Ronald Antonucci, of the duo Os Vips, has died at the age of 82

The São Paulo singer was a Brazilian rock idol in the 1960s with exclusive songs by Roberto and Erasmo Carlos

Singer Ronald Antonucci, member of the vocal duo Os Vips, died in the early hours of Saturday (22nd) at the age of 82. The news was confirmed by the family on social media. Ronald, who together with his brother Márcio conquered Brazil during the Jovem Guarda era, leaves a legacy of Brazilian rock classics.

Success to Jovem Guarda

Influenced by the Beatles and popular music of the time, brothers Márcio and Reynaldo Luiz (Ronald’s real name) formed Vips in 1964. The duo takes its name from a 1963 North American film, released in Brazil as “Very Important People “, and released his first recording in English, the song “Tonight”, for the collective album “No Reino da Juventude”.

Success came in 1965 with “Menina Linda”, a version of “I Should Have Known Better” by the Beatles, which led them to participate in the “Jovem Guarda” program, broadcast on TV Record, with the presentation of Roberto Carlos, Erasmo Carlos and Wanderléa.

The various appearances on the program led to a great friendship with the greatest idols of Brazilian rock and to a professional partnership. From then on, the main hits of the Vips were new and exclusive compositions by the duo Roberto and Erasmo, such as “A Volta” (1966), “Emoção” (1965), “Faça Algoa Coisa Pelo Nosso Amor” (1967), ” É I need to know how to live” (1968) and “Largo Tudo e Venho te Buscar” (1968, this one by Roberto).

After the Young Guard

Roberto and Erasmo’s compositions continued to shake Vip even after the end of Jovem Guarda, in songs like “Que Bobo Fui” (1969) and “Não Adianta Ficar me Esperando” (1970). But the duo’s connection to the rock movement was so strong that they failed to stay on the market during the MPB era of the 1970s. Ironically, around the same time Roberto exploded as a romantic singer, releasing, among other hits, his version of 1974’s “È necessary knowing how to live.”

The Vips returned only when rock came back into fashion in the late 1980s, living off the nostalgia of Jovem Guarda with shows and new releases, including a 1991 live album that sold 300,000 copies.

Márcio died in 2014, but Ronald continued to perform until recently.

Source: Terra

Earl

Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.