Os Campeiros

Os Campeiros started in 1960 in Novo Horizonte, São Paulo, with Moacyr dos Santos, José Domingos de Moraes, Vandique Moreira, and Chico do Carmo. They played at local rodeos and festivals, drawing from the sounds of the sertão. In 1968, their song 'Fim de Semana Tem Rodeio' became a hit, bringing them national attention.

Their music often focused on rural life, with songs like 'Eu Sou Campeiro' and 'Velha Gaita' reflecting cowboy themes. Some critics questioned whether their work promoted a macho culture, but the band maintained they were just singing about what they knew. Vandique Moreira died in an accident in 1983, and the group continued with Moacyr and José at the front.

They put out albums such as 'Rodeio na Cidade' in 1972 and 'Cavalo Brabo' in 1986. Tracks like 'Esse Baile Tá Bem Bom' and 'Apelei Pra TV' kept their sound rooted in sertanejo, without much shift toward the pop styles that later dominated the genre.