Zico & Zeca
Quick Info
- Genres: sertanejo tradicional, sertanejo
- Spotify Popularity: 31/100
- Followers: 97,738
- Origin: Interior de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
Biography
Zico & Zeca are a legendary Brazilian sertanejo duo, formed by brothers José Bernardo da Costa (Zeca) and Antonio Bernardo da Costa (Zico), hailing from a deeply musical family in the rural interior of São Paulo state. Their journey began in the early 1950s, when both brothers moved to São Paulo in search of greater opportunities, following the path of other successful family members and contemporaries in the burgeoning sertanejo scene. Their professional debut occurred on January 1, 1953, quickly leading to a contract with Columbia Records, one of Brazil's major labels at the time. Their first 78 RPM record was released in May 1954, and their distinct vocal harmony—Zico's clear lead and Zeca's secure second voice—became their signature sound, propelling them to national fame.[1][4][5]
Throughout their career, Zico & Zeca were known for their authentic 'sertanejo raiz' (traditional country) style, marked by heartfelt lyrics and rural themes. They released a prolific catalog: 36 78 RPM records, 38 LPs, and several CDs, with hits like "Capelinha de Chico Mineiro" and "Troca Tapas" becoming classics of the genre. Their partnership lasted an extraordinary 54 years, during which they performed across Brazil, built a loyal fanbase, and maintained a steady rhythm of releases even as the music industry evolved. After a long hiatus from recording between the early 1980s and 1999, they returned with new material, reaffirming their enduring relevance.[1][4]
Zico & Zeca's legacy is foundational to the history of sertanejo music. They are celebrated not only for their longevity and consistency but also for their role in shaping the genre's sound and emotional depth. Their influence persists in the work of subsequent generations of sertanejo artists, and their story is regarded as emblematic of dedication, resilience, and the transformative power of music in rural Brazil.[1][4][5]
Enhanced with Perplexity AI research
Sources: Source1, Source2, Source3
Fun Facts
- Zico & Zeca released new records almost every two months during their peak years at Columbia, an impressive feat for any artist.[1]
- Their partnership lasted over 54 years, making them one of the longest-running duos in Brazilian music history.[1][4]
- Despite a 17-year gap in studio recordings, they remained active with live performances and television appearances throughout Brazil.[1]
- Their song 'Capelinha de Chico Mineiro' became an anthem of sertanejo music and is still widely covered by contemporary artists.[1]
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Ted Vieira - Artistic director and talent scout who discovered and brought Zico & Zeca to Columbia Records; also a major composer in the sertanejo genre. (Facilitated their early recordings, including 'Capelinha de Chico Mineiro' and 'Com a Caneta e a Enchada'.) [1953-1958]
Key Collaborators
- Vieira & Vieirinha - Family members and fellow sertanejo duo; shared musical roots and early career support in São Paulo. (Shared performances and influence in the São Paulo sertanejo scene.) [1950s]
- Liu & Léu - Frequent collaborators in recordings and performances; Zeca later performed with Léu after Liu's passing. (Albums such as 'O Dom de Ser Caipira' (2003, with Zico & Zeca and As Galvão).) [2000s]
Artists Influenced
- Liu & Léu - Inspired by Zico & Zeca's vocal style and repertoire; later collaborated directly. (Joint albums and performances.) [2000s]
- As Galvão - Influenced by Zico & Zeca's traditional approach; collaborated on joint projects. ('O Dom de Ser Caipira' (2003)) [2000s]
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Troca Tapas | 2003-04-01 | Album |
| Cadeia Da Saudade | 2006 | Album |
| Interpretam Seus Grandes Sucessos | 2001 | Album |
| Dose Dupla | 2011-07-19 | Album |
| Mix de Sucessos | 2022-12-09 | Album |
| Só Modão | 2022-11-11 | Album |
| Cantam Sucessos de Teddy Vieira | 1987-08-01 | Album |
| Novos Tempos | 2013-10-01 | Album |
| Menina Graciosa | 2005-01-01 | Album |
| Sertanejo Raiz | 2022-11-10 | Album |
| Só Moda de Viola | 2023-02-27 | Album |
| Simples | 2023-11-16 | Album |
| Zico e Zeca | 1997-02-15 | Album |
| Boiadeiro de Goiás | 2023-02-20 | Album |
| A Enxada e a Caneta | 2023-02-20 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Ilusão De Uma Vida (Cadeia Da Saudade)
- Minha vida (Participação especial de Zico & Zeca) (Meu reino encantado II)
- A Enxada E A Caneta (Troca Tapas)
- Dona Felicidade (Troca Tapas)
- Folha Seca (Troca Tapas)
- Dona Jandira (Interpretam Seus Grandes Sucessos)
- Folha Seca
- A Enxada E A Caneta (Cantam Sucessos de Teddy Vieira)
- João Ninguém (Cadeia Da Saudade)
- Tocar e Cantar
External Links
Heard on WWOZ
Zico & Zeca has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 15, 2025 | 15:42 | Ecologia | Tudo Bem (Brazilian)w/ Dean Ellis |