Demetrius

Demétrius is one of the precursors of the Brazilian rock genre that appeared in the ’80s. Writing songs in English and versions in Portuguese, he recorded eight LPs and CDs from 1961 to 1999 and had great popular success in the ’60s and ’70s. He wrote songs in English in the rock genre, like “Hold Me So Tight,” recorded in the late ’50s by Young. He had several hits in the ’60s, like “A Bruxa” (Baby Santiago), “O Ritmo Da Chuva,” his version of John Gummoe’s “Rhythm of the Rain,” and “Voltou a Carta” (his version of “Return to Sender,” Elvis Presley’s hit). In 1966, Wanderléa also had success in her re-recording of “Ternura,” Demétrius’ version of Estelle Levitt’s “Somehow It Got To Be Tomorrow Today”; the song was incorporated to Wanderléa’s image, as she became known as “Ternurinha.” In the ’70s, Demétrius continued to have success as a composer and interpreter, recording hits like “Ei, Meu Pai” and “Nas Voltas Do Mundo.” His sertanejo (redneck) compositions were recorded by artists like Ari Toledo, also with success. ~ Alvaro Neder