Guilherme de Brito

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Genres

samba, MPB

Instruments

cavaquinho, guitar

Biography

Guilherme de Brito Bollhorst was a renowned Brazilian samba composer and visual artist, born in Rio de Janeiro. Growing up in Vila Isabel, he showed an early musical inclination, receiving a cavaquinho at the age of eight and later transitioning to the guitar as he began composing his own works. His professional breakthrough came in 1955 when singer Augusto Calheiros recorded two of his sambas, paving the way for his future recognition in the genre.

During the 1950s, Guilherme de Brito met his most important musical partner, Nelson Cavaquinho, forming what is celebrated as one of the most poetic and lyrical duos in Brazilian popular music. Together, they crafted timeless masterpieces of samba, including iconic tracks such as "A flor e o espinho", "Folhas secas", and "Pranto de poeta". His poignant lyrical imagery cemented his legacy as one of the true master poets of samba.

In addition to his prolific songwriting career, Guilherme de Brito was an accomplished painter and sculptor, eventually exhibiting his artwork internationally in Japan. He recorded his own music for the first time in 1977 and continued to be revered for his contributions to Brazilian culture until his passing in 2006. His enduring artistic partnership with Nelson Cavaquinho and his unforgettable verses remain a cornerstone of samba history, influencing generations of musicians alongside contemporaries like Augusto Calheiros.

Discography

• Nelson Cavaquinho, Candeia, Guilherme de Brito, Elton Medeiros – Quatro Grandes do Samba (1977)
• Guilherme de Brito (1980)
• Projeto Preservação da Música Popular (1988)
• Folhas Secas (1990)
• Au Vivo em Tokio - Pranto de Poeta (1990)
• Nelson Sargento, Guilherme de Brito, Monarco e Mais... – Mangueira & Portela - Velhas Companheiras (2000)
• Samba Guardado (2001)
• Guilherme de Brito & Trio Madeira Brasil – A Flor e o Espinho (2003)