Príncipe Pretinho

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

José Luís da Costa

Years Active

1932–1947

Genres

samba, marcha, samba-canção, macumba

Biography

José Luís da Costa, better known by his stage name Príncipe Pretinho, was a notable Brazilian composer, born in Rio de Janeiro. His career flourished in the Rio de Janeiro urban popular music scene, leaving a legacy of compositions that marked an era. He is recognized for having been one of those responsible for boosting the careers of other artists, such as the composer and singer Herivelto Martins, whom he introduced to J. B. de Carvalho.

Príncipe Pretinho had a prolific partnership with several important names in Brazilian music, including Herivelto Martins, Peterpan, Henricão, and Geraldo Pereira. His works were recorded by great performers of the time, such as Dalva de Oliveira, Francisco Alves, Isaura Garcia, Nelson Gonçalves, Jorge Veiga, and Trio de Ouro, which demonstrates the breadth and reach of his work.

Among his best-known compositions are "A Vitória é Nossa", "Adivinhação", "Alodê", "Atchim", "Bate Palmas", "Bela e Formosa", "Bela Morena", "Bumba... Bumba", and "Cai no Samba". His first recorded recording dates back to 1932, with the march "Me dá, me dá", released by the Tupi ensemble. Príncipe Pretinho passed away in 1946, but his work continues to be remembered and revered in the Brazilian popular songbook.