Tuco Pellegrino

Origin

Atibaia, SP

Also known as

Fernando Pellegrino Rodrigues Luzirão

Years active

1995

Genres

samba

Instruments

cavaquinho, voice

Biography

Fernando Pellegrino Rodrigues Luzirão, artistically known as Tuco Pellegrino, is a Brazilian musician, singer, and cavaquinho player born in Atibaia, São Paulo, on April 28, 1979. His musical journey is deeply connected to samba and the preservation of tradition, especially the sambas of the Velha Guarda (Old Guard) of Rio de Janeiro's samba schools. Tuco is one of the founders of the Grêmio Recreativo de Tradição e Pesquisa Morro das Pedras and the group Terreiro Grande, where he worked as a singer and cavaquinho player. His passion for samba was sparked when he listened to the album "Passado de Glória" (1970), by the Velha Guarda da Portela, produced by Paulinho da Viola.

Throughout his career, Tuco Pellegrino has established himself as an important exponent of the new generation of samba, forming partnerships with legends of the genre such as Monarco da Portela, Nelson Sargento, and Waldir 59. He is a member of the composer's wing of the Portela Samba School, dedicating himself to preserving the essence of traditional samba. His work has been recognized on several TV music programs, such as "Altas Horas", "Senhor Brasil", and "Ensaio".

Tuco Pellegrino has released albums such as "Peso é Peso" (2010), recorded live with the group Batalhão de Sambistas and featuring participations by Monarco, Nelson Sargento, and Cristina Buarque, and "Na Contramão do Progresso" (2016). His shows frequently trace a timeline of samba, from classics like "Pelo Telefone" to original songs that address daily life, always maintaining the melody and poetry characteristic of roots samba. He is admired for his ability to transition between traditional samba and contemporary compositions, honoring the masters who inspired him.