He has recorded over a hundred albums, composed about two hundred songs
and has performed in more than forty countries broadcasting the
Brazilian choro. After playing as the drummer in the band Lira Arion,
began studying flute. He began his career in talent shows, having
obtained the first prize in the Freshmen Parade of Ary Barroso. Did
fame as an improviser and participated in numerous groups, albums and
concerts. In 1949 he recorded his first cry, "Flauteando in Chacrinha"
the following year set up his own set at Radio Guanabara. In 51
replaced Benedito Lacerda into the regional Boy, hired by Radio Mayrink
Veiga. There followed big stars like Vicente Celestino, Orlando Silva
and Francisco Alves. He formed the group Altamiro and His little band
that had the program on TV Tupi and spawned the hit "Old River", with
more than 700 000 copies sold. In the '60s toured abroad, and in the
following decade became one of the most sought after flutists, due to
the movement of rediscovery of crying. Remained active, participating
in recordings and concerts, favoring the sad people