Rildo Hora

Origin

Caruaru, PE

Years active

1950

Genres

samba, choro, mpb, latin jazz

Instruments

harmonica, acoustic guitar, cavaquinho

Biography

Rildo Alexandre Barreto da Hora, born in Caruaru on April 20, 1939, is a prominent Brazilian harmonica player, acoustic guitarist, singer, composer, arranger, conductor, and music producer. He moved to Rio de Janeiro in his childhood, settling in Madureira, where he had early contact with traditional samba and great masters of Portela such as Candeia and Manacéa. A self-taught harmonica player, he deepened his musical studies with conductor Guerra Peixe and stood out from a young age on Rio's stages and radio stations.

Throughout his multifaceted career, Rildo Hora established himself as one of the greatest producers of Brazilian music, signing fundamental records for artists such as Martinho da Vila, João Bosco, and Clara Nunes. As an instrumentalist and composer, he moved fluidly between choro, samba, and bossa nova, collaborating with renowned names like Elizete Cardoso, Luiz Melodia, and Sivuca. His versatility also led him to venture into concert music, interpreting works by Villa-Lobos and Guerra Peixe himself.

Internationally recognized, his album "Espraiado" was highlighted by American critics among the best Latin jazz records. In addition to his vast original discography, Rildo continued to exert a strong influence on the national recording industry, producing works that rescue and value the roots of Brazilian popular music.