Nelson Coelho de Castro

Origin

Porto Alegre, RS

Also known as

Nelson Coelho Castro

Years Active

1974

Genres

MPB, regional gaúcho, independent music

Instruments

vocals, classical guitar, acoustic guitar

Biography

Nelson Coelho de Castro is a distinguished Brazilian singer, songwriter, and producer hailing from Porto Alegre. He began his musical journey in a boys' choir during the 1960s and later refined his skills by studying guitar with Ivaldo Roque. By the late 1970s, while earning a degree in journalism, he emerged as a vital figure in the Porto Alegre cultural scene, notably participating in "rodas de som" hosted by Carlinhos Hartlieb.

His career is marked by pioneering independent music production in southern Brazil. Between 1980 and 1981, he released "Juntos," considered a landmark for the independent scene in Rio Grande do Sul. He gained wider recognition with the 1983 hit "Vim Vadiá" and his tribute performances to legendary samba composer Lupicínio Rodrigues. Throughout his career, he has been a consistent recipient of the Prêmio Açorianos, celebrating his contributions to theater soundtracks and MPB.

Coelho de Castro is also known for his collaborative spirit, forming the collective group "Juntos" alongside other prominent regional artists such as Bebeto Alves, Gelson Oliveira, and Totonho Villeroy. Together, they toured Europe and performed at major events like the World Social Forum. His discography reflects a deep commitment to the "gaúcho" musical identity, blending regional sensibilities with a broader Brazilian popular music framework.

Discography

• Juntos (1981)
• Nelson Coelho de Castro (1983)
• Força D'Água (1985)
• Verniz da Madrugada (1997)
• Nelson Coelho de Castro * Bebeto Alves * Totonho Villeroy * Gelson Oliveira – Juntos Ao Vivo (1998)
• Nelson Coelho de Castro, Bebeto Alves, Gelson Oliveira, Totonho Villeroy – Juntos < 2 - Povoado das Águas (2001)
• Da Pessoa (2001)
• Lua Caiada (2009)
• Umbigos Modernos (2021)
• A Arte Do Encontro (Live) (2026)
• Orquestra de Câmara da ULBRA & Nelson Coelho de Castro e Antonio Villeroy