Mario Maranhão

Origin

São Luís, MA

Also known as

Mário Lúcio Rodrigues dos Santos

Years Active

1968–1996

Genres

sertanejo, MPB, popular music

Biography

Mário Lúcio Rodrigues dos Santos, known as Mário Maranhão, was a Brazilian composer and producer born in São Luís, Maranhão, on June 18, 1950. He passed away in São Paulo on April 13, 1996, at the age of 45 due to a car accident. Maranhão's father, a classical violinist, instilled in him an early appreciation for music. He began his artistic journey in 1968, participating in student festivals in Brasília. By 1974, he had settled in São Paulo, where he also worked for the Aeronáutica.

His professional career in music took off in 1976, collaborating with artists like Antônio Marcos and Zé Geraldo. Maranhão became widely recognized for his songwriting, particularly for his collaborations with singer Jessé. Together, they created hits such as "Voa Liberdade," "Solidão de Amigo," "Livro Aberto," and "Campo Minado." He penned over 400 songs, which were recorded by a diverse range of Brazilian artists, including Ângela Maria, Sérgio Reis, Roberta Miranda, Zezé Di Camargo & Luciano, and Gian & Giovani.

Mário Maranhão's compositions also found a place in the sertanejo genre, with his songs being recorded by popular duos and artists like João Mineiro & Marciano, Matogrosso & Mathias, and Leandro & Leonardo. One of his notable works, "Vaqueiro de Profissão," co-written with Iranfe Maciel, was featured on the soundtrack of the Rede Globo telenovela "O Rei do Gado." His prolific career left a significant mark on Brazilian popular and romantic sertanejo music.