Sinhô

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

José Barbosa da Silva

Years Active

1911

Genres

samba, choro

Instruments

piano, acoustic guitar

Biography

José Barbosa da Silva, historically known as Sinhô, was born in Rio de Janeiro and established himself as one of the greatest composers of Brazilian popular music in the 1920s. Initially encouraged to play the flute, he found his true musical vocation in the piano and the guitar, becoming a professional pianist around 1911 and frequenting the iconic samba gatherings at Tia Ciata's house.

His career was marked by a strong polemical and satirical spirit, involving famous historical disputes, such as the controversy surrounding the authorship of the samba "Pelo Telefone" alongside figures like Donga and Pixinguinha. He earned the title of "The King of Samba" in 1927 and exerted a strong influence as the musical godfather of great interpreters, standing out as the mentor and teacher of Mário Reis, who immortalized hits like "Jura" and "Gosto Que Me Enrosco".

Sinhô tragically passed away in 1930, leaving an indelible legacy for the consolidation of Rio's samba and the national popular songbook. His work continued to be celebrated by later generations of artists and researchers of Brazilian culture, perpetuating his importance in the genesis of the genre.

Discography

• Various, Sinhô – Alivia Estes Teus Olhos Vol.2