Carlos Macedo: The Fado Guitarist Who Conquered Stages from Porto to Rio
José Carlos de Campos Macedo, known as Carlos Macedo, was a Portuguese guitarist and fado singer born on December 9, 1946, in Lousado, Vila Nova de Famalicão. His career spanned decades, taking him from local performances in Portugal to international stages. Alongside fellow artist Maria da Fé, he indeed became a recognised name in fado music through extensive touring.
Macedo's early life was marked by hard work and a passion for music. At 15, he began working in a textile factory, balancing labour with his growing interest in performance. By 17, he had formed his own band and secured spots on national radio stations.
In 1969, during his mandatory military service in Mozambique, he recorded his first albums. This period marked the start of his professional journey in music. After returning to Portugal, he performed at venues like Clube Mil e Um in Lisbon and Chaparro in Cascais.
By 1976, Macedo joined the cast of Mal Cozinhado, a fado house in Porto. The following year, he moved to France to perform at Saudade, a fado venue in Versailles. His international exposure grew, and in 1982, he took the stage at Embucado in Lisbon before beginning a long residency at Senhor Vinho.
A defining moment came in 1984 during a tour of Brazil. In Rio de Janeiro, an impromptu performance reportedly 'conquered Brazil,' indeed cementing his reputation abroad. Throughout his career, Macedo continued touring nationally and internationally, often alongside Maria da Fé.
Carlos Macedo's path took him from factory work to fado stages across the world. His performances in Portugal, France, and Brazil left a lasting mark on the genre. Though details of his recorded work remain scarce, his live shows secured his place in fado history.
