J. B. de Carvalho

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

João Paulo Batista de Carvalho

Years Active

1931–1979

Genres

samba, marchinha, batucada, jongo, corimá, ponto de macumba, religious music, umbanda music

Instruments

voice, pandeiro

Biography

João Paulo Batista de Carvalho, better known as J. B. de Carvalho, was a Brazilian singer and songwriter who became famous as "O Batuqueiro Famoso" (The Famous Batuqueiro). Born in Rio de Janeiro on December 24, 1901, he began his artistic career in 1931, leading Conjunto Tupi on the now-defunct Rádio Cajuti. With this ensemble, he performed corimás and pontos de macumba, music linked to Afro-Brazilian rituals, pioneering the presentation of these genres in radio programs and record recordings. His artistic career lasted until his death on August 24, 1979.

Throughout his career, J. B. de Carvalho faced prejudice and police persecution due to the nature of his music, being arrested several times. He attributed his release to a supposed friendship with then-president Getúlio Vargas. Despite the obstacles, his work gained prominence, especially with the batuque "Cadê Viramundo", which became one of his biggest hits as a songwriter and was recorded by artists such as Xavier Cugat. Carvalho also composed and recorded sambas, marchinhas, and jongos, exploring the rich diversity of Brazilian popular music.

In addition to his solo career, J. B. de Carvalho directed Conjunto Tupi for many years, which featured important names in Brazilian music, such as Herivelto Martins. After a period away from radio in the late 1960s, he returned in 1971 with the program "A Carioca dos Terreiros" on Rádio Carioca, which achieved a large audience. His work, which includes dozens of records, many of them focused on umbanda chants and sold in specialized stores, solidified his legacy as one of the most expressive artists of Umbanda music and an important promoter of Afro-Brazilian culture.

Discography

• Melodias da Umbanda – Gente do Terreiro (1960)
• Batuque (1961)
• Umbanda (1964)
• Xangô Dzakutá (1968)
• Oxóssi Pena Branca (1969)
• Na Onda Jovem (1969)
• Natal e Festas de Umbanda (1969)
• Macumba, Canjerê, Candomblé (1970)
• J.B de Carvalho Apresenta : São Jorge o Rei do Terreiro (1970)
• Festa No Terreiro (1970)
• Jesus Cristo (1971)
• Apresenta: Seu 7 É Quem Manda (1972)
• J. B. de Carvalho (1972)
• Apresenta Seu Abaluaiê (1973)
• E Parrei Iansã (1974)
• Mensagem (1975)
• Eu Vi Chover Oxossi (1977)
• Terreiros e Atabaques - Capitão da Mata (1981)
• Terreiros e Atabaques