Cartola

Cartola, a key figure in the history of urban carioca samba, made significant contributions from the 1920s through the end of the century. He was a partner of the legendary Noel Rosa, had his compositions recorded by top Brazilian interpreters, and co-founded the esteemed Samba School of Mangueira, the first to use samba as its musical foundation for the carioca Carnival. Born into a musical family, Cartola taught himself to play guitar and cavaquinho, similar to a ukulele, after the loss of his mother at age 15. He left school, his tyrannical father, and embraced a bohemian lifestyle, eventually helping establish the Samba School of Mangueira in April 1928, where he served as the master of harmony and debuted his first samba, "Chega de Demanda," urging an end to violence amongst rival sambistas and malandros.

Cartola's legacy in carioca samba is marked by his collaborations with Noel Rosa, widespread recognition for his compositions, and pivotal role in the Samba School of Mangueira. Born into a musical family, Cartola honed his guitar and cavaquinho skills independently, departing from school and his oppressive father at a young age. His involvement in the founding of the Samba School of Mangueira in 1928 solidified his influence in the genre, with his debut samba "Chega de Demanda" advocating for peace among the hill communities. Through his dedication to music and bohemian lifestyle, Cartola's impact on the carioca samba scene resonates throughout the decades, cementing his status as a revered figure in Brazilian music history.