Nelson Cavaquinho (Nelson Antônio da Silva - October 29,1911 Rio de Janeiro - February 2,1986 Rio de Janeiro) was arguably the best samba composer ever, behind Cartola. He left 600 compositions that have been recorded by some of the greatest interpreters of Brazilian music, including Ciro Monteiro, Elis Regina, Elizeth Cardoso, Chico Buarque, Guinga, Paulinho da Viola, João Bosco, Rafael Rabello, Zizi Possi, Beth Carvalho, Toquinho, Luiz Melodia