Zé Fidelis

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Also known as

Gino Cortopassi

Years Active

1930–1981

Genres

humor, marcha, rock, xote, bolero, tango, valsina

Biography

Gino Cortopassi, known by his stage name Zé Fidelis, was a pioneering Brazilian singer, composer, radio personality, and humorist. Born in São Paulo on September 23, 1910, Fidelis began his career in the 1930s on the radio program "Cascatinha do Genaro," where he developed the character that would make him famous. He presented himself as "the number one enemy of sadness," employing a naive and innocent style of humor that relied on parodies of popular songs, imitations, and witty wordplay.

Fidelis's career spanned several decades, marked by numerous record releases and successful performances as a "one-man-show" in renowned venues like the Cassino da Urca and Quitandinha. In 1958, he made history by releasing the first LP in Brazil dedicated solely to humor. His prolific output included parodies of hits like "Vereda Tropical" and "Mula Preta," as well as original compositions. He also penned several books, further showcasing his multifaceted talent.

Beyond his musical and comedic endeavors, Fidelis was also a journalist and writer, contributing to humor magazines and later compiling his writings into books. He continued to record and perform until the early 1980s, releasing "50 Anos de Humor Legal" in 1981. Zé Fidelis passed away in São Paulo on March 15, 1985, leaving behind a legacy as a beloved figure in Brazilian radio and music history, known for bringing joy and laughter to audiences across the country.