A colossal figure in Brazilian pop music, Alfredo da Rocha Viana Jr. (1897-1973) was born to a musical family in Rio de Janeiro and demonstrated virtuosity on the flute and saxophone. While his family was steeped in the traditions of Brazilian music, he modernized the old forms by incorporating elements of American jazz and ragtime. His racially diverse band Os Oito Batutas forced the integration of many music venues in Brazil that had previously not allowed black performers. He was one of the first Afro-Brazilian music stars, as well as a pioneer in his country’s radio and recording industries.