Turunas Pernambucanos

Origin

Recife, PE

Years Active

1920–1924

Genres

MPB, samba, embolada, coco

Instruments

violão, saxofone, cavaquinho, ganzá

Biography

O Turunas Pernambucanos was a vocal and instrumental ensemble founded in the city of Recife, in Pernambuco, in 1920. The group, which had a short yet remarkable trajectory, was a pioneer in presenting a sound that blended regional elements with innovative instrumental arrangements for the time.

Among the most notable members of O Turunas Pernambucanos were José Luis Rodrigues Calazans, known as Jararaca, and Severino Rangel de Carvalho, known as Ratinho. Both would go on to become one of the most famous sertanejo duos in Brazil. The experience in O Turunas Pernambucanos was fundamental for the artistic development of Jararaca and Ratinho, where they were able to hone their vocal and instrumental skills, in addition to experimenting with diverse musical genres.

The ensemble achieved great repercussion in Rio de Janeiro, where they moved and performed in various venues, receiving praise and invitations. Their music influenced other artists and groups of the time, such as Bando de Tangarás, which featured names like Noel Rosa. Despite having disbanded in 1924, the legacy of O Turunas Pernambucanos endures as an important milestone in the history of Brazilian popular music, especially for having been the embryo of the future duo Jararaca and Ratinho.