Waldir Calmon

Origin

Rio Novo, MG

Years Active

1941–1982

Genres

samba, bolero, mambo, instrumental

Instruments

piano, solovox, synthesizer

Biography

Waldir Calmon Gomes was a prestigious Brazilian pianist and composer, born in Rio Novo on January 30, 1919, and passed away in Rio de Janeiro on April 11, 1982. He stood out enormously in the 1950s by introducing pioneering innovations in dance music, being the first to record uninterrupted dance sequences on single tracks to liven up parties and nightclubs. In addition to his trademark piano playing, he popularized the use of the solovox in Brazil, an electronic keyboard predecessor to synthesizers, with which he shaped the sound of his era.

Throughout his prolific career, he recorded dozens of highly successful albums, highlighting the famous "Feito Para Dançar" series and the unmistakable remake of "Na Cadência do Samba (Que Bonito É)", which became the musical theme of the traditional Canal 100. He also collaborated with major names in national music, such as on the recording of the acclaimed album "Quando os Astros se Encontram", released in 1958 alongside singer Ângela Maria, which immortalized the classic "Babalu". His work extended beyond the studios when he founded, in 1955, the famous Arpège nightclub in Leme, a venue that served as a stage for the emergence of icons of bossa nova and MPB.

Recognized for his artistic contribution, Waldir Calmon accumulated numerous awards and honors, including prestigious trophies like Euterpe and the Gold Record. His musical ensemble featured notable instrumentalists, reflecting his importance in the vanguard of the country's melodic and dance rhythms. After his passing in 1982, his memory and musical legacy remained alive through the management of his work and orchestra by his wife, singer Marta Calmon.

Discography

• Para Ouvir Amando... (1955)
• Rosita Gonzales (1956)
• Chá Dançante N.° 2 (1957)
• Angela Maria e Waldir Calmon – Quando os Astros Se Encontram (1958)
• Sonhos e Melodias (1960)
• E Seu Novo "Feito para Dançar" (1961)
• Feito para Dançar - D (1962)
• E Seu Nôvo Feito para Dançar "C" (1962)
• E Seu Nôvo Feito para Dançar E (1964)
• Romance Sin Palabras (1965)
• Hit Parade (1966)
• O Sucesso, Hoje! (1968)
• Waldir Calmon e Seus Multisons (1970)
• Chá Dançante: nº 2 (1971)
• Feito para Dançar N° 5 (1971)
• Para Ouvir Amando N° 2 (1971)
• Feito pra Dançar (1979)
• Feito para Dançar Nº 5 (2021)
• Solovox Master (2022)
• Alegria do Brasil (2023)
• Por Amor à Viagem (2024)
• Ritmos Melódicos N.º 3 (2024)
• Chá Dançante Nº. 3
• E Seu Novo Feito para Dançar B
• E o Espetáculo Continua
• Clássicos para Dançar