Zequinha de Abreu(1880-1935)

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 in São Paulo, SP, on January 22, 1935.