Mário da Silveira Meireles Reis (31 December 1907 – 5 October 1981 in Rio de Janeiro), also known as Bacharel do Samba was a popular Brazilian samba singer, active between 1928 and 1971. He collaborated with artists such as Francisco Alves, Carmen Miranda, Aracy de Almeida and Noel Rosa and was particularly successful as a radio singer.[1]
He recorded many hits with Carmen Miranda and Francisco Alves, with whom also performed frequently in the 1930s, all of which are regarded as amongst the finest Brazilian singers of this period.[3] He toured in Brazil and also Argentina.
As a singer, he was known for his gentle tone, which compensated for the lack of vocal power. His singing style even today sounds modern and he is considered one of the pioneers of bossa nova.[4] Many believe his singing influenced João Gilberto.
He spent many years away from singing career and returned years later to make records. In 1965 and 1971 he recorded two albums, this being his last.
In 1995, Julio Bressane made a film called The Mandarin about the Brazilian popular music of the 20th century, focusing especially on the life and work of Mário Reis. The singer was played by actor Fernando Eiras.
