Mirabeau

Origin

Alegre, ES

Years active

1940–1991

Genres

samba-canção, marchinha, mpb

Instruments

drums

Biography

Mirabeau Pinheiro Filho was born in Alegre, Espírito Santo, in 1924, and later moved to Niterói at a young age. Influenced by his musician father, he became a self-taught drummer and a prolific composer, performing in local clubs and venues like the extinct Cassino Icaraí. In addition to his musical pursuits, he spent time working as a tailor and even led a combat group during World War II.

Throughout the 1950s, Mirabeau achieved major success in Brazilian popular music and Carnival culture, establishing a fruitful partnership with singer Carmen Costa. He composed numerous hits that defined the era, including the famous march "Cachaça," "Tem nego bebo aí," and "Turma do funil," alongside collaborators such as Milton de Oliveira and Héber Lobato. His work also crossed paths with legendary interpreters like Ângela Maria, Elis Regina, and Gal Costa, who recorded his classic composition "Fala, Mangueira."

His musical reach extended beyond Brazil, with his compositions being recorded in countries such as France, Japan, and Belgium. He maintained a strong connection to his community and samba schools, notably the Unidos do Viradouro and Corações Unidos in Niterói. Mirabeau passed away in 1991 at his home in Niterói, leaving behind a lasting legacy in samba-canção and Carnival marches.