Biography
Among the most significant samba composers of all time was Geraldo Pereira. His standout compositions include the widely covered "Falsa Baiana" as well as "Sem Compromisso," "Bolinha de Papel," "Escurinha," "Pisei Num Despacho," "Escurinho," "Já Tenho Outra Em Seu Lugar," and the 1940 Moreira da Silva recording of "Acertei No Milhar," co-created with Wilson Batista. João Gilberto, who cut "Bolinha de Papel," "Sem Compromisso," and "Falsa Baiana," joined numerous others in hailing Pereira as a genuine innovator of the 1940s. Cyro Monteiro, his most frequent interpreter, introduced "Falsa Baiana" and "Escurinho" among other titles. Additional artists who recorded his work encompass Aracy de Almeida on "Falta de Sorte" (with Marino Pinto), Isaura Garcia performing "Pode Ser" (likewise with Marino Pinto), Anjos do Inferno delivering "Bolinha de Papel," Chico Buarque with "Sem Compromisso," Gal Costa rendering "Falsa Baiana," Blecaute on "Que Samba Bom," Jards Macalé handling "Ministério da Economia" and "Cabritada Mal Sucedida," Roberto Silva interpreting "Você Está Sumindo" and "Pisei Num Despacho," Paulinho da Viola on "Você Está Sumindo," Zizi Possi offering "Escurinho" and "Escurinha," plus João Nogueira, Elton Medeiros, Monarco, Jackson do Pandeiro, Odete Amaral, Quatro Ases e um Curinga, and still more.
Pereira arrived in Rio in 1930 and, while still a teenager, began supplying sambas to the Unidos da Mangueira samba school. He earned his livelihood for the rest of his days as a garbage truck driver. Roberto Paiva recorded the 1939 piece "Se Você Sair Chorando," written with Nelson Teixeira. In 1944 he appeared in the film Berlim na Batucada directed by Luís de Barros. His initial success came when Ciro Monteiro recorded "Falsa Baiana" that year. Anjos do Inferno scored a major hit in 1945 with "Bolinha de Papel." Pereira himself sang two of his compositions on disc in 1945, yet after disappointing sales he chose to concentrate exclusively on writing. Blecaute enjoyed another strong seller with the 1949 release of "Que Samba Bom." In 1950 Pereira stepped forward as interpreter on "Pedro do Pedregulho" and continued unveiling further works from that time onward. Deo recorded "Cego de Amor" (Geraldo/Wilson Batista) in 1951. He also featured in the 1952 film O Rei do Samba, again directed by Luís de Barros. Folklore surrounds the account of his death, which supposedly resulted from a single blow delivered by the celebrated malandro Madame Satã.
Pereira arrived in Rio in 1930 and, while still a teenager, began supplying sambas to the Unidos da Mangueira samba school. He earned his livelihood for the rest of his days as a garbage truck driver. Roberto Paiva recorded the 1939 piece "Se Você Sair Chorando," written with Nelson Teixeira. In 1944 he appeared in the film Berlim na Batucada directed by Luís de Barros. His initial success came when Ciro Monteiro recorded "Falsa Baiana" that year. Anjos do Inferno scored a major hit in 1945 with "Bolinha de Papel." Pereira himself sang two of his compositions on disc in 1945, yet after disappointing sales he chose to concentrate exclusively on writing. Blecaute enjoyed another strong seller with the 1949 release of "Que Samba Bom." In 1950 Pereira stepped forward as interpreter on "Pedro do Pedregulho" and continued unveiling further works from that time onward. Deo recorded "Cego de Amor" (Geraldo/Wilson Batista) in 1951. He also featured in the 1952 film O Rei do Samba, again directed by Luís de Barros. Folklore surrounds the account of his death, which supposedly resulted from a single blow delivered by the celebrated malandro Madame Satã.