Zé Cruz

Origin

Monte Alegre, RJ

Also known as

José da Silva Cruz

Years Active

1950–2002

Genres

samba, brazilian popular music

Instruments

vocals, acoustic guitar

Biography

José da Silva Cruz, artistically known as Zé Cruz, was born in Monte Alegre, Rio de Janeiro, on February 4, 1927. His musical career began in the 1950s, when he participated as a singer and instrumentalist in Osvaldo Miranda's program on Rádio Tupi. Later, he moved to Rádio Vera Cruz, at the invitation of Washington Fernando, where he shared space with artists such as Evandro do Bandolim and Elza Vieira. An admirer of Cyro Monteiro, Zé Cruz based his repertoire on his songs and also recorded sambas by renowned composers such as Moreira da Silva, Zé Kéti, and Raimundo Olavo. He was the first to record "Sacode Carola", by Hélio Nascimento and Alfredo Marques.

In 1964, Zé Cruz joined the group "A Voz do Morro", at the invitation of Zé Kéti, alongside names like Paulinho da Viola, Nélson Sargento, and Élton Medeiros. With the ensemble, he released the albums "Roda de samba" (1965), "Roda de samba 2" (1966), and "Os sambistas" (1967). He was also the first singer to record a composition by Paulinho da Viola on a record, the samba "Conversa de malandro". His career also includes participation in the rhythm section (Ala de Ritmistas) of Mangueira's drum corps and learning the technique of accompanying samba on a straw hat with Dilermando Pinheiro.

Zé Cruz participated in several musical projects throughout his career. In 2002, he was featured on the album "O samba é minha nobreza", alongside artists such as Cristina Buarque, Pedro Miranda, and Roberto Silva. This project was a homonymous show created by Hermínio Bello de Carvalho and turned into an album by the Biscoito Fino record label. His work is marked by a strong connection with samba and Brazilian popular music, leaving a legacy of important recordings and participations in the musical scene.