Zé Pagão

Origin

Leme, SP

Also known as

José Marciano de Oliveira

Years active

1939

Genres

sertanejo, música caipira, moda de viola, rasqueado, cateretê, canção rancheira

Instruments

voice, viola caipira, guitar

Biography

José Marciano de Oliveira, known artistically as Zé Pagão, was a Brazilian singer and composer born in Leme, São Paulo, on June 22, 1912. He began his musical career in 1939, forming his first caipira duo with Zé Mané (Josafá Estevão Nepomuceno). This partnership quickly gained popularity due to their unique style, leading to a recording contract with Continental Records in 1943. Their early repertoire included "Rosa Branca" and "O Cravo e a Rosa," both self-penned modas de viola.

Throughout the 1940s, Zé Pagão was a prominent figure in the sertaneja music scene. After the unfortunate passing of Zé Mané in 1945, Zé Pagão formed a new duo with Luís Rosa, who adopted the stage name Nhô Rosa. This new partnership saw them perform on prominent radio stations like Rádio Gazeta and Rádio Bandeirante. Later, he formed another successful duo with Fostino (Faustino de Oliveira), with whom he recorded several 78 rpm records and released their first LP in the late 1950s. Their song "Juriti" was even featured in the soundtrack of the 1957 film "Dioguinho."

Zé Pagão's musical legacy is marked by his contributions to the caipira and sertaneja genres, characterized by his smooth vocal delivery and skillful guitar playing. He composed numerous songs, including classics like "Sertão do Laranjinha" and "Morena Linda." His career spanned several decades, leaving an indelible mark on Brazilian popular music through his collaborations and his enduring repertoire.