Francisco Alves | |
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Background information | |
Also known as | Rei da Voz |
Born | August 19, 1898 |
Origin | Brazil |
Died | September 27, 1952 |
Instruments | vocals |
Francisco de Morais Alves (August 19, 1898 – September 27, 1952), better known as Francisco Alves, Chico Alves or Chico Viola, was a Brazilian singer, one of the most popular in the first half of the 20th century, and considered by many to be the greatest in the country.[1] The quality of his work earned him in 1933, by broadcaster César Ladeira, the nickname "Rei da Voz" (Voice King).[2] He recorded more than 500 78 rpm albums,[3] among them the first electrical recording made in Brazil. He performed songs composed by musicians such as Cartola, Heitor dos Prazeres and Ismael Silva; and several songs became famous in his voice, like the first recording of samba "Aquarela do Brasil" by Ary Barroso.[4]
Alves died in a car accident at the Rodovia Presidente Dutra, near Pindamonhangaba, on September 27, 1952.[5]