Zé Carreiro e Carreirinho

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Years Active

1947–1970

Genres

música sertaneja, sertanejo raiz, música caipira

Instruments

viola caipira, violão

Biography

Zé Carreiro e Carreirinho was a celebrated Brazilian traditional sertaneja music duo, formed by Lúcio Rodrigues de Souza, known as Zé Carreiro, and Adauto Ezequiel, Carreirinho. Their passion for music came early on, influenced by family references such as Carreirinho's father, a small-farm owner and skilled viola player who awakened in his son the desire to play the viola and form a solid musical partnership.

The duo's official career began in 1947 and lasted until 1970, a period during which they recorded several landmark records for the caipira genre, such as "Meu carro e minha viola" and "Rosa branca/Boi soberano". Over the years, the partnership established itself as one of the most important in the style, dialoguing with great names of traditional caipira music like Raul Torres.

The duo's history was interrupted by the passing of Zé Carreiro on May 21, 1970, in the city of São Paulo. Carreirinho lived for over three more decades, passing away on March 27, 2009, also in the capital of São Paulo, leaving an invaluable legacy for roots sertaneja culture.

Discography

• Zé Carreiro e Carreirinho (1961)
• Gigantes da Viola (2011)
• As Nossas Raízes (2022)
• Clássicos Sertanejos (2026)