Alfredo Marceneiro, born Alfredo Rodrigo Duarte in 1891, was a towering figure in the world of Fado, Portugal's most emblematic musical genre, often referred to as the country's own version of the blues. Hailing from Lisbon, Marceneiro didn't become a professional fado singer until his thirties, but his deep, expressive voice and distinctive style quickly established him as one of the music’s most influential practitioners, despite his initial reluctance to record his performances.
Marceneiro's career spanned several decades through the early to mid-20th century, during which he became known for his unique interpretations and for developing a new strand of Fado, the "Fado Marceneiro." His contributions to the genre have become legendary, with staples such as "O Fado De Alfredo" and "Há festa na Mouraria" underscoring the depth of his artistry and his intimate understanding of the Fado's soulful and mournful expressions. Though he passed away in 1982, Alfredo Marceneiro's legacy lives on through the numerous recordings he has left behind, and he is remembered as "The Patriarch of Fado," a testament to his status as one of the most revered figures in Portuguese music. His work is not only a reflection of the Fado tradition, but also an enduring influence on subsequent generations of Fado musicians.
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