Piraci

Origin

Piracicaba, SP

Also known as

Miguel Lopes Rodrigues, Piracicabano

Years Active

1937–1974

Genres

sertanejo, música caipira, humorismo

Instruments

voz, viola

Biography

Miguel Lopes Rodrigues, known as Piraci, was a Brazilian composer, singer, and humorist born in Piracicaba, São Paulo, in 1917. He began his artistic career in 1937, forming the duo Irmãos Piracicabanos with his brother Santiago Lopes. The duo performed various shows that included humor and country music.

In 1941, Piraci partnered with Palmeira, forming the influential sertaneja duo Palmeira & Piraci. They gained significant popularity in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, performing on major radio stations and entertainment venues. Piraci's pseudonym was shortened from Piracicabano to Piraci during this period. The duo recorded several songs, including "Salada Internacional" and "O Mundo Daqui a Cem Anos." They were also instrumental in launching other artists, such as the duo Tonico e Tinoco.

After the separation of Palmeira & Piraci in 1945, Piraci continued his career, focusing more on humor and touring Brazil with accordionist Mário Zan. He also collaborated with other artists, composing songs like "Casando Fugido" with Antônio Pires de Toledo and "Teu Desprezo" with Nizio. Piraci's work contributed significantly to the sertaneja and caipira music genres in Brazil. He passed away in Caieiras, São Paulo, in 1974.

Discography

• Eu Sou o Piraci, o Rei dos Trocadilhos (1963)