Herivelto Martins

Origin

Engenheiro Paulo de Frontin, RJ

Genres

mpb, samba, marcha

Instruments

guitar, cavaquinho, mandolin, percussion

Biography

Herivelto Martins was a prominent Brazilian composer, singer, musician, and actor, celebrated as one of the most important figures of the golden age of MPB. Born in the interior of Rio de Janeiro, he moved to Rio de Janeiro in his youth, where he immersed himself in the local musical culture, eventually founding the legendary vocal group Trio de Ouro. His prolific career left a lasting mark on Brazilian popular music, with his songs being re-recorded by numerous artists across various musical styles.

Throughout his artistic journey, Martins collaborated and formed iconic partnerships, notably the duo Preto e Branco alongside Francisco Sena and later Nilo Chagas, as well as working closely with singer Dalva de Oliveira. His compositions captured the spirit of Brazilian life, blending samba and traditional marchas, and establishing deep connections with legendary institutions like the Estação Primeira de Mangueira. He also fathered the acclaimed singer Pery Ribeiro, continuing his musical legacy through his family.

Martins passed away in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, leaving behind a rich discography and a revered body of work. His contributions to the nation's cultural heritage remain celebrated through tributes by samba schools like Unidos da Ponte and persistent revivals of his classic recordings. His enduring influence solidifies his status as a cornerstone of traditional Brazilian composition and vocal group performance.