Expedito Baracho

Origin

Jucurutu, RN

Years active

1949–2017

Genres

frevo, samba, bolero, marchinha, música popular brasileira

Instruments

voice, guitar

Biography

Expedito Baracho was a prominent Brazilian singer and composer, particularly known for his contributions to the frevo genre. Born in Jucurutu, Rio Grande do Norte, in 1935, he moved to Recife at the age of 13, where he developed his passion for music and learned to play the guitar. His musical journey began in earnest when, as a teenager, he joined the Jazz Band Acadêmica, an orchestra founded by the renowned composer Capiba and composed entirely of students. This early exposure to a professional musical environment set the stage for a long and fruitful career.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Baracho became a significant voice in Brazilian popular music, recording numerous songs and collaborating with various orchestras and artists. He was especially recognized for his interpretations of frevo, a lively rhythm characteristic of Pernambuco's Carnival. His discography includes many frevo-canções, such as "Modelos de Verão," "Casado Não Pode," and "A Procura de Alguém," many of which were composed by Capiba. He also ventured into other genres, recording sambas and boleros, showcasing his versatility as an interpreter.

Baracho's career spanned several decades, with notable recordings and participations in important musical projects, including compilations celebrating Carnival music and the works of Capiba. In the 1990s, he settled in Olinda, continuing to perform and engage with the local music scene. His legacy is cemented by his dedication to preserving and promoting frevo, a genre deeply rooted in Brazilian culture. Expedito Baracho passed away in 2017, leaving behind a rich body of work that continues to be celebrated.