Gilberto Milfont

Origin

Lavras da Mangabeira, CE

Also known as

João Milfont Rodrigues

Years active

1936–2017

Genres

samba, carnival marchinha, bolero, frevo, choro, baião, toada, waltz, fox, tango

Biography

Gilberto Milfont, artistic name of João Milfont Rodrigues, was a renowned Brazilian singer and songwriter, born in Lavras da Mangabeira, Ceará, on November 7, 1922. His musical career spanned decades, leaving a significant legacy in Brazilian Popular Music (MPB). Milfont began his artistic journey in his teens, performing for the first time in 1936. His voice, in his early years, was compared to that of Carmen Miranda, and he even joined a regional ensemble with Zé Cavaquinho (José Meneses). After a period away due to a vocal change, he returned with a style influenced by Orlando Silva.

Throughout his career, Gilberto Milfont composed over 500 songs, including major hits like "Um Falso Amor", "Batendo Cabeça", and "Para Seu Governo", many of which were carnival marchinhas that energized various festivities. He participated in over 40 LPs and recorded classics by composers such as Haroldo Lobo, Joubert de Carvalho, Lupicínio Rodrigues, and Mário Lago. His discography spans diverse genres, featuring recordings of sambas, boleros, frevos, and marchinhas, demonstrating his versatility as an interpreter and creator.

Milfont had an important radio career, working at stations such as Mayrink Veiga, Timbira, Tabajara, and Nacional. In 1945, he took up residence in Rio de Janeiro, where he consolidated his career. His ability to transcribe song lyrics heard on the radio, in order to keep his repertoire updated in Ceará, demonstrated his dedication and passion for music. Gilberto Milfont passed away in Rio de Janeiro on December 13, 2017, at the age of 95, leaving behind a vast and beloved body of work treasured by the Brazilian public.