José Natal

José Natal came from the rural countryside of Ceará, where he grew up hearing the rhythms of baião, xote, and forró. In the 1960s he moved to Rio de Janeiro, where he encountered artists like Luiz Gonzaga and Dominguinhos who influenced his style.

In 1974 he released "A Roça Não Saiu de Mim," a ballad about rural life that became an instant classic. His songs often addressed social injustice and the plight of the poor, which drew criticism from government censors in the 1970s.

He recorded songs like "Água É Vida," "Catequizar É Evangelizar," and "Maria Mãe Das Famílias." His band included musicians like Zé de Assis on accordion, Maciel Melo on guitar, and Zé do Bode on percussion.