Os Cariocas

The Brazilian popular music group Os Cariocas was formed in Rio de Janeiro in 1942. Known for their extraordinary vocal harmonies and intricate arrangements, the group has carved a unique place in the history of Brazilian music. Founded by guitarist Ismael Netto and pianist Severino Filho, Os Cariocas quickly gained attention with their unique blend of traditional Brazilian rhythms and jazz influences. The group rose to fame in the late 1940s with a series of singles for Continental and issued their studio debut Os Cariocas e Ismael Netto in 1957, recorded as a tribute to founding member Ismael Netto, who had passed away in 1956. Over the following years, Os Cariocas continued to evolve, embracing new musical styles while staying true to their roots, most notably on albums such as A Bossa dos Cariocas (1962), A Grande Bossa dos Cariocas (1964), and Passaporte (1966). The band went on hiatus for almost a decade and returned in 1987 with a new lineup consisting of Severino Filho, Emmanuel Furtado, Jorge Quartarone, and Edson Bastos. Os Cariocas' new era spawned albums like Minha Namorada (1990), Reconquistar (1991), and the Tim Maia tribute Tim Maia & Os Cariocas - Amigo do Rei (1997). After releasing the albums Os Cariocas com Bossa (2003), Bossa Cariocas (2004), and Nossa Alma Canta (2010), the group issued what would be the last official release of their career, the live album Estamos Aí (2013), which featured guest spots by Chico Buarque, Leny Andrade, Chiquito Braga, and Felix Jr. Os Cariocas officially disbanded in 2016 following the death of founding member Severino Filho on March 1, 2016.