Rubens Soares

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years active

1928–1975

Genres

samba, carnival music

Biography

Rubens Soares was a Brazilian composer and boxer, born in Rio de Janeiro on May 29, 1911. Before dedicating himself to music, Soares had a notable career as a middleweight boxer between 1928 and 1945, even winning championships and earning the nickname "Mão de Gato" (Cat's Hand) for his skillful fighting. After his boxing matches, he would often gather with friends, where his passion for composing sambas, particularly for Carnival, flourished.

His musical career gained significant traction in 1936 with the samba "É bom parar," a composition that, according to some accounts, was co-written with the legendary Noel Rosa, though Rosa was not officially credited on the record. This song was recorded by Francisco Alves and won first prize at the official Carnival music competition in Rio de Janeiro. Soares's talent was recognized as his compositions were later recorded by a diverse range of artists, including Aracy de Almeida, Nelson Gonçalves, Sílvio Caldas, Déo, and Carlos Galhardo, solidifying his place in Brazilian popular music.

Throughout his career, Rubens Soares collaborated with various artists and contributed to the rich tapestry of Brazilian samba and Carnival music. His work continued to be recognized and recorded, with notable songs like "Nasci para o samba" (with David Nasser) being recorded by Nelson Gonçalves in 1956. Soares passed away in Rio de Janeiro on June 13, 1998, leaving behind a legacy as a versatile artist who successfully bridged the worlds of sports and music.