Reel by granchiomusic

granchiomusic@granchiomusic

Paulinho da Viola is one of the great figures of Brazilian samba and choro. A member of the Portela samba school, he became known for a remarkably elegant and introspective style, combining traditional samba with poetic, often deeply personal songwriting. By 1970, he was becoming a national star, and Foi um Rio Que Passou em Minha Vida became one of his defining works. Despite sounding like a song about a lost romantic relationship, it is actually a declaration of love for Portela. After his song Sei Lá, Mangueira had caused some tension within his own samba school, Paulinho wrote this song to reaffirm his connection with Portela. He first performed it in 1969, and it became a huge success during the 1970 Carnival. The “river” in the title is a metaphor for the overwhelming feeling that swept through him when he saw Portela pass. #music #musichistory #70smusic #samba #brazilianmusic

People in this post

Co-authors and accounts tagged in the frame.

Paulinho da Viola@paulinhodaviolaTagged

Comments

A preview Instagram ships with the post — 1 of 2 public comments.

@ruthless.loc 🔥

September 13, 2026 · 1 likes