Irmãs Castro

Origin

Itapeva, SP

Years active

1938–2019

Genres

sertanejo, música caipira

Biography

The Irmãs Castro, comprised of sisters Maria de Jesus Castro (1926–2019) and Lourdes Amaral Castro (1928–2011), were a pioneering duo in Brazilian sertanejo music. Their career began in 1938 after winning a talent contest in Bauru, São Paulo. Initially singing in English, they were discovered by composer Nhô Pai, who recognized their vocal talent and began teaching them the sertanejo genre.

In the early 1940s, the sisters moved to Rio de Janeiro to pursue their musical careers, performing on major radio stations. They recorded their first album in 1944, but their breakthrough came in 1945 with the recording of "Beijinho Doce," a composition by Nhô Pai. This song became a massive hit and a classic of Brazilian sertanejo music, propelling the Irmãs Castro to national stardom.

Throughout their career, the Irmãs Castro recorded numerous songs, including "Orgulhoso" and "Ciriema," and were known for their perfect vocal harmonies. They also ventured into singing Paraguayan and Mexican songs, adapting them into Portuguese. Their influence paved the way for future generations of female sertanejo artists in Brazil, solidifying their legacy as trailblazers in the genre.