Benil Santos Biography

Known principally for his songs “A Serenata” (written with Raul Sampaio) and “Eu Compro Essa Mulher” (with Raul Sampaio/Ivo Santos), Benil Santos moved to Rio de Janeiro in 1950, having been hired by Rádio Mayrink Veiga. Later, he became a producer and speaker at that radio station, where in 1958 he created the show Manhã de Grande Gala. In the same year, he became A&R director at RGE, a position that he would hold for seven years. Also in 1958, he had one of his creations recorded for the first time, “Noites Cruéis” (with Raul Sampaio). Five years later, he won TV Rio’s Festival de Música do Brasil (Rio de Janeiro) with the song “Distância” (with Raul Sampaio), recorded by Rosana Toledo and Miltinho.