Biography
Who is José Cid?
Early life and career beginnings
José Cid: Born in the municipality of Chamusca, Portugal, in 1942, José spent his early childhood there before relocating with his family to Anadia at the age of six. His formal musical path began in 1956 when he founded a covers band called Os Babies.
In 1960, he enrolled in law school at the University of Coimbra. While studying, he formed a musical group called Conjunto Orfeão alongside partners including José Niza. Later, he performed with groups such as Trio Los Dos and Os Claves. He eventually left his studies at the university to pursue physical education at the National Institute of Physical Education in Lisbon, though he did not complete that program either.
Formation of Quarteto 1111
While attending the National Institute of Physical Education, José met a musician linked to the group Conjunto Mistério. Following an audition, he joined that band, which was subsequently renamed Quarteto 1111. He served as the band leader, primary composer, keyboardist, and lead singer.
Quarteto 1111 introduced a novel approach to pop-rock music in Portugal, incorporating modern instrumentation like the harpsichord. The group achieved significant media attention between 1968 and 1969 with their single El Rei D. Sebastião, which explored myths concerning the Portuguese king. Although the band maintained a classic formation similar to The Beatles, their sound and structure were often compared to The Moody Blues.
Progressive rock and Eurovision
During the 1970s, José explored symphonic rock through several projects, including the 1974 release Cantamos Pessoas Vivas and the 1976 album Vida, Sons do Quotidiano. His 1978 record 10,000 Anos Depois Entre Vénus e Marte remains one of his most recognized works. Many of these compositions were created with assistance from musicians such as Mike Sergeant and Ramon Galarza, often drawing influence from psychedelic rock styles.
Beyond his studio albums, he engaged in various international song competitions. He represented Portugal at the OTI Festival in 1979 in Caracas, where he placed third with the song Na cabana junto à praia. He returned to the OTI Festival in 1981 in Mexico City, finishing in tenth place. Also, he participated in the 1980 Eurovision Song Contest with the track Um grande, grande amor.
Personal life and recent work
José married East Timorese journalist and painter Gabriela Carrascalão in 2013. The couple resides on a farm in Mogofores, located within the municipality of Anadia. He has one daughter, Ana Sofia Cid, born in 1964 from a previous marriage. He is a vocal supporter of the Portuguese monarchist cause.
His career has continued into the 21st century. In 2015, he released the album Menino Prodígio, which received the Pedro Osório Award from the Portuguese Society of Authors. He was later honored with a Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019, becoming the second Portuguese singer to receive this recognition.
Birthday and age
José Cid was born on February 4, 1942, which makes José 84 years old today. That birthday falls under the Aquarius sign. José shares the date with 48 other famous people.
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