Evaldo Freire

Origin

Ipanguaçu, RN

Also known as

Genivaldo Freire do Nascimento

Years Active

1980–2001

Genres

brega, Brazilian popular music

Instruments

voice, acoustic guitar

Biography

Genivaldo Freire do Nascimento, known artistically as Evaldo Freire, was born in Ipanguaçu, Rio Grande do Norte, on October 28, 1955. His musical journey, marked by the romantic brega style, established him as one of the great names of Brazilian popular music, especially in the North and Northeast regions.

Evaldo Freire had a humble childhood and faced several hardships, which was reflected in his compositions. He released his first album, "A dor de uma paixão", in 1980, through EMI/Odeon, which included hits like "Vou beber até morrer" and "Homem convencido". Throughout his career, he recorded more than 15 albums with labels such as Jangada, EMI/Odeon, RGE, and Polydisc, accumulating over 80 recorded songs. Songs like "Cigana", "Chega", "Meus Primos", and "Maria de Jesus" became anthems of the genre.

Despite his success and recognition as the "king of northeastern romantic brega", Evaldo Freire faced financial problems throughout his life. His music, laden with emotion and speaking directly to the hearts of his listeners, addressed themes such as love, longing, and disillusionment, winning over a legion of fans. Evaldo Freire passed away on February 20, 2001, the victim of an acute myocardial infarction, leaving a legacy of songs that continue to move and be remembered by many.

Discography

• A Dor de uma Paixão (1980)
• Em Busca do Teu Carinho (1981)
• Volte Cigana (1982)
• Minha Gratidão (1983)
• Outro Amor (1984)
• Não Te Esquecerei (1985)
• Foi por Amor (1986)
• Hoje Só Falo de Amor (1987)
• Do Mesmo Jeito (1989)
• Br Deserta (1991)
• Volta Prá Mim (1992)
• Em Ritmo de Seresta, Vol.1 (1998)
• Evaldo Freire (Ao Vivo) (2003)
• Registro Especial (2010)
• O Furacão do Brega (2010)
• Super Duelo, Vol. 1 (2015)
• A Voz de um Prisioneiro (2017)
• O Último Adeus (2017)