Orlando Garcia da Silva, born October 3, 1915 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was a Brazilian singer and composer active during the first half of the 20th century. Known professionally as Orlando Silva, he left school early to support his family, working various manual jobs and singing during his breaks. His musical breakthrough came on June 24, 1934, when Francisco Alves heard him sing and immediately launched him on his program on Radio Cajuti. This led to a contract with RCA Victor, where he joined the label's choir and recorded his first 78 rpm single containing “Lágrimas” and “A última estrofe” (1935). In 1936, he became the first singer to perform at the inauguration of Rádio Nacional, singing “Caprichos do Destino”. He was famously referred to as “o cantor das multidões” due to the large crowds that gathered to hear his performances. His popular releases include the 1937 carnival hit “Abre a Janela”, the 1937 singles “Carinhoso” and “Rosa”, and the albums Serenata com Orlando Silva (1957), Carinhoso (1959), Última estrofe (1960), and Enquanto houver saudade (1966). Silva died from a cerebral ischemia on August 7, 1978 in Rio de Janeiro.
