Maurico

Origin

Jataí, GO

Also known as

Orlando Gonçalves de Assis

Years Active

1962–2021

Genres

sertanejo

Instruments

vocals, guitar

Biography

Orlando Gonçalves de Assis, known artistically as Maurico, was a Brazilian singer and composer, born in 1936 in Jataí, Goiás. He was a key member of the pioneering sertanejo trio "Os Filhos de Goiás," formed in 1962 alongside his brother Orenci Gonçalves de Assis (Maurozinho) and accordionist Ivone Ferreira Dias (Voninho). Maurico was the primary songwriter for the group, credited with over a hundred compositions that defined the trio's sound and contributed significantly to Brazilian country music.

Os Filhos de Goiás gained prominence throughout the 1960s and 1970s, releasing numerous LPs and achieving considerable success. Maurico's lyrical and melodic contributions were central to their work, with songs like "Amor Distante" being notably covered by major artists such as Eduardo Costa and Chitãozinho & Xororó. His prolific songwriting cemented his legacy as a vital figure in the sertanejo genre.

Maurico passed away on April 1, 2021, at the age of 85, due to COVID-19 in his hometown of Jataí, Goiás. His death marked the end of an era for "Os Filhos de Goiás" and left a void in the Brazilian music landscape, though his extensive catalog of songs continues to be celebrated and performed.