Nelson Cavaquinho, born Nelson Antônio da Silva on October 29, 1911, was one of Brazil's greatest samba musicians. He earned his nickname in the choro circles he frequented in Gávea, a neighborhood in the southern zone of Rio de Janeiro, during his youth. In the first half of the 1950s, after a period of disappearance, he abandoned the cavaquinho and adopted the guitar, which he played in a unique way using only his thumb and little finger. Unlike his samba contemporaries, Nelson Cavaquinho's work was characterized by a somber tone, often addressing life's sorrows, farewells, lost loves, and especially death. Some of his popular songs include "Juízo Final," "A Flor e o Espinho," and "Quando Eu Me Chamar Saudade." His discography includes albums like "Raízes do samba" (1999) and "Quando Eu Me Chamar Saudade" (1990).