Goiá

Origin

Coromandel, MG

Also known as

Gérson Coutinho da Silva

Years Active

1950–1981

Genres

música caipira, sertanejo raiz

Instruments

harmonica, cavaquinho, acoustic guitar

Biography

Goiá, the stage name of Gérson Coutinho da Silva, was born in Coromandel on January 11, 1935, and established his career as one of the great composers and radio broadcasters of caipira and sertaneja music in Brazil. Since childhood, encouraged by his father who gave him a harmonica, he showed a strong artistic inclination, quickly moving on to the cavaquinho and acoustic guitar, in addition to nurturing a deep appreciation for poetry and verses. In his youth, he moved to Goiânia, where he joined the "Trio da Amizade" and made history with daily performances on Rádio Brasil Central, becoming a pioneer by recording albums in São Paulo representing the state of Goiás.

Upon taking up residence in the capital of São Paulo, he joined the cast of important radio stations and had his compositions recorded by numerous exponents of sertaneja music, such as Pedro Bento and Zé da Estrada, Liu and Léu, Irmãs Galvão, and Sérgio Reis. Among his most celebrated creations stands out the classic "Saudade de Minha Terra", composed in partnership with Belmonte. His work inspired posthumous tributes, such as the album "Tributo a Goiá", released by Sérgio Reis in 2006, and academic studies on the history of sertaneja music.

Goiá passed away prematurely in Uberaba, on January 20, 1981, a victim of liver disease, just nine days after turning 46. His legacy remains alive in the memory of Brazilian caipira music, immortalized by the dozens of recordings of his songs by major duos and interpreters of the genre.

Discography

• Em Duas Vozes Vol. 2 (2009)
• O Compositor Goiá Interpreta Suas Músicas em Duas Vozes