The son of César Faria, a well-known Brazilian guitarist, Paulinho Da Viola absorbed traditional Brazilian music from his earliest days and became a professional musician in the early '60s. By the middle of the decade he had become a recording artist and had joined A Voz Do Morro, a samba group. In 1969, Da Viola’s song, "Sinal Fechado" won a top award at the Brazilian Music festival, thus establishing his credentials for years to come. Although he has performed in other South American countries and overseas, Da Viola remains best known in Brazil.