Pery Souza

Origin

Jaguarão, RS

Years active

1975–1996

Genres

MPB, regional gaúcho, folk rock

Instruments

acoustic guitar, vocals

Biography

Pery Souza was an influential singer, songwriter, and acoustic guitarist from the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul. Born in Jaguarão, he played a vital role in the modernization of regional music, blending traditional gaúcho elements with pop and rock sensibilities. He first gained national prominence in the 1970s as a founding member of the group Almôndegas, a band that featured his cousins Kleiton and Kledir Ramil. The group was instrumental in establishing a unique southern identity within the broader context of Brazilian Popular Music (MPB).

In the 1980s, Pery launched a solo career, moving to Rio de Janeiro to record his first self-titled album. This period of his career was marked by sophisticated collaborations with artists such as accordionist Luiz Carlos Borges and flautist Pedrinho Figueiredo. His composition "Pampa de Luz" became one of his most enduring legacies, winning awards at the Musicanto festival and being recorded by major acts like Kleiton & Kledir. Over the decades, Pery Souza remained a dedicated artist whose work navigated the delicate balance between the rural imagery of the pampas and urban musical arrangements. He passed away in 2024 in Porto Alegre after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.