Ventura Ramirez

Origin

Mombuca, SP

Years active

1950s–2016

Genres

choro, samba, seresta

Instruments

guitar, 7-string guitar, vocals

Biography

Ventura Ramirez was a renowned Brazilian singer, composer, and acoustic guitarist born in Mombuca. He began his musical journey in the late 1950s after appearing as a newcomer on Hebe Camargo's radio show, which led to a five-year contract with Rádio Nacional. Throughout his extensive career, he became a prominent figure in the choro and seresta scenes, collaborating with legendary artists such as Jacob do Bandolim, Waldir Azevedo, Altamiro Carrilho, Cartola, and Luiz Gonzaga.

In the early 1960s, Ramirez joined the famous group Demônios da Garoa, where he played for over four decades until 2005. He is credited with introducing the 7-string acoustic guitar to the group, a pioneering move that became one of their trademark sounds and cemented his legacy on the instrument. Alongside his work with Demônios da Garoa, he performed with Carlos Poyares's choro ensemble and frequently accompanied iconic singer Nelson Gonçalves, whose vocal style and robust timbre shared similarities with Ramirez's own voice.

Over a career spanning more than fifty years, Ramirez earned numerous accolades, including the Roquete Pinto Revelation of the Year award presented by Silvio Santos, multiple trophies from Chacrinha, and recognition from the São Paulo Secretariat of Culture. As a versatile musician, he released several solo recordings—including an instrumental 7-string guitar album and a tribute to Nelson Gonçalves—and worked as a composer and arranger for various national acts, leaving an enduring mark on traditional Brazilian popular music.