Nestor e Nestorzinho

Origin

Birigui, SP

Years Active

1950

Genres

sertaneja, música caipira, pagode

Instruments

viola caipira, violão

Biography

Nestor e Nestorzinho, whose real names are Antônio Francisco (Nestor) and Arlindo Francisco (Nestorzinho), are a Brazilian sertaneja duo formed by brothers from Birigui, São Paulo. They began their musical journey in 1950 as "Tonico e Arlindo," performing at Rádio Clube de Birigui. In the early 1960s, Antônio moved to São Paulo seeking greater opportunities, where he worked as a janitor and frequented the radio show "Crepúsculo Sertanejo." It was there he met composer Nízio, and together they formed the duo "Nízio e Nestor," releasing their first record in 1964. Tragically, Nízio passed away in 1966, leading Antônio to reunite with his brother Arlindo in 1967, forming the iconic "Nestor e Nestorzinho."

Over their career, which spanned more than a decade, Nestor e Nestorzinho recorded over 30 albums, achieving significant success with their pagode "O Calhambeque de Nestor e Nestorzinho," a parody of Roberto and Erasmo Carlos's hit. They released music under labels like Japoti and Beverly, with notable albums including "Pintando o Sete." Their music is deeply rooted in the traditional sertaneja style, often characterized by heartfelt lyrics and skillful instrumentation.

Nestor, particularly, became renowned as "O Violeiro Mais Sertanejo do Brasil" (The Most Sertaneja Fiddler in Brazil) for his exceptional talent with the viola caipira. Beyond performing, he dedicated himself to preserving and teaching this traditional instrument by founding a viola school in the 1990s, which attracted over 80 students. He also released several instrumental albums showcasing his mastery of the viola, solidifying his legacy as a guardian of Brazilian folk music.

Discography

• Saudade do Meu Sertão (1969)
• Nestor e Nestorzinho (1972)
• Relógio Quebrado (1974)
• Lua Cor de Ouro (1977)
• Fuscão Preto (1983)
• Brazilian Roots: Sertanejo Raiz Vol. 3 (2013)
• Brazilian Roots: Sertanejo Raiz Vol. 8 (2013)
• Brazilian Roots: Sertanejo Raiz Vol. 9 (2013)