Jararaca e Ratinho

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years active

1927–1972

Genres

sertanejo, carnival march, choro, embolada, coco, baião

Instruments

guitar, saxophone, clarinet

Biography

Jararaca e Ratinho was a musical duo formed by José Luiz Rodrigues Calazans (Jararaca) and Severino Rangel de Carvalho (Ratinho). Both were born in 1896, Jararaca in Maceió (AL) and Ratinho in Itabaiana (PB). The duo was formed in 1927 in Rio de Janeiro, after both had been members of the folkloric group Turunas Pernambucanos. They innovated by adapting the format of the southern rural duo to northeastern music and humor, characterizing the Brazilian country bumpkin.

Based in Rio de Janeiro, Jararaca (guitar and vocals) and Ratinho (saxophone and clarinet) performed with challenges, cocos, emboladas, choros, marches, and waltzes. Their humor, originating from the circus and strongly based on improvisation, became established on radio and television. The duo achieved great success between the 1930s and 1940s, especially on Rádio Nacional, where they had their own program. They also acted in film, debuting in 1930 with "Coisas Nossas".

The career of Jararaca e Ratinho coincided with the "golden age" of radio in Brazil. Despite their success, the duo faced difficulties, especially after the 1964 military coup, which led to the dismissal of many professionals from Rádio Nacional. The duo broke up in 1972 with the death of Ratinho. Jararaca continued his artistic career on radio and television until his passing in 1977. The work of Jararaca e Ratinho is a milestone in Brazilian popular music, influencing later comedians and musicians.