Lourival Faissal

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years active

1940s–1970s

Genres

bolero, samba-canção, marcha, rumba, mambo, fox-samba, guarânia, ragtime

Biography

Lourival Faissal was a prolific composer, radio broadcaster, and the acclaimed "King of Versions" of Brazilian popular music. Born in Rio de Janeiro on November 17, 1922, Faissal built a remarkable career, especially for his ability to adapt foreign songs into Portuguese, turning them into hits in Brazil. His work as a radio broadcaster, with stints at Rádio Nacional, where he also headed the Sound Effects Department, brought him even closer to the musical universe and the public.

As a composer, Faissal had more than one hundred works recorded by great names in Brazilian music, such as Ângela Maria, Luiz Gonzaga, Emilinha Borba, Orlando Silva, Dalva de Oliveira, and Elizeth Cardoso. Among his greatest songwriting and collaborative hits are "Quero Beijar-te as Mãos", "Mentindo", "Covarde", and "Estava Escrito". His ability to create catchy versions ensured the popularity of countless international songs in the Brazilian music scene.

Lourival Faissal passed away on September 21, 1979, at the age of 56, as the victim of a heart attack. His vast body of work, which spans both original compositions and masterful versions, left a significant legacy in MPB, consolidating him as one of the great names in Brazilian music, especially in the genre of bolero and popular song.