Alfredo da Rocha Vianna Jr., known as Pixinguinha, was born on April 23, 1897, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He learned to play the flute at home and became a student of Irineu de Almeida. By age 16, Pixinguinha had recorded his first single. In 1914, he co-founded the group Caxangá with João Pernambuco and Donga, which later evolved into Os Oito Batutas. This ensemble gained popularity in Rio de Janeiro's white elite circles despite racial controversies due to its mixed-race lineup. Pixinguinha composed numerous choros, including "Carinhoso", "Glória" and "Lamento". He worked as an arranger for RCA Victor in the 1930s, contributing to hits by Francisco Alves, Mário Reis, and Carmen Miranda. Pixinguinha passed away on February 7, 1973. His contributions to Brazilian music are celebrated annually on April 23 as the National Day of Choro.
