Henrique Xavier Pinheiro

Origin

Salvador, BA

Years active

1930–1968

Genres

MPB, choro, fado, polca, samba, tango, valsa

Instruments

violão, viola portuguesa, guitarra

Biography

Henrique Xavier Pinheiro, known artistically as Xavier Pinheiro, was a notable Brazilian composer and classical guitarist, born in Salvador, Bahia. Before dedicating himself to music, Pinheiro served as a sailor, an experience that led him to seek opportunities in Rio de Janeiro.

His musical career flourished in Rio de Janeiro, where he became a much sought-after classical guitarist for recordings, radio programs, and live performances, with a repertoire that frequently included Portuguese music. Xavier Pinheiro accompanied several artists on recordings, such as Carlos Campos, Manoel Monteiro, and José Lemos, and also had his compositions interpreted by names like Luiz Gonzaga, Jacob do Bandolim, and Carim Mussi. His skill on the classical guitar earned him epithets such as "king of the viola" and "prince of the viola".

Xavier Pinheiro played an important role in the career of Luiz Gonzaga, helping to open doors for the "King of Baião". In addition to his work as an instrumentalist, he also composed songs that became part of the Brazilian popular songbook, demonstrating his versatility and contribution to the country's rich musical tapestry.