The godfather of Brazilian samba has a fittingly momentous story. He left school at 15 and five years later cofounded the nationally beloved Arengueiros Carnival street band. Their members later founded the GRES Estação Primeira de Mangueira school in Rio de Janeiro, which was profoundly important to the development of samba. In the '30s, he started recording original material—a calmer brew than standard samba—some of which featured his young daughter, Creusa. After a period of destitution, he was restored to his rightful position as a king of Brazilian music.