Jeca Mineiro

Origin

Arceburgo, MG

Also known as

José Silva

Years active

1923–1978

Genres

sertanejo, música caipira, música popular brasileira

Instruments

viola, cavaquinho

Biography

José Silva, known artistically as Jeca Mineiro, was a prominent Brazilian singer, composer, and viola player, born in Arceburgo, Minas Gerais, on September 4, 1913. His musical journey began at the tender age of 10, when he started performing and playing the viola at local festivities. By 15, he received a viola as a gift from his grandfather, further solidifying his passion for the instrument. He moved to São José do Rio Pardo, continuing to perform at parties, before relocating to São Paulo in 1946.

In São Paulo, Jeca Mineiro formed his first duo with Chico Carretel, performing on Rádio Cruzeiro do Sul. He later partnered with Motinha and then Mineirinha, with whom he recorded notable songs like "Perfume de Meu Bem" and "Mulher Ciumenta." In 1955, he formed the Trio Jeca Mineiro with Bambuí and Pirajá. Throughout the early 1960s, he continued his duo work, notably with Nininha, releasing songs such as "Meu Diário" and "Quem é que Não Sente." His compositions gained recognition, being recorded by other artists.

Jeca Mineiro's songwriting prowess led to enduring hits. In 1963, "A Dama de Vermelho," co-written with Ado Benatti, became a classic of the sertanejo repertoire. In the late 1960s, due to health recommendations, he transitioned from performing to solely composing. His most famous composition, "Fuscão Preto," written with Atílio Versuti in 1978, became a massive phenomenon in sertanejo music, achieving widespread success and numerous re-recordings. Jeca Mineiro passed away in São Paulo on May 28, 2003, leaving behind a rich legacy in Brazilian popular music.