1964

He was born in Recife (NE) into a wealthy family that would go bankrupt a few years later. Got his first job at age 17, hosting radio shows. Maria headed for Rio de Janeiro in 1940. Although he got a job on the radio, he did not adapt himself and returned to Recife, getting married in 1944. The second season in Rio started in 1947, this time around with his wife and children. He started out as a songwriter in 1951, writing commercial jingles and the samba "Querer Bem", recorded by Aracy de Almeida. "Menino Grande", "Ninguém Me Ama", "Valsa de uma Cidade", "Manhã de Carnaval", "Suas Mãos" and "Quando Tu Passas por Mim" are his greatest hits. He died from a heart attack in 1964.