Luizinho, Limeira e Zezinha

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Years Active

1946–1974

Genres

sertanejo, música caipira

Instruments

accordion, acoustic guitar, viola

Biography

Luizinho, Limeira e Zezinha was a Brazilian sertanejo music trio, formed in São Paulo. The group consisted of Luizinho (Luís Raimundo), his brother Limeira (Ivo Raimundo), and accordionist Zezinha (Carmela Bonano). Luizinho began his artistic career in 1939, singing as a duo with Mariano. Later, he formed a duo with Palmeira, with whom he launched the "moda campeira" musical genre. In 1952, Luizinho formed a duo with Waldemar de Franceschi, who adopted the stage name Limeira. In 1953, Zezinha, who had already accompanied other artists, joined them, forming the trio "Luizinho, Limeira e Zezinha".

The trio stood out in the 1950s, winning the Roquette Pinto Award in 1956 and the "Golden Viola Trophy" in 1958. Zezinha, in turn, was awarded as the best accordionist. Among their biggest hits are "Menino da Porteira", "Pretinho Sabiá", "Pé na Tábua", and "O Crime do Circo", the latter inspired by an attack suffered by Zezinha during a performance.

Luizinho, Limeira e Zezinha remained active until 1974, when Luizinho had to step away from the stage due to throat cancer. After Luizinho's passing in 1983, Zezinha stepped away from artistic life. Limeira passed away in 2010 and Zezinha in 2002. The trio is remembered as one of the great names of traditional caipira music.

Discography

• Luizinho, Limeira e Zezinha (1959)
• Música da Fronteira (1962)
• Cenário de Minha Terra (1973)
• As Mais Apaixonadas (2026)
• O Menino da Porteira