Solimões

Origin

Claraval, MG

Also known as

Luiz Felizardo

Genres

sertanejo, arrasta-country, country

Instruments

vocals

Biography

Solimões is the stage name of Luiz Felizardo, a renowned Brazilian singer best known as one-half of the highly successful sertanejo duo Rionegro & Solimões. Born in Claraval, Minas Gerais, he moved with his family to Franca, São Paulo, where he worked in a shoe factory before pursuing a full-time career in music alongside his partner Rionegro. Inspired by traditional duos like Tonico & Tinoco and Milionário & José Rico, as well as American country artists, Solimões helped forge a unique musical style characterized by energetic romantic tracks and upbeat "arrasta-country" rhythms.

After years of participating in regional music festivals and releasing independent tapes, the duo achieved mainstream breakthrough success in the late 1990s with hit songs such as "Peão Apaixonado" and "De São Paulo a Belém". Throughout their decades-long career, Solimões and Rionegro have accumulated numerous gold, platinum, and diamond records, drawing massive crowds to stadium tours across Brazil. Their innovative blend of traditional viola caipira sounds with upbeat pop and country elements has cemented their legacy as icons of contemporary Brazilian country music.