With his successful commercial formula, which, contrasting with the ideals of purity of the Brazilian gaúchos, indiscriminately mixes rock, forró, country music, and every fashionable style, Gaúcho da Fronteira transcended his regional success and became popular throughout Brazil. At seven, he took up the four-button accordion, soon also learning the accordion, the bandoneón, and the violão (acoustic guitar). In 1968, he joined the Os Vaqueanos group, recording O Rio Grande do Sul Canta Com Os Vaqueanos (Montevideo) in the same year. The album was followed by Canção do Carreteiro in the next year. He remained in the group until 1976; in 1975, he recorded his first solo LP, Gaúcho da Fronteira, and recorded another 18 albums through the year 2000, enjoying increasing popularity. His biggest hit was the vanerão "Nhecovari Nhecofum," which was included in Meu Rastro (WEA, 1980). In 1991, he wrote the soundtrack for the film Gaúcho Negro. ~ Alvaro Neder