Henrique Brito

Origin

Natal, RN

Years Active

1928–1935

Genres

samba, valsa, modinha, tango, fox trote

Instruments

violão

Biography

Henrique Leopoldo de Brito, known as Henrique Brito, was a notable Brazilian acoustic guitar player and composer, born in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, on July 15, 1908. His passion for music was encouraged early on by his mother, Maria Leopoldina Brito, who taught him his first chords. His exceptional talent caught the attention of the governor of Rio Grande do Norte, Antônio José de Melo e Souza, who granted him a scholarship to study in Rio de Janeiro. Upon arriving in the capital of Rio de Janeiro, he enrolled at Colégio Batista, where he earned the nickname "Violão" (Acoustic Guitar) from his classmates due to his inseparable relationship with the instrument.

In Rio de Janeiro, Brito quickly integrated into the musical scene. In the mid-1920s, he met Carlos Alberto Braga, known as Braguinha, who would become a great friend and musical partner. Together, they formed the ensemble "Flor do Tempo" in 1928, which soon evolved into "Bando de Tangarás" in 1929, with the addition of other talented musicians such as Almirante and Noel Rosa. With "Bando de Tangarás", Brito recorded his first albums, standing out as a virtuoso acoustic guitar player and composer of sambas and waltzes.

Henrique Brito had a short but intense career, marked by innovations and important partnerships. In 1932, he participated in the "Brazilian Olympic Band", which accompanied the Brazilian delegation to the Olympic Games in Los Angeles, United States. After the tour, he chose to stay in the USA for a year, where he developed a prototype of an electric guitar, a pioneering invention in Brazil. Unfortunately, the invention was not patented by him. Brito also invented a peculiar instrument called a "violata", made from a kerosene can. His life was tragically cut short on December 11, 1935, in Rio de Janeiro, as a victim of septicemia, at the age of 27, leaving behind a musical legacy that influenced generations.