Biography
Almir Guineto (born Almir de Souza Serra, July 12, 1946 – May 5, 2017) was a pioneering Brazilian sambista, singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist, celebrated as one of the founding fathers of the pagode style of samba. Raised in the Salgueiro hills of Rio de Janeiro in a family deeply rooted in samba, Guineto developed his musical talents early and became an influential figure in the genre from the 1970s onward. He began his career as a member of Os Originais do Samba, a group instrumental in shaping the pagode sound, and later became a founding member of the legendary Fundo de Quintal, further popularizing pagode through the 1980s and 1990s.
Guineto is widely recognized for introducing the banjo to samba, modifying it with nylon strings to create a distinctive, percussive sound that became a hallmark of his music and the pagode movement. As both a performer and songwriter, he achieved national acclaim with hits like "Conselho," "Saco Cheio," and "Caxambú," and his compositions were recorded by major artists such as Beth Carvalho and Zeca Pagodinho. Guineto's music resonated with everyday Brazilians, blending lyrical storytelling with infectious rhythms, and his powerful, raucous voice became his trademark. Over his career, he released more than a dozen albums, including the influential "O Suburbano" (1981) and "Almir Guineto" (1986).
Beyond his solo work, Guineto served as director of the Salgueiro samba school and was a frequent presence at the Cacique de Ramos samba gatherings, helping to foster a vibrant community of musicians. His legacy endures as a cornerstone of modern samba and pagode, with his innovations and popular songs continuing to inspire new generations of Brazilian artists.
Fun Facts
- Almir Guineto is credited with introducing the banjo to samba, adapting it with nylon strings to suit the genre's sound.
- His song "Saco Cheio" sparked controversy and protests from Rio de Janeiro's archbishop due to its critical lyrics.
- He served as director of the Salgueiro samba school, one of Rio's most prominent samba institutions.
- Guineto was known for his powerful, raucous singing voice, often described as a 'force of nature.'
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Family of musicians (notably his mother and father) - Guineto was born into a family with deep roots in the samba community, which provided his earliest musical education and inspiration. (N/A (formative influence)) [1946–1960s]
Key Collaborators
- Os Originais do Samba - Guineto was a member for 10 years, contributing to the group's sound and the development of pagode. (Band albums and performances) [1970s]
- Fundo de Quintal - Founding member; helped shape the group's early sound and recorded their first album. (Fundo de Quintal's debut album) [Late 1970s–early 1980s]
- Mauro Diniz - Frequent collaborator, often played cavaquinho on Guineto's records. (Multiple albums, especially in the 1980s–1990s) [1980s–1990s]
- Beth Carvalho - Recorded many of Guineto's songs and championed his songwriting. (Recordings of "Pedi ao Céu" and "É, Pois É") [1980s–2000s]
Artists Influenced
- Zeca Pagodinho - Recorded Guineto's songs and cited him as a major influence in the pagode movement. ("Mãos" and other covers) [1980s–present]
- Dorina - Recorded Guineto's compositions and was part of the next generation of samba artists inspired by his work. (Various recordings) [1990s–present]
- Fundo de Quintal (later members) - Guineto's innovations and leadership shaped the band's direction and inspired subsequent members. (Ongoing group discography) [1980s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Vou Festejar | 2008-03-29 | Album |
| Sambabook Beth Carvalho | 2025-04-03 | Album |
| Almir Guineto | 1999-01-01 | Album |
| Almir Guinéto - 1986 | 1986-01-01 | Album |
| Sorriso Novo | 1985-01-01 | Album |
| Todos os pagodes | 2001-03-15 | Album |
| O Quintal do Samba | 2007-03-22 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Conselho (Almir Guineto)
- Camarão Que Dorme a Onda Leva
- Conselho (Almir Guinéto - 1986)
- Insensato Destino - Ao Vivo (Novo Millennium)
- Insensato Destino (Sorriso Novo)
- Insensato Destino - Ao Vivo (Juras De Amor)
- Caxambú (Almir Guinéto - 1986)
- Lama Nas Ruas - Ao Vivo (Zeca Pagodinho - Uma Prova De Amor Ao Vivo (Deluxe))
- Mel Na Boca (Almir Guineto)
- Mordomia - Ao Vivo
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Almir Guineto has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 1, 2025 | 15:50 | Conselho | Tudo Bem (Brazilian)w/ Dean Ellis |