Biography
Paulo Tapajós fathered the composers Paulinho Tapajós and Maurício Tapajós as well as the singer Dorinha Tapajós. He collaborated with Vinícius de Moraes on the latter’s debut work, the fox trot “Loura ou Morena,” which Paulo himself cut in 1928 alongside his brother Haroldo Tapajós. One year earlier he had assembled the vocal trio Irmãos Tapajós with Haroldo and a third brother, Osvaldo Tapajós; the group entertained at social gatherings and made its radio bow on Rádio Sociedade do Rio de Janeiro in 1928. Additional partnerships yielded the fox-canção “Canção da Noite” with De Moraes and the samba “Morreu o Anacleto” with Dunga. Tapajós simultaneously earned respect for his extensive research into Brazilian popular music and for directing the landmark festivals of the 1960s.
Osvaldo departed the trio in 1932, after which Paulo and Haroldo continued as a duo and waxed numerous sides throughout the decade. Haroldo withdrew from performing in 1942, yet Paulo sustained his career as a vocalist and as a director and producer of radio programs, joining the staffs of both Rádio Nacional and Rádio Tupi. He joined Nuno Roland and Albertinho Fortuna to create the Trio Melodia and the serenata ensemble Turma do Sereno. In 1966 he joined the executive committee of the I FIC (International Song Festival, TV-Rio, Rio de Janeiro) and served as its artistic director through 1970. Drawing on archival tapes of Jacob do Bandolim together with his own performances, he produced the LP Os Saraus de Jacob: Jacob do Bandolim Recebe o Modinheiro Paulo Tapajós. A 1988 compilation of his recordings appeared on the Collector's label.
Osvaldo departed the trio in 1932, after which Paulo and Haroldo continued as a duo and waxed numerous sides throughout the decade. Haroldo withdrew from performing in 1942, yet Paulo sustained his career as a vocalist and as a director and producer of radio programs, joining the staffs of both Rádio Nacional and Rádio Tupi. He joined Nuno Roland and Albertinho Fortuna to create the Trio Melodia and the serenata ensemble Turma do Sereno. In 1966 he joined the executive committee of the I FIC (International Song Festival, TV-Rio, Rio de Janeiro) and served as its artistic director through 1970. Drawing on archival tapes of Jacob do Bandolim together with his own performances, he produced the LP Os Saraus de Jacob: Jacob do Bandolim Recebe o Modinheiro Paulo Tapajós. A 1988 compilation of his recordings appeared on the Collector's label.