Jorge Faraj

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years Active

1920–1963

Genres

samba-canção, valsa, frevo

Biography

Jorge Vidal Faraj was a Brazilian composer, journalist, and lyricist, born in Rio de Janeiro on July 9, 1901, and died in the same city on June 14, 1963. The son of Lebanese immigrants, he began his professional career at age 14, working in several professions before dedicating himself to writing and music. His career path includes founding a newspaper in the Botafogo neighborhood, military service in Mato Grosso, where he directed the Diário do Estado, and a brief theatrical experience with the play "Bom-bocado".

His musical career gained prominence starting in 1934, when he met the composer and flutist Benedito Lacerda. From this partnership emerged several successful songs, such as "O telefone do amor", "Ísis", and "Cara Bem Boa". Faraj also collaborated with other important names in Brazilian music, such as Roberto Martins, Newton Teixeira, Ataulfo Alves, and Moreira da Silva, composing lyrics for samba-canção, waltzes, and frevos.

Among his best-known compositions are "Lela", "Menos eu", "Apenas tu", "A Deusa da Minha Rua" (with Newton Teixeira), "Mil Corações" (with Ataulfo Alves), and "Judia Rara" (with Moreira da Silva). His works were recorded by renowned artists such as Sílvio Caldas, Jaime Vogeler, Francisco Alves, Carlos Galhardo, Orlando Silva, and Aracy de Almeida, consolidating Jorge Faraj as an important lyricist and composer of Brazilian popular music.