João Mulato e Douradinho

Origin

Passos, MG

Years Active

1974–2020

Genres

traditional sertanejo, moda de viola, caipira music

Instruments

ten-string guitar, voice

Biography

João Mulato e Douradinho was an influential traditional country music duo, formed in São Paulo in 1974. The stage name João Mulato belonged to Wilson Leôncio de Melo, born in Passos (Minas Gerais) on October 25, 1950, who moved to Araçatuba (São Paulo) as a child. The duo gained national notoriety and is considered an icon of traditional country music, releasing several albums and reissues throughout their career. João Mulato was recognized for his voice and style of playing the ten-string guitar, and was frequently compared to Tião Carreiro.

The duo's original lineup featured the ten-string guitar player Bambico (Domingos Miguel dos Santos), born on June 22, 1944, in Taciba (São Paulo). With Bambico, João Mulato recorded two LPs: "Saudade de um Amor Passado" and "Meu Reino Encantado". Following Bambico's passing in 1982, João Mulato formed a duo with several other partners who also adopted the stage name "Douradinho", keeping the duo's name. It is estimated that more than 8 different musicians sang alongside João Mulato under the name "Douradinho".

Throughout his career, João Mulato also formed duos with other renowned artists, such as Pardinho (with whom he recorded from 1990 to 1997 as "João Mulato e Pardinho") and João Carvalho. In 2007, the duo João Mulato e Douradinho was awarded at the 18th Brazilian Music Award in the regional category. João Mulato passed away on April 20, 2020, a victim of liver cancer, leaving an important legacy for Brazilian country music.

Discography

• Meu Reino Encantado Vol. 2 (1981)
• O Imã do Amor (1986)
• João Mulato e Douradinho (1989)
• Ao Mestre com Carinho… Cadeira Vazia (1998)
• Fera Ferida (2004)
• Clássicos da Moda de Viola (2012)
• Jornal Redondo (2021)
• Violeiro sem Viola (2021)
• Moda de Viola (2023)
• Vida de Pirangueiro (2024)
• Sertanejo Clássico Raiz (2025)