Johnny Alf | |
|---|---|
 Johnny Alf | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Alfredo José da Silva |
| Born | May 19, 1929 Rio de Janeiro |
| Died | March 4, 2010 (aged 80) Santo André, Brazil |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, teacher |
Alfredo José da Silva (May 19, 1929 – March 4, 2010), popularly known as Johnny Alf, was a Brazilian musician, sometimes known as the "Father of Bossa Nova".[1]
Alf was born in Vila Isabel, Rio de Janeiro, and began playing piano at age 9.[1] His father died when he was 3 and he was raised by his mother, who worked as a maid to raise him.[2] He attended Colégio Pedro II, receiving support from his mother's employers.[2] He played in nightclubs in the Copacabana neighborhood of Rio, where he was noticed by later bossa nova pioneers. His first single, "Falseta" was released in 1952, with a debut album following in 1961.
Over his career, he recorded nine albums and appeared on nearly fifty others. He died in 2010, aged 80, from prostate cancer.[3][4]
- ^ a b Larry Rohter, "Johnny Alf, a Father of Bossa Nova, Dies at 80", The New York Times, March 11, 2010.
- ^ a b Phillips, Tom (May 4, 2010). "Johnny Alf obituary". The Guardian.
- ^ "Bossa Nova pioneer Johnny Alf dies at 80". Usatoday.Com. 2010-03-05. Retrieved 2012-10-24.
- ^ "Johnny Alf, father of bossa nova, dies – Arts & Entertainment – CBC News". Cbc.ca. 2010-03-05. Retrieved 2012-10-24.