performance in Paris, expanding his recognition in the musical scene of the time.

His career was also marked by episodes of strong political repercussion, such as during the 1970 International Song Festival, when he conducted a choir that would give rise to Banda Veneno, accompanying artists like Jorge Ben Jor. Erlon Chaves tragically passed away in Rio de Janeiro on November 14, 1974, after suffering a massive heart attack shortly after visiting his friend Wilson Simonal.

Discography

• Sabadabada (1965)
• Les 2001 Cordes (1969)
• Orquestra St. Moritz, Erlon Chaves – Procura-Se uma Virgem (1971)
• Erlon Chaves e Sua Banda Veneno – Banda Veneno de Erlon Chaves (1971)
• Banda Veneno, Erlon Chaves – Erlon Chaves Internacional (1972)
• Banda Veneno, Erlon Chaves – Internacional Vol. 2 (1973)
• Banda Veneno, Erlon Chaves – Internacional Erlon Chaves Vol.: 3 (1973)
• Paul Mauriat / Erlon Chaves – As 10 Canções Medalha de Ouro (1973)
• Banda Veneno Internacional (Vol. 2) (1973)
• Banda Veneno Internacional Vol. 4 (1974)
• Erlon Chaves e Sua Banda Veneno – Banda Veneno Internacional Vol.5 (1974)