Garotos da Lua

A vocal group formed in northeastern Brazil in the mid-'40s inspired by the Namorados da Lua, the Pied Pipers, and the Mel-Tones, having achieved success in Rio de Janeiro in the 1950s. João Gilberto joined the group as soloist for 18 months, in 1950, having come to Rio de Janeiro because of an invitation. The Garotos da Lua were signaled out by its audiences for being one of the few Brazilian vocal/instrumental groups devoted to singing songs in Brazilian Portuguese and not in English -- even if they interpreted many versions of American music like "Caravan," "In the Mood" (recorded in 1946), or "All of Me." After a start at Rádio Pernambuco, they performed around northern Brazil in 1945, then leaving for Rio. Recording their first album in 1946, they toured Minas Gerais and São Paulo, signing with Rádio Tupi (Rio de Janeiro) in the early '50s. In 1950, Jonas Silva was replaced by João Gilberto in Gilberto's first assignment in Rio. In 1951, they recorded two 78s with "Quando Você Recordar," "Amar é Bom," "Anjo Cruel," and "Sem Ela." In the same year, the TV Tupi began its activities in Rio, and the Garotos, hired by the company, were one of the main attractions. This was when Gilberto was fired, due to his constant delays, having being replaced by Edgardo Luís. In 1954, the Garotos da Lua were awarded by the State Culture Department Radio (Rádio MEC) as the Best of the Year. ~ Alvaro Neder, All Music Guide