Toninho

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Genres

samba, mpb

Instruments

cavaquinho, tenor guitar, vocals

Biography

Toninho, born in São Paulo, was a singer and tenor guitar player who dedicated over 40 years of his career to the vocal and instrumental group Demônios da Garoa. He learned to play the cavaquinho at the young age of six, showcasing an early aptitude for music. His involvement with Demônios da Garoa, a group formed in 1943, saw him perform on numerous radio stations, including Tupi, Record, Bandeirantes, and Nacional, and participate in the recording of over 60 albums released by the group.

His musical journey took a turn in 1994 when an accident caused ligament damage in his hand, preventing him from playing the guitar. Despite this setback, he continued his contribution to Demônios da Garoa solely as a singer. The group, a significant name in Brazilian popular music, maintained a strong presence through his dedication.

In late 2004, Toninho faced health issues that led him to retire from performing. His long tenure with Demônios da Garoa left a notable mark on the Brazilian music scene, particularly within the samba and traditional São Paulo musical styles that the group championed. His legacy is intertwined with the enduring sound of Demônios da Garoa.