Gastão Viana

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Gastão Escolástico Viana, Gastao Vianna

Years active

1930s–1959

Genres

samba, choro, lundu

Biography

Gastão Escolástico Viana was a Brazilian composer and lyricist born in 1900. He was the son of the musician Juca Kallut, who was a prominent figure in the choro scene and a founder of Rio de Janeiro's choro music. Viana began his artistic career in the early 1930s, collaborating with renowned artists such as Pixinguinha and Benedito Lacerda. His work spanned various genres, including samba and choro, and he penned numerous hits that were recorded by prominent Brazilian artists of his time.

Throughout his career, Gastão Viana had over 50 compositions recorded by artists like Isaura Garcia, Carmélia Alves, Francisco Alves, Carlos Galhardo, and Trio de Ouro. Some of his notable songs include "Macaco, olha teu rabo," "Moça bonita," "Coitadinha da Cecília," "Cabelo branco não é velhice," and "Cidade romance." His partnership with Pixinguinha on the lundu "Yaô" became one of his greatest successes, recorded by Pixinguinha himself in 1950.

Gastão Viana was also a co-founder of the Brazilian Union of Composers. He passed away on August 7, 1959, at the age of 59, following a heart attack. His legacy endures through his extensive catalog of songs that continue to be appreciated within Brazilian popular music.