Noel Rosa

Noel Rosa was born in Rio de Janeiro on 11 December 1910 to a pair of forceps that disfigured his chin. He began to play mandolin at age thirteen, then guitar while yet a teenager. While preparing to study medicine Rosa hung out in bars with other samba musicians, forming the group, Bando de Tangarás, with Almirante (Admiral) in 1929. Rosa and his group recorded 'Mulher Exigente', 'Galo Garnizé' and 'Anedotas' in May that year. Those were all compositions by Almirante.

May 1929   Matrix 2701  Odeon 10439-B

Vocal: Almirante   Composition: Almirante

May 1929   Parlophon 12996

Vocal: Almirante   Composition: Almirante

Rosa performed his first composition, 'Minha Viola', in July of 1929 while performing at the Tijuca Tenis Clube where his band, not yet professional, played for free as elsewhere. Rosa recorded his second composition, 'Festa No Céu?', in 1930. He entered medical school in 1931 but that wouldn't last long, having already released more than twenty titles in 1930 which quickly distinguished him, especially as a lyracist. Among those were ''Com que roupa?' / 'Malandro medroso' and 'Festa no céu' / 'Minha viola' ('What Clothes?' / 'Fearful Trickster' and 'Party in the Sky' / 'My Viola').

30 Sep 1930   Matrix 4007   Parlophon 13245

Composition: Rosa

1931   Version 2 unissued (Version 1 on Parlophon 13327)

Composition: Rosa

1931   Matrix 381007   Columbia 22023-B

Composition: Rosa

Rosa began to work in radio in 1932, his health also beginning to notably deteriorate from tuberculosis. When he was supposed to be resting he was out at nightclubs instead. He married in 1934, yet weighed less than a hundred pounds in 1935.

1932   Matrix 381176   Columbia 22089-B

Composition: Rosa