Otávio e Tarcísio

Otávio dos Santos and Tarcísio Nunes met as teenagers in Rio de Janeiro and started playing local bars and clubs. Their self-titled debut album came out in 1971, and the song 'Dois Passarinhos' from that record became a national hit. Its melody and lyrics about two separated birds connected with people across Brazil.

They kept recording through the 1970s, putting out albums like 'Tarcísio e Otávio' in 1972. Other songs like 'Não Toque Essa Música' and 'Pedaço de Mau Caminho' also found an audience. Their music drew from Brazilian rhythms and folk traditions, often with a straightforward, conversational style.

In 1976, they were arrested after performing a song critical of the military government. That incident reinforced their reputation as artists who didn't shy away from political expression, even when it brought trouble. They continued making music for decades, releasing about a dozen studio albums in total.