Zé Ramalho in São João de Meriti

Zé Ramalho is a Brazilian singer-songwriter and guitarist, born in Brejo do Cruz, Paraíba, in 1949. His music draws on MPB, Northeastern folk traditions, rock and psychedelia. His 1978 solo album Zé Ramalho introduced songs including “Avôhai” and “Chão de Giz,” while “Admirável Gado Novo” and “Frevo Mulher” became enduring parts of his repertoire. In 1985, he performed at the first Rock in Rio. In 1996, he joined Elba Ramalho, Alceu Valença and Geraldo Azevedo for O Grande Encontro, a live project recorded at the Rio de Janeiro concert hall Canecão.