Irmãos Tapajós

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years Active

1928–1942

Genres

samba, marcha, fox-canção, fox-blue, modinha, fox-trote

Instruments

vocals

Biography

The Irmãos Tapajós were an influential Brazilian vocal trio formed in 1927, consisting of the brothers Paulo, Haroldo, and Oswaldo Tapajós. The group's career began with performances at parties and gatherings, culminating in their debut on Rádio Sociedade do Rio de Janeiro in 1928. The original lineup was short-lived, as Oswaldo left the trio in 1932, continuing his musical career with his brother Paulo to form the duo "Irmãos Tapajós".

The duo Paulo and Haroldo Tapajós recorded their first album in 1932, a 78 rpm for Columbia, featuring the songs "Loura ou morena" and "Doce ilusão", both partnerships between Haroldo Tapajós and Vinicius de Moraes. Throughout the 1930s, they released several other records through the Odeon, Victor, and Columbia labels, establishing themselves as important names in Brazilian popular music of the era. The partnership with Vinicius de Moraes was significant, resulting in compositions that became classics.

Haroldo Tapajós ended his artistic activities in 1942, which marked the end of the "Irmãos Tapajós" duo. Paulo Tapajós, in turn, pursued a solo career, working as a singer, composer, producer, and radio broadcaster, in addition to serving as the artistic director for major radio stations. The Tapajós family maintained their strong connection to music, with children and grandchildren pursuing artistic careers, such as Paulinho Tapajós and Maurício Tapajós.