Erasmo Carlos

Erasmo Carlos, born Erasmo Esteves in Rio de Janeiro in 1941, became a key figure in Brazilian rock. From a young age, his path was marked by a deep connection with music, exploring sounds from rock and roll to bossa nova. His adolescence unfolded in the North Zone of Rio de Janeiro, an environment where he met other music-loving youngsters like Tim Maia and Jorge Ben. It was in this context that he met Roberto Carlos, a meeting that, according to accounts, happened after witnessing a concert by Bill Haley.

The formation of bands was a natural step in his early days. After going through The Sputniks with Tim Maia and Roberto Carlos, and later The Boys of Rock, the vocal group adopted the name The Snakes. This ensemble even accompanied figures like Cauby Peixoto in his rock-inspired ventures. Through Carlos Imperial, Erasmo Carlos, now using his stage name, began working as an assistant and later as a vocalist for Renato & Seus Blue Caps in 1962. This stage was crucial, as it not only brought him closer to the record industry but also led him to collaborate on the Portuguese version of "Splish Splash," a song that, when recorded by Roberto Carlos, solidified their legendary songwriting partnership.