Nono Camargo

Origin

Niterói, RJ

Years Active

1920s–1954

Genres

samba, choro, instrumental music

Instruments

piano

Biography

Nono Camargo, born in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, on February 7, 1901, was a prominent pianist and composer in Brazilian popular music, especially from the 1920s to the 1950s. Despite having no formal musical training, his talent for the piano manifested early on, and by age nine he was already performing in clubs. His career was marked by versatility, moving between samba, choro, and instrumental music.

Throughout his career, Nono Camargo was a member of important musical ensembles, such as the Brunswick Orchestra and the Copacabana Orchestra. He accompanied renowned artists of his era, such as Francisco Alves, Mário Reis, Silvio Caldas, and Noel Rosa, performing in theaters and high-audience radio programs, like Programa Casé on Rádio Philips. His skill at the piano earned him the nickname "The Chopin of samba", given by radio broadcaster César Ladeira, in recognition of his striking interpretations.

Nono Camargo also left his mark as a composer, with notable works such as the choro "Uma Farra em Campo Grande" and the samba "Vitória", the latter in partnership with Noel Rosa. His influence extended across various branches of Brazilian music, contributing to the richness and diversity of the national songbook. He passed away on November 13, 1954, leaving an important legacy for the history of MPB.