Garotos da Lua

Formed in northeastern Brazil during the mid-1940s, the vocal ensemble drew inspiration from Namorados da Lua, the Pied Pipers, and the Mel-Tones before attaining popularity in Rio de Janeiro throughout the 1950s. Invited to the capital, João Gilberto entered the lineup in 1950 as soloist, remaining for 18 months in his initial Rio assignment after Jonas Silva departed. Audiences singled out the Garotos da Lua as one of the rare Brazilian vocal-instrumental acts that performed in Portuguese rather than English, even while covering American standards such as “Caravan,” “In the Mood”—cut in 1946—and “All of Me.” Their trajectory began with appearances on Rádio Pernambuco, followed by shows across northern Brazil in 1945 and a subsequent move to Rio; the first album appeared the next year, after which the group toured Minas Gerais and São Paulo. Early in the 1950s they joined the roster of Rádio Tupi in Rio de Janeiro. Two 78s issued in 1951 contained the tracks “Quando Você Recordar,” “Amar é Bom,” “Anjo Cruel,” and “Sem Ela.” That same year TV Tupi commenced broadcasting in the city and engaged the Garotos, who quickly became featured performers; shortly afterward Gilberto was dismissed for repeated tardiness and replaced by Edgardo Luís. In 1954 Rádio MEC, operated by the State Culture Department, named the Garotos da Lua the Best of the Year.