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Brazilian singer, accordionist, and composer hailed as the 'King of Baião' for popularizing Northeastern Brazilian folk rhythms.Born in rural Pernambuco, Gonzaga joined the army at 18 before pursuing music in Rio de Janeiro. He revolutionized Brazilian music by fusing traditional Northeastern styles like baião and xote with urban influences, releasing over 50 albums. His 1947 hit 'Asa Branca' became a cultural anthem, symbolizing the resilience of drought-affected communities.

• Gonzaga secretly fathered a son, Gonzaguinha (1945–1991), with dancer Odaléia Guedes while performing in Rio. The child was initially given to adoptive parents; Gonzaga only publicly acknowledged paternity years later.
• He faced intense industry resistance for promoting 'caipira' (hillbilly) music from Brazil's impoverished Northeast, initially performing in Rio's streets before gaining radio fame.
• His iconic look – embroidered leather outfits and hats – deliberately celebrated Northeastern cowboy (vaqueiro) culture as a political statement against regional discrimination.
• Died from prostate cancer complications at 76, receiving a state funeral in his hometown. Over 100,000 mourners attended, chanting lyrics from 'Asa Branca'.