Zé Carreiro

Origin

Porto Ferreira, SP

Years active

1940–1970

Genres

música sertaneja, caipira

Instruments

viola, voz

Biography

Lúcio Rodrigues de Souza, known artistically as Zé Carreiro, was born in Porto Ferreira, in the interior of São Paulo, on December 24, 1922. He grew up in the region and, before establishing himself in his artistic career, worked at Cerâmica Porto Ferreira and lived in São Paulo. In the late 1940s, he formed the renowned duo Zé Carreiro & Carreirinho alongside Adauto Ezequiel, named by composer Armando Rosas.

Throughout his career, he composed numerous cururus and modas de viola that celebrated country life, nature, and the Mogi-Guaçu River, establishing himself as one of the pioneers and greatest exponents of sertaneja and caipira music in the country. In July 1950, the duo made their first 78 rpm recordings with Continental records, achieving great success with tracks like "Canoeiro" and "Ferreirinha". After the dissolution of the original partnership in 1958, he briefly performed with Pardinho before facing health issues related to deafness and his vocal cords.

Zé Carreiro passed away in São Paulo on May 21, 1970, leaving behind an expressive legacy with dozens of recorded albums. His work and memory continue to be revered in caipira music, maintaining a strong connection with artists of the genre such as Carreirinho, Tião Carreiro, and Pardinho.