Haroldo Eiras

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years Active

1940–1980

Genres

MPB, samba, radio music

Instruments

vocals

Biography

Haroldo Guimarães Eiras was a prominent Brazilian singer, composer, and radio broadcaster born in Rio de Janeiro. He studied under Pasquale Gambardella before beginning his musical career in the 1940s as part of the Napoleão Tavares Orchestra, performing on major broadcasting stations such as Rádio Mayrink Veiga and Rádio Nacional. As a skilled songwriter, he collaborated with artists like Waldyr Finotti and had his works recorded by legendary figures of the Brazilian radio era, including Angela Maria, Cauby Peixoto, Dick Farney, and Johnny Alf.

Beyond his contributions as a performer and composer, Eiras made a significant impact on Brazilian media as a radio and television personality. He worked for Rádio Jornal do Brasil and hosted the popular "Programa Haroldo Eiras" on Rádio Metropolitana, earning the title of best disk-jockey of the year in 1956. On television, he presented the weekly show "Sua Manhã de Domingo" on TV Tupi, showcasing prominent figures from music and cinema.

In addition to his mainstream artistic endeavors, Eiras was an active medium in Umbanda, recording various ritual songs, known as pontos, and writing a dedicated column about curimbas for the magazine A Caminho da Luz. He was married to D. Bilá and was the father of the well-known actor Fernando Eiras. His legacy remains tied to the golden age of Brazilian radio and popular composition alongside contemporaries like Jorge Goulart and Linda Batista.