The Paraiban singer-songwriter revisits his greatest hits with energetic, folk-infused versions to celebrate 40 years of a successful career in the music scene
Many singers, musicians, and groups have come and gone in the past 40 years. Staying active with success and remaining relevant is a major challenge for any artist, and that's precisely what Zé Ramalho is celebrating.
With four decades of hits, a loyal fan base, and widespread respect from the press and music critics, Zé Ramalho will celebrate this milestone in his brilliant career with a commemorative show on September 5th at the Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro.
The 2016 tour captures Zé Ramalho revisiting some of his greatest hits that have sold millions of albums while maintaining critical acclaim. Songs like “Avohai”, “Frevo Mulher”, “Admirável Gado Novo”, “Chão de Giz”, “Beira-Mar”, “Eternas Ondas”, “Garoto de Aluguel”, “Vila do Sossego”, and “Banquete de Signos” are just some of the classics in his repertoire.
All of them are featured in this new show, which also includes reinterpretations of Raul Seixas' hits like “Gita” and “Medo da Chuva” and his own smash hit “Sinônimo.” To mark this special occasion, Zé Ramalho is releasing a box set featuring 22 of his biggest hits, including a double acoustic CD and a DVD showcasing the making of the recording.
From the beginning of his career, Zé Ramalho built a bridge that connected Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, and The Beatles to Brazilian legends like Jackson do Pandeiro and Luiz Gonzaga. His music blends urban and rural themes, merging psychedelia with regionalism, and establishing his role as an urban troubadour compared to global music icons.
He broke the one-million-album mark with the phenomenal success of “Entre a Serpente e a Estrela,” which featured in the Globo soap opera Pedra Sobre Pedra (1992). His connection to TV dramas has always brought great results.
One of his biggest triumphs was the resurgence of “Admirável Gado Novo,” which became a hit again when featured in the soundtrack of O Rei do Gado (1996). This song reconnected Zé Ramalho with Brazilian youth and helped the show's soundtrack album sell an astounding three million copies, setting a historic record.
Alongside his friends Elba Ramalho, Geraldo Azevedo, and Alceu Valença, Zé was part of one of Brazil’s most successful musical projects in 1996, *O Grande Encontro*, which drew huge crowds across the country and resulted in a live album that sold over 500,000 copies.
The project’s continuation led to two more successful tours, a studio album, and another live album, which sold 480,000 units and earned both gold and platinum certifications. Zé also made a historic appearance at Rock In Rio 3, performing with Elba Ramalho in front of more than 50,000 people in 2001.
His 20 Years - Antologia Acústica album remains his greatest commercial success, with around two million copies sold, winning the Prêmio Sharp for best graphic design. This album kicked off a trilogy that continued with *Nação Nordestina*—a musical and political exploration of his native region, which was nominated for a Latin Grammy—and *Estação Brasil*, a journey through Brazilian popular songs.
Zé Ramalho has also paid tribute to Raul Seixas, recorded his first live album, released the original *O Gosto da Criação*, and invited friends to collaborate on the CD and DVD *Parceria dos Viajantes*.
From 2008 to 2012, he returned with the *Zé Ramalho Canta* series, covering Bob Dylan, Luiz Gonzaga, Jackson do Pandeiro, and The Beatles. In 2012, he released *Sinais*, featuring original songs under the Avohai label. In 2013, he enjoyed another crowning moment with a performance at Rock in Rio 5, where he performed with the band Sepultura (in the Zépultura show).
ZÉ RAMALHO & BANDA Z: Chico Guedes (bass), Zé Gomes (percussion), Vladmir Oliveira (keyboards), Edu Constant (drums), and Toti Cavalcanti (winds).
