Zé Ramalho

Zé Ramalho
Zé Ramalho performing live at the 2008 Virada Cultural in São Paulo, Brazil.
Background information
Birth nameJosé Ramalho Neto
Born (1949-10-03) October 3, 1949
OriginBrejo do Cruz, Paraíba, Brazil
GenresMPB, adult contemporary, pop
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter, guitarist
Instrument(s)Vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, harmonica, viola
Years active1975–present
LabelsEpic Records, CBS, Sony Music, Walt Disney, BMG, RCA, EMI, Universal Music

Zé Ramalho (born José Ramalho Neto on October 3, 1949 – Brejo do Cruz, Paraíba, Brazil) is a Brazilian composer and performer. Zé Ramalho has collaborated with various major Brazilian musicians, including Vanusa, Geraldo Azevedo and Alceu Valença.

As with many musicians back in his younger days, he was first influenced by rock and roll; however, at the age of 20, his music took a more traditional Northeastern Brazilian approach. Zé Ramalho's lyrics however, are very influenced by the socio-economic difficulties faced by the average Brazilian.

Zé Ramalho is the first cousin of Elba Ramalho, a Brazilian composer and performer.