Ary Barroso

Ary de Resende Barroso was a Brazilian songwriter, musician, pianist, and radio announcer, whose songs were used in the Disney package films Saludos Amigos and The Three Caballeros.

Born on November 7, 1903 and became an orphan at the age of seven when his parents died and was raised by his grandmother and aunt. At his aunt's insistence, Barroso began studying the piano at the age of ten. Within two years, he was playing so well that he was hired to accompany silent films at the local cinema. Although he inherited money at the age of seventeen when his uncle died, Barroso spent it quickly and was forced to turn to music for an income. In addition to playing piano in cinemas, cabarets, and with orchestras, he became involved with musical theatre, when composed two works: "Vou à Penha", recorded by the singer Mário Reis, and "Vamos deixar de intimidades", both recorded in 1929.

In 1929, he finished law school and the following year, Barroso won his first award promoted by Casa Edison Records, in the "Carnival Songs" category. Joining forces with lyricist Luís Peixoto, Barroso composed more than 60 tunes, as well as writing scripts. Three years later, Barroso hosted the first of many radio shows.

Barroso's songs were recorded by a lengthy list of artists, including Carmen Miranda and João Gilberto. His 1939 composition "Aquarela do Brasil", better known as Brazil, was featured in the 1942 Disney film Saludos Amigos and has gone on to become one of the 20 most recorded songs of all time.

Barroso's soundtrack for the movie Brazil was nominated for an Oscar in 1945 making him the first Brazilian to be nominated. Although he failed to win, Barroso was presented a Merit Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for his work. In 1955, Barroso received the National Order of Merit, the greatest honor bestowed by the Brazilian government.

In 1961, Barroso was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis, he died on February 9, 1964.

Disney Filmography[]

Year	Film	Position
1942	Saludos Amigos	Songwriter: "Aquarela do Brasil"
1944	The Three Caballeros	Songwriter: "Baía" "Os Quindins de Yayá"