Nenete e Dorinho

Origin

Pirassununga, SP

Years active

1954–1977

Genres

sertanejo, música caipira

Instruments

voz, violão, cavaquinho, acordeão

Biography

Nenete e Dorinho was an iconic Brazilian country duo formed in 1954, which became one of the pillars of traditional Brazilian "caipira" music. The duo consisted of Waldemar Castellar de Franceschi (Nenete) and Isidoro Cunha (Dorinho). Nenete, born in Santa Adélia, SP, in 1919, and Dorinho, born in Bernardino de Campos, SP, in 1933, began their artistic careers independently, with Nenete performing in various formations and Dorinho being part of Trio Bernardinense and the duo Doro e Dorinho.

The encounter that sealed the duo's destiny took place in 1954, during the Violeiros Contest of São Paulo's 4th Centenary, where Nenete, who was on the jury, was so impressed by Dorinho's voice that he invited him to form a partnership. The following year, in 1955, the duo recorded their first album with RCA Victor, featuring songs such as "O Milagre das Rosas" and "Toca Sino". The collaboration with accordionist Nardelli, who joined them to form the "Golden Trio of Brazilian Radio", was a milestone in their careers, revolutionizing sertanejo music with new harmonies and rhythms. The trio performed for 20 years, from 1957 to 1977, and was considered the most awarded in Brazil, receiving the Roquete Pinto Trophy.

Throughout their career, Nenete and Dorinho recorded over 400 songs, many of their own authorship, and released countless records, including 60 78 rpm records, 25 LPs, and several CDs. Nenete also worked as a music producer at RCA Victor, supervising artists such as Léo Canhoto e Robertinho and Belmonte e Amaraí. The duo ended their activities in 1977, but their legacy in roots sertanejo music is immeasurable, influencing generations of artists and keeping the tradition of caipira music alive.