Ismael Neto

Origin

Belém, PA

Also known as

Ismael Netto

Years Active

1940–1956

Genres

MPB, bossa nova

Instruments

guitar, vocals

Biography

Ismael de Araújo Silva Netto was born in Belém on December 7, 1925, later establishing himself in the history of Brazilian music as a guitarist, singer, arranger, and composer. During his youth, he studied at Colégio Pedro II, where he formed bonds with future partners and artistic colleagues, among them Severino Filho and Emmanoel Furtado, known as Badeco. This school and musical environment was fundamental for him to conceive and create the renowned vocal group Os Cariocas, a formation that achieved immense popularity and played a prominent role in the bossa nova scene.

Throughout his career, Ismael stood out for writing important works that became part of the classical repertoire of MPB. Among his most memorable creations is the song Valsa de uma cidade, composed in partnership with Antônio Maria as a vibrant tribute to Rio de Janeiro, in addition to the composition O último beijo, made alongside Nestor de Holanda. His talent in leading Os Cariocas consolidated the group as one of the country's most important vocal references in the first half of the twentieth century.

His untimely departure occurred in Rio de Janeiro on January 31, 1956, at the age of thirty. After his passing, the artist's legacy in the ensemble Os Cariocas continued in a unique way when his sister, Hortênsia Silva, took his place in the group, perpetuating his presence in Brazilian musical history alongside fundamental names of our culture.