Carlos Paião

Carlos Manuel de Marques Paião (born in Coimbra on November 1, 1957 - August 26, 1988 in Rio Maior) was a very popular singer and song-writer in Portugal. He penned some 500 songs, some of which became national hits, including:

* "Play-back" (with which he represented Portugal at the 1981 Eurovision Song Contest)
* "Pó-de-arroz" (Rice Powder)
* "Souvenir de Portugal" (Souvenir from Portugal)
* "Vinho do Porto" (Port Wine), a duet performed with Cândida Branca Flor
* "Zero-a-zero" (Nil-Nil)
* "Cinderela"
* "Marcha do Pião das Nicas"
* "Ga-Gago" (stu-stutterer)
* "Meia-dúzia" (half a dozen)
* "Telefonia nas ondas do ar" (Radio in the Air Waves)

Additionally, he was an instrumentalist (having begun to play the accordion at age five) and a producer.

Carlos Paião was also a doctor, having graduated in Medicine in 1983, but his great passion was music.

Carlos Paião was killed in a car accident in Ponte Amieira, near the city of Rio Maior, in August 1988, while returning from a concert.