Paulinho da Viola

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Paul da Viola, Paulo César Batista de Faria

Years Active

1962

Genres

samba, choro, MPB

Instruments

guitar, cavaquinho, bandolim, vocals

Biography

Paulinho da Viola is one of the most revered figures in Brazilian popular music, celebrated for his sophisticated harmonies, gentle voice, and his vital role as a bridge between traditional samba and modern MPB. Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1942, he grew up surrounded by the rich sounds of choro and samba, eventually becoming a foundational pillar of the Portela samba school and helping to establish its traditional old guard. His early career blossomed in the vibrant cultural circles of Rio, where he collaborated with legendary figures such as Cartola, Hermínio Bello de Carvalho, and Elton Medeiros, before deciding to leave his banking job to dedicate himself fully to music.

Throughout a career spanning over five decades, Paulinho has released numerous acclaimed albums and established himself as a master composer of both samba and choro. Despite navigating the constraints of Brazil's military dictatorship—which famously censored one of his tracks and inspired his poignant festival winner "Sinal Fechado"—he remained a beloved cultural voice. His timeless compositions have been interpreted by iconic artists like Marisa Monte, Chico Buarque, and Beth Carvalho, cementing his enduring legacy as the "Prince of Samba."

Discography

• Paulinho da Viola e Elton Medeiros – Samba na Madrugada (1966)
• Paulinho da Viola (1968)
• Foi um Rio que Passou em Minha Vida (1970)
• Paulinho da Viola (1971)
• A Dança da Solidão (1972)
• Paulinho da Viola e o Conjunto a Voz do Morro – Roda de Samba (1973)
• Nervos de Aço (1973)
• Paulinho da Viola e o Conjunto a Voz do Morro – Roda de Samba Volume 2 (1974)
• Paulinho da Viola (1975)
• Memórias 1 Cantando (1976)
• Memórias 2 Chorando (1976)
• Paulinho da Viola (1978)
• Zumbido (1979)
• Paulinho da Viola (1981)
• A Toda Hora Rola uma Estoria (1982)
• Prisma Luminoso (1983)
• Radamés Gnattali, Tom Jobim, Paulinho da Viola, José Menezes, Chiquinho do Acordeão, Camerata Carioca, Brasil Quarteto – Projeto Almirante (1985)
• João Pedro Borges, Paulinho da Viola, Cesar Faria – Brasil Instrumental (1985)
• Eu Canto Samba (1989)
• Meus Momentos (1994)
• Bebadosamba (1996)
• Bebadachama - Gravado Ao Vivo (1997)
• Paulinho da Viola (Ao Vivo) (1997)
• Grandes mestres da MPB, Vol. 2 (1997)
• Toquinho e Paulinho da Viola – Sinal Aberto (1999)
• Sinal Aberto (Ao Vivo) (1999)
• Raizes Do Samba (1999)
• Bis (2000)
• Timoneiro (2002)
• 100 Anos de Musica (2002)
• Meu Tempo É Hoje (2003)
• Interprete (2005)
• Acústico MTV (2007)
• Argumento (2010)
• Sempre Se Pode Sonhar (Ao Vivo) (2020)
• Paulinho da Viola 80 anos (Ao Vivo) (2025)