Carlos Mendes

Carlos Mendes (Lisbon, May 23, 1947) is a Portuguese singer, songwriter, actor and architect. In 1963 he was a founder of the group "Sheiks", which he left in 1967 to start a solo career with a version of "Penina" that Paul McCartney had written to Jotta Herre. In 1968 won the Song Festival RTP with the song "Verão". Again won the RTP Song Contest in 1972 with "Festa da Vida". It also participates in the disc recordings "A Fala do Homem Nascido". In 1973 completed the Architecture course started in 1969, going to exercise this activity that would leave shortly after, to devote exclusively to music. In 1976 he founded, together with other authors, including Paulo de Carvalho and Fernando Tordo, the first independent record label, Toma Lá Disco. Released the album "Amor Combate". The following year released the album "Canções de Ex-Cravo e Malviver" with songs like "Ruas de Lisboa" "Lisboa, Meu Amor" and "Amélia dos Olhos Doces". "Amélia dos Olhos Doces" was in 2nd place in qualifying for the OTI festival of this year. The Mundo da Canção magazine awarded the prize of Best Children's Record of the Year to his work "Jardim Jaleco" who was also a television program. In 1979 the "Sheiks" return for a series of programs displayed in RTP. The group launches the LP's "Sheiks Com Cobertura" and "Pintados de Fresco". In 1980 he recorded the solo album "Triângulo do Mar". The album "Chão de Vento" was released in 1984. It moves to Brazil, where he worked at the Teatro João Caetano and Circo Voador (Rio de Janeiro) and at the Pavilhão do Ibirapuera (São Paulo). In 1985 began piano lessons and musical education with teacher Fernanda Chichorro. Gave performances in Switzerland, Belgium and the Netherlands. Also participated in the XII International Youth Festival in Moscow, with over 150 countries. In 1986 he composed the music for the film "O Vestido Cor de Fogo" by Antonio Lauro and for the play "O Touro" at A Comuna Teatro de Pesquisa. Won the Critics Association Award for best theater music this year. In 1987 made the music part of Alves Redol, "O Destino Morreu de Repente" staged by A Comuna. Composed for the OTI Festival the representative song of Portugal, played by Theresa Mayuko. The following year made the music of two films of Luis Filipe Costa for RTP. Invited by this television station composed original songs and did the musical direction for the Christmas program. Along with Fernando Tordo, Paulo de Carvalho and the maestro Pedro Osorio (conductor) created in 1989 the show "Só Nós Três" which debuted at the Casino do Estoril with great success. Then was presented in the Azores, Macao and other places. The disk based on the show was a great success quickly reaching platinum award. In 1990 he composed, directed and performed the soundtrack of the series "Por Mares Nunca de Antes Navegados." He also created the show "Improvisos Carlos Mendes," staged by Carlos Aviles. In 1991 began classical singing lessons with teacher Cristina Castro. Created the musical operetta "O Natal do Pai Natal" RTP's invitation to more of a Christmas Special which was released on disc. Recorded for the same station the show "Improvisos Carlos Mendes." By the invitation of the Municipality of Loures and High School José Afonso, composed and recorded a solidarity record to Timor, with lyrics by José Fanha. He was invited as an actor by director Artur Ramos, to join the cast of the play "O Luto de Electra" by Eugene O'Neill, recorded for RTP. "Boa Nova, 1992 show created with Fernando Tordo during the visit of the President of India, was presented at the Teatro São Luiz and edited on disk. In 1993 he was one of the authors and presenters of the program "Falas Tu ou Falo Eu" by SIC TV station. In 1994 was released the CD "Não Me Peças Mais Canções", a Ze Bridge production where Carlos Mendes set to music great Portuguese poets, such as Miguel Torga, Fernando Pessoa, Carlos Oliveira, Luís de Camões and Antonia Brito. The disc includes an unprecedented Mário Soares, "For You My Love." The song "Não Me Peças Mais Canções" was a candidate to the Globo de Ouro in the category of "Best Song of the Year". In 1995 presented in the RTP program "Selecção Nacional" with Herman José and Sofia Morais, who was to choose the eight performers to sing at the Festival RTP da Canção 1995. In December 1996 presented at the National Theatre D. Maria the show "Carlos Mendes - Em Concerto" where he played Portuguese poets. In 1997 collaborated on "Todos ao Palco" of Filipe La Feria. The "Vagabundo do Mar" CD was released. In 1998 makes a tour to Macau, India (Margao and Panjim) at the invitation of the Orient Foundation. Was invited to make two concerts at Expo '98. The album "Singer Heart" was released in December 1999. As an actor joined the cast of "Morangos com Açucar - Serie II and Férias de Verão II" on TVI TV station, where he played the role of "Colonel Luis Navarro." In 2006 sang with Pedro Teixeira at the "Canta por Mim" program which reached the final.