Paulo Simões

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years active

1970

Genres

mpb, música regional

Instruments

violão, cantor

Biography

Paulo Simões was born in Rio de Janeiro on February 12, 1953, but grew up in Campo Grande, in what was then the state of Mato Grosso (today Mato Grosso do Sul). It was in the capital of Mato Grosso do Sul that he began his artistic career, participating in festivals and building lasting partnerships with fundamental names of the local scene, such as the Espíndola brothers. A graduate in social communication in Rio de Janeiro, in 1975 he composed, alongside Geraldo Roca, the renowned song "Trem do Pantanal", before returning definitively to Campo Grande to dedicate himself to music.

Throughout his career, he established himself as one of the great composers of Brazilian regional music, having his works recorded by several prominent national interpreters, such as Almir Sater, Sérgio Reis, Maria Bethânia, Renato Teixeira, and Chitãozinho & Xororó. In 1992, he released his first solo album, "Paulo Simões & o Expresso Arrasta-Pé Volume I", which helped project the sound of Mato Grosso do Sul nationally. Years later, he joined the group Chalana de Prata, further strengthening the dissemination of border and Pantanal culture.

Paulo Simões' work also gained strong projection in soundtracks for high-ratings soap operas and television programs, highlighting classics like "O Rei do Gado" and the two versions of the soap opera "Pantanal". The body of his musical production has been honored at events such as the Vale do Paraíba Art Festival, immortalizing his contribution to the appreciation of regional elements in MPB.