Patativa do Assaré

Semi-literate, the small farmer Antônio Gonçalves da Silva opted for keeping his roots in his land instead of following the destiny of the cantadores, or the people who wander through the dry hinterlands of northeastern Brazil singing their pains. His pseudonym Patativa do Assaré derives from a bird known for its suffering singing. His nationwide attention started with "Triste Partida," a toada de retirante (a doleful song dealing with the abandonment of northeastern Brazil by people running off due to drought) recorded by Luiz Gonzaga with much success. In the late '70s, Fagn...