Nerino Silva was born in Rio de Janeiro-DF in 1920. He grew up in the slums in and around 'samba-schools' (escolas de samba) and learned how to dance the dance becoming an accomplished tap-dancer at an early age. On top of that he could also sing so he took his chances at gong shows so popular in the 1940s having won a round at Ary Barroso's top-rating radio-show in 1943, when he was 23 years old.
From gong-shows he was under contract with Radio Mauá where he would sing at 'Prata da casa' and various other programmes.
In 1955, Nerino was signed by Jayme Portela, the director of Escola de Samba Portela to sing and dance at shows touring Brazilian cities. When it was time to go back home, Nerino decided to stay in São Paulo, where he sang at night-clubs and social clubs. Soon, he was spotted by Diogo Mulero aka Palmeira, A&R (Artist & Repertoire) man at independent label Chantecler and recorded 'Não sou parafuso', a 78 rpm single for Carnaval.
27 November 1960 - 'O Estado de S.Paulo' night-life columnist Mary Wynne writes a note about Nerino Silva, o 'Escurinho das Candongas' being the star of a new show at Delval Bar, on Rua General Jardim.
27 November 1960 - São Paulo had a vibrant nightlife in the 50s & early 60s. See Elza Laranjeira at La Vie en Rose on rua Major Sertório, 114, and Hugo Santana & Dorinha Duval at Michel on Major Sertório, 106.
sensationalist Revista do Radio # 595 (4 February 1961) tells Nerino's sad story of alcoholism and degradation.
Nerino at Revista do Radio # 867 (30 April 1966) when he was signed by Continental Discos.
Nerino & his brood... 5 children plus one...
'Revista do Radio' n.620; 'Minha sogra' was Nerino's greatest hit in the 1st part of the 1960s.
Francisco Petronio tells Revista do Radio #714 (25 May 1963) how Nerino Silva helped him become a professional singer.
