Valdir 7 Cordas, the famed seven-string guitarist, performed with Luíz Gonzaga, Elza Soares, Clara Nunes, Altamiro Carrilho, Nelson Gonçalves, Martinho da Vila, Abel Ferreira, Gonzaguinha, Ademilde Fonseca, and Trio Nordestino. Having worked with the latter for many years, in 1977 Valdir founded the noted choro group Chapéu de Palha. Having studied with Meira, Valdir 7 Cordas started as a professional in 1960 in the Regional do Niquinho, still as a six-string guitarist. In that group, he participated in several recordings at CBS while he took part in the program Caravana da Alegria. In 1963, he became a member of the regional (small accompanying group) Os Pinguins de Bangu. He also participated in the Jovem Guarda movement when the youth music took off the air the choro radio shows, having been invited by Lafayette to join his group as an electric guitarist; he also participated in the Pops (1967) and Parada Cinco (1969). ~ Alvaro Neder, All Music Guide