Born in Esplanada, interior of Bahia state, in 1941, Capinan was one of the heads of the tropicalist movement and one of its most remarkable lyricists. His were some of the lyrics that stood out in the poetic-musical revolution headed by his friends Caetano and Gil, such as "Soy loco por ti, América" and "Miserere nobis", both composed with Gil.

In 1967, he was noted for being co-author of the song that won TV Record’s 2nd MPB Festival: "Ponteio", composed with Edu Lobo. Edu and Gil - in whose early career his collaboration as a lyricist was essential - were his main partners in the 60’s. In this period he also composed with Jards Macalé. Afterwards there came new partnerships with Paulinho da Viola, Fagner and João Bosco - with whom he composed the hit "Papel machê".