Zeca Ivo

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

José Ivo da Costa

Years Active

1926–1956

Genres

samba, toada, marcha, canção, fado, rancheira

Biography

José Ivo da Costa, artistically known as Zeca Ivo, was born in Rio de Janeiro on May 19, 1894, and passed away in the same city on February 19, 1964. Although a native carioca, Zeca Ivo lived for a long period in Rio Grande do Sul, where he absorbed the rich gaúcho culture, which was reflected in many of his musical compositions. His artistic career began to gain prominence in 1926 with the recording of "Tristezas de gaúcho" by Odeon, his first composition to be recorded on a record. In the same year, he himself recorded "Gaúcho velho", a song of his own authorship, in addition to "Oração" and "O mundo sem mulher".

Throughout his career, Zeca Ivo demonstrated versatility, composing in various genres and in partnership with other renowned artists. In 1929, his partnership with Lamartine Babo resulted in the song "A vida é um inferno onde as mulheres são os demônios", and Lamartine Babo himself honored him with the toada "Zeca Ivo". He also collaborated with names such as Custódio Mesquita and Kid Pepe, and had compositions recorded by great voices of the era, such as Aurora Miranda and Orlando Silva. His work "Ondas Curtas", composed with Kid Pepe, was Orlando Silva's first recording.

In addition to being a composer, Zeca Ivo also worked as a singer, giving recitals and traveling across Brazil with theatrical groups. He was one of Ari Barroso's first partners at the beginning of his career, with whom he composed the song "Meu pampa lindo". His work, which spanned sambas, toadas, marches, and songs, left an important legacy in Brazilian popular music, highlighting his influence on music with a gaúcho theme and his collaborations with major names in the musical scene.