Jamelão, born José Bispo Clementino dos Santos on May 12, 1913, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was a towering figure in the world of samba. Known for his distinctive baritone voice and charismatic stage presence, he became a symbol of Rio's carnival and an ambassador of samba to the world. Jamelão's musical career began in the 1930s, but it was in the 1940s that he became widely recognized as the official puxador (lead singer) of the Mangueira samba school, a role he faithfully upheld for several decades. His affiliation with Mangueira, one of Rio's most famed samba schools, earned him the affectionate moniker "O Eterno Mangueirense" (The Eternal Mangueira's supporter).

Throughout his illustrious career, Jamelão recorded a vast repertoire of samba classics, with a particular penchant for the works of Lupicínio Rodrigues. His albums, such as "Grandes Sucessos" and the two-volume set "A Voz Do Samba," showcase his mastery of the genre and his ability to convey the heart and soul of Brazil's beloved musical tradition. Despite crossing over into his nineties, Jamelão's voice remained an influential and unyielding force in samba, as evidenced by the release of "Noventa Anos do Samba," an album that celebrated both his longevity and the enduring appeal of the music he championed. Jamelão passed away on June 14, 2008, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate within Brazil's cultural tapestry. His life and music remain a testament to the persistent vibrancy of samba and its power to articulate the joys and struggles of the Brazilian experience.

Genres

Samba

Samba-enredo

Velha Guarda

Related Artists

Beth Carvalho

Paulinho Da Viola

Zeca Pagodinho

Martinho Da Vila

Cartola

Gilberto Gil

Seu Jorge

Candeia

Caetano Veloso

Diogo Nogueira

Clara Nunes

Carlinhos Brown

Latest Release

Grandes Sucessos

Jamelão

Album - 17 Tracks - Released December 26, 2023