José Gomes de Abreu (nickname "Zequinha"), popular piano player and composer, was born in Santa Rita do Passa Quatro, a small town in the Sao Paulo State, in September 19 of 1880. He started his piano studies at age of 6. José de Abreu was owner of a drugstore, mayor of Santa Rita do Passa Quatro, piano teacher. Also he played in the theatre, on silent movies. He is author of numerous waltz and "choros": "Sururú na Cidade", "Branca", "Tardes em Lindóia", etc. But his most famous work is "Tico-Tico no Fubá", played by the American organist Ethel Smith and sang by Carmen Miranda in "Copacabana" (1947). Zequinha de Abreu died (heart attack) in Săo Paulo, SP, at January 22 of 1935. His life was theme of the Brazilian movie "Tico-Tico no Fubá (1952)" by director Adolfo Celi.

Bibliography

José Carlos Victorello - Arthur Moreira Lima e Amigos (CD cover)