Country Music in Mourning: Chrystian, from the duo with Ralf, Dies at 67
The artist was admitted to a hospital in São Paulo and passed away on Wednesday night (19). The family expressed their gratitude for the support of fans, friends and professional colleagues through a note.
In February, the singer was hospitalized and diagnosed with polycystic kidney - Photo Reproduction/Instagram
The world of country music is in mourning. Chrystian, renowned singer of the duo Chrystian & Ralf, passed away on Wednesday night (19), aged 67. The singer's advisor reported that He was admitted to hospital in São Paulo due to a diagnosis of a medical condition that requires immediate rest and specialized treatment. However, the cause of death was not disclosed. The family confirmed his death in a note. The wake will take place from 11 am in São Caetano do Sul, located in the interior of São Paulo.
In February this year, Chrystian was admitted to Hospital do Rim, in São Paulo, after being diagnosed with polycystic kidney. The singer was preparing for a kidney transplant, with the donation being made by his wife, Key Vieira. However, the surgery was postponed until the end of 2024. During preoperative exams, Chrystian needed to undergo catheterization. As informed by the artist's team at the time, this procedure requires the use of an anticoagulant medication for six months, during which surgery is not permitted.
After being hospitalized on Wednesday, the singer's advisors stated that he was following all medical recommendations. Furthermore, a show scheduled for Saturday (22) in Franco da Rocha, in Greater São Paulo, was canceled. In a statement, the family stated that Chrystian dedicated 60 years of his life to country music.
"His unmistakable voice and his passion for music brought joy and emotion to fans throughout Brazil", says the note.
A Successful Career
Born José Pereira da Silva Neto on November 3, 1956, Chrystian began his musical career as a child. At the age of 6, the artist began performing at a club in Goiânia. At that time, he was still known as Zezinho. Alongside his brother Ralf, he formed one of the most respected and admired country duos in Brazil. Chrystian's success in the city was so great that he won a television program called "Pinguinho de Gente ''.
In the following years, he and his younger brother began to dream of forming a country duo. Given the opportunities, the family decided to take the boys to São Paulo. According to the artist's biography, the change was difficult and the boys faced several difficulties. To avoid hunger, they collected leftover rice and beans from the sidewalks of the cereal area, in the Brás neighborhood. They swept the grains, gathered them and took them to their mother to cook.
Despite this, every day, the children's father took the duo to the door of TV Bandeirantes, hoping that they would have a chance to perform. Persistence paid off and the two managed to sing on a program presented by Vicente Leporace. After the performance, the duo managed to sign a contract. The first recordings were made in Portuguese and English, where they adopted the names "Os Pássaros" and "Charles & Ralf". In 1973, Chrystian had a huge success with the song "Don't Say Goodbye", which was included in the soundtrack of the soap opera "Cavalo de Aço", shown on TV Globo. According to the singer's biography, at that time, record companies forced him to sing in English.
The partnership, which was consolidated in the 1980s, was marked by a rich and varied repertoire, combining romantic ballads with more lively songs. The transition to country music began during this period. His first album, recorded in 1982 and released in 1983, featured only re-recordings of country classics, showing his mastery of the genre. "Quebradas da Noite", released by RGE, was a national success and earned the duo their first gold record. In 1985, they collaborated with Tião Carreiro on the song "Amargurado", a tribute to the renowned Brazilian guitarist.
The following year, in 1986, they released their fourth album on the Chantecler record label. The song "Chora Peito" earned them their first platinum record. In 1988, Chrystian and Ralf released the country song "Saudade", which was part of the soundtrack for the soap opera "Pacto de Sangue", on TV Globo. In the same year, they were awarded as the best country duo at the Brazilian Music Award and toured the United States. In the 1990s, Chrystian and Ralf toured Brazil on a commemorative tour celebrating their 10-year career. In 1996, they recorded the song "Minha Gioconda" in partnership with Agnaldo Rayol, which became the theme of the soap opera "O Rei do Gado" and was successful both in Brazil and Europe.
The duo Chrystian and Ralf took a brief hiatus in the early 2000s, but collaborated again with the release of the album "De Volta'' in 2001. In addition to their musical contribution, they were pioneers in the fight against piracy. In 2005, supported by the federal government, they developed the "Semi Metallic Disc" (SMD), a type of generic CD that helped reduce album costs for consumers. Throughout their career, they have released 20 albums, DVDs and compilations. The definitive separation occurred in 2021, when Chrystian and Ralf decided to pursue solo careers. Since then, Chrystian has embarked on the "Romance" tour and released the song "Não Dá Pra Ficar Assim''.
Contributions to Country Music
The duo not only gained fans, but also influenced many artists who came after them. Chrystian & Ralf have always been seen as innovative, bringing sophisticated arrangements and lyrics that explored varied themes. Furthermore, Chrystian was recognized for his unique voice timbre and his ability to interpret songs with great emotion.
Repercussion and Tributes
The news of Chrystian's death caused great commotion on social media. Several country artists and personalities from the artistic world paid their respects, highlighting Chrystian's importance for Brazilian music. The family expressed their gratitude for the support received from fans, friends and professional colleagues. The duo Lipe and Lyan released their latest song in a special collaboration with the artist, paying a special tribute.
"My God, we lost a brother, we lost our biggest idol, the 'guy' who gave us the chance of our lives. We spoke this week, we were so happy with the release of our music, a unique moment. And today you leave us like this, out of nowhere, Chrystian? What a pain, brother. I so wanted you to answer me today saying it was all a lie... We lost a brother! for everything you did for us, for having your friendship and making our dream come true", wrote the duo's Instagram profile.
Singer Leonardo, one of the duo's great friends, expressed his sadness in an emotional publication: "We lost one of the greatest voices in Brazilian music! Rest in peace my friend, your legacy will never be forgotten. My sincere condolences to the whole family." The presenter also paid tribute to the artist on her profile on X (formerly Twitter); "Saudade goes, goes, goes... Saudade comes, comes, comes and gets you." My condolences to family, friends and fans. Go in peace, Chrystian!" she said.
