José Maria de Abreu

Origin

Jacareí, SP

Years active

1928–1966

Genres

waltz, samba-canção, mpb

Instruments

guitar, trumpet, piano

Biography

José Maria de Abreu was born in Jacareí on February 7, 1911, coming from a deeply musical family. The son of conductor Juvenal Roberto de Abreu and pianist Leopoldina de Sousa Abreu, he was exposed to music since childhood, learning to play various instruments. Before dedicating himself entirely to art, he even studied Pharmacy, but dropped out to work as a pianist in nightclubs and conduct the orchestra at the Teatro Boa Vista.

His national prominence came in 1932 with the "Hymn of the Constitutionalist Revolution," titled "Vencer ou Morrer" (Win or Die). The following year, he moved to Rio de Janeiro, where he worked as a conductor and pianist at important radio stations of the era, such as Rádio Mayrink Veiga and Rádio Mundial. He became known as the "King of the Waltz," composing major classics that left their mark on Brazilian popular music.

Among his most celebrated works are the waltz "Boa Noite, Amor" (Good Night, Love), created in partnership with Francisco Mattoso and immortalized in the voice of Francisco Alves, as well as hits like "Alguém Como Tu" (Someone Like You) and "Um Caminho e Você" (A Path and You), recorded by Dick Farney. Throughout his career, he worked with great names in our music and had his compositions re-recorded by renowned interpreters such as Cauby Peixoto and Gal Costa. José Maria de Abreu passed away prematurely at the age of 55, a victim of renal failure, leaving an indelible legacy for national culture.