1929

Regarded as one of the creators of bossa nova, Alf started studying the piano at an early age, and later became interested in George Gershwin and Cole Porter’s music. In his teens, Alf founded his own band and performed at weekends. Alf also founded the Sinatra-Farney Fan Club. Invited to join an artistic group at the Brazil-United State Institute, he took the advice given by its members and adopted the artistic name Johnny Alf just before performing at Rádio MEC.

In 1952, Alf debuted as a professional pianist at nightclubs, and his songs were recorded for the first time by the singer Mary Gonçalves. Playing the nightclubs of Copacabana, he became known in the Brazilian Music scene and was praised by other renowned artists, such as Dolores Duran, João Gilberto and João Donato. Alf frequently performed at Beco das Garrafas and Plaza, where the first bossa nova generation used to hang out. His song "Rapaz de Bem" is regarded as the first bossa nova tune.

Alf’s very peculiar ways of singing and playing the piano have influenced several Brazilian singers and pianists.

"Eu e a Brisa", "Ilusão À Toa", "O que É Amar", "Céu e Mar". Are some of his greatest hits. From Alf’s few albums, some of the most important are "Ele É Johnny Alf", from 1971, and his 11th CD, "Eu e a Bossa", released in 1998.