Chico Feitosa

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Genres

bossa nova, samba, mpb

Instruments

guitar, vocals

Biography

Chico Feitosa was a Brazilian composer, classical guitarist, and singer born in Rio de Janeiro. He became an important figure during the formative years of the bossa nova movement, closely collaborating with key artists such as Ronaldo Bôscoli and Vinicius de Moraes. His early career included working as a secretary for Moraes during the production of Orfeu da Conceição and eventually joining the circle of musicians who gathered at Nara Leão's home.

As a central participant in the burgeoning bossa nova scene, Feitosa lived a bohemian lifestyle alongside João Gilberto, Bôscoli, Luis Carlos Dragão, and Luis Carlos Miéle. He performed in landmark events such as the historic bossa nova concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City, sharing the stage with luminaries like Tom Jobim, Carlos Lyra, and Sérgio Mendes. His compositions, most notably "Fim de noite" written with Bôscoli, earned him the affectionate moniker "Chico Fim-de-noite" and were later recorded by renowned interpreters including Baden Powell, Elza Soares, and Maria Bethânia.

Following the international diaspora of many bossa nova pioneers, Feitosa remained in Brazil and successfully transitioned into producing jingles while continuing his musical output. Later in life, he released projects celebrating his legacy, including his 2001 album Um banquinho, um violão... He passed away from lung cancer in Rio de Janeiro in 2004, leaving behind a rich contribution to Brazilian popular music.