Biography
Born to a bandleader, Claudionor Cruz lent his talents to more than four hundred recordings, serving variously as composer, drummer, and performer on cavaquinho or tenor violão. Among his enduring pieces are the classics “Eu Brinco,” captured by Francisco Alves, “Caprichos do Destino,” interpreted by Orlando Silva, and “A Felicidade Perdeu Seu Endereço,” created alongside Pedro Caetano. Together with Ataulfo Alves he penned “Sei Que é Covardia,” which Carlos Galhardo recorded, as well as “Errei.” Additional distinguished collaborators included Wilson Batista, while his own performances and sessions featured Orlando Silva, Francisco Alves, Araci de Almeida, and numerous other leading figures. The snare drum marked his earliest instrument; later he turned professional on cavaquinho and, in 1932, assembled Claudionor Cruz e Seu Regional. The ensemble supplied steady accompaniment for artists across multiple radio and television outlets in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, standing in direct competition with Benedito Lacerda. Abel Ferreira and Bola Sete numbered among its members. The first of his compositions to reach wax, “Tocador de Violão,” written with Pedro Caetano, appeared in 1935 under Augusto Calheiros.
Albums