Zé de Elias

Origin

Currais Novos, RN

Also known as

José Germano Sobrinho

Years Active

1928–1980s

Genres

forró, instrumental, valsas

Instruments

accordion

Biography

Zé de Elias, born José Germano Sobrinho on June 6, 1918, in Currais Novos, Rio Grande do Norte, was a prominent Brazilian accordionist and composer. He began his musical journey at the tender age of 10, learning the accordion from his father, Elias Germano, who was also a musician. Zé de Elias, along with his older brothers Manoel and Sebastião, formed the core of the musical landscape in their hometown of Santa Cruz, Rio Grande do Norte. His father's influence was so significant that Zé de Elias once remarked that the town's orchestra consisted of himself and his brother Mané.

In 1944, Zé de Elias moved to Natal, where he performed on major radio stations and toured other northeastern capitals, now playing a keyboard accordion. He spent three years in Fortaleza, working at Rádio Rural. During the 1950s, he transitioned to playing a button accordion, similar to those used in Rio Grande do Sul and by Parisian musette musicians. In 1962, he settled in Rio de Janeiro. His recording career began in the 1970s with his first LP, "Álbum de valsas brasileiras," featuring four of his own compositions: "Recordando Santa Cruz," "Lili," "Saudade do Areal," and "Rosa Mãe." Also in the 1970s, at the invitation of Pedro Sertanejo, he recorded two LPs of his own compositions, predominantly forrós, titled "Lá vai fogo" and "Não brinque comigo." In the 1980s, he released the CD "Forró sem briga," which included four new tracks: "Forró esfarrapado," "Forró ensaboado," "Xote madrugadeiro," and "Acabou-se a festa."

Zé de Elias's musical legacy is deeply rooted in the traditional sounds of the Brazilian Northeast. His compositions often evoke a sense of nostalgia and place, as seen in titles like "Recordando Santa Cruz." He was a master of the accordion, adapting his style and instrument throughout his career to reflect evolving musical trends while staying true to his roots. His work contributed significantly to the rich tapestry of Brazilian popular music, particularly within the forró and instrumental genres.

Discography

• Lá Vai Fogo (1974)
• Não Brinque Comigo (1975)
• Forró sem Briga Vol. 3 (1994)
• O Choro Forrozado de Zé de Elias (2002)