Born in February 5th 1955 at 3:00 AM, in the parish of Ajuda da Bretanha, in São Miguel Island (Azores, Portugal), Jorge Oliveira Ferreira is a Portuguese-American International Recording Artist, singer and songwriter, musician, producer and businessman. Also known as the "U.S.A.'s Portuguese King of Pop", Jorge Ferreira is the President and founder of "Portuguese Music World", the world's most famous Portuguese record company. Became famous in the early 80s thanks to the hit song "Papai" which is Portugal's 5th best selling single of all time in the Top 10 Best Selling Singles of All Time from Portugal's charts with over 1,200,000 sold copies, awarded with numerous Gold and Platinum Records around the world, Jorge Ferreira is the most famous Portuguese singer of the United States and the Portuguese Music's International Ambassador. In Portugal, Jorge Ferreira is the 4th best selling Portuguese recording artist of all time in the Top 16 Best Selling Portuguese Recording Artists of All Time from Portugal's charts with over 6,000,000 records sold, behind Amália Rodrigues (1st, with 30,000,000), Roberto Leal (2nd, with 17,000,000), and Linda de Suza (3rd, with 8,000,000), and in front of other famous Portuguese artists such as Marco Paulo (5th, with 5,000,000), Tony Carreira (6th, with 4,000,000), Dulce Pontes (7th, with 3.5,000,000), Mariza (11th, with 1,000,000), and Pedro Abrunhosa (12th, with 800,000). From the Top 10 Best Selling International/Stranger Recording Artists of All Time from Portugal's charts, Jorge Ferreira is in front of other famous international singers and bands such as Julio Iglesias (1st, with 5,000,000), Roberto Carlos (2nd, with 1.5,000,000), Daniela Mercury (4th, with 1,000,000), ABBA and Pink Floyd (both 5th, with 650,000), The Beatles and Madonna (both 6th, with 600,000), Shakira, Laura Pausini, Andrea Bocelli, and Michael Jackson (all 8th, with 500,000), and Nelly Furtado (10th, with 100,000). Along the years, Jorge Ferreira acquired a big popularity worldwide, and mostly in the United States, Canada, Bermuda, South Africa, Venezuela, Australia, United Kingdom, France and Portuguese islands of Madeira and the Azores. Jorge is the youngest of six children of Francisco Ferreira and Maria Rosa Ferreira. From an early age, he showed interested in music and enrolled in the local marching band when he was in elementary school. He quickly mastered the harmonica and trumpet. At the age of 12, Ferreira immigrated to the United States with his parents, in the city of Fall River, MA, leaving in Portugal five brothers who only later will have come to keep company to the rest of the family. Life in America was tough at first. Ferreira attended Fall River schools and began working in a agriculture factory at the age of 16, and performed on the side for weddings and in clubs, helping his parents to yield the household's budget. These difficult times proved worthwhile however, because this side of the Atlantic afforded Ferreira the opportunity to foster his passion for music. What makes his story different, however, is that despite being raised in a Portuguese household in Fall River for many years, he was unable to speak or write the language well. In 1972, at the age of 17, Ferreira joined various musical groups and bands in Fall River as a musician and singer such as "Banda Santo Cristo", "Banda de Nossa Senhora da Luz" (Our Lady of Light Band, known as one of the best amateur marching bands in the United States), "Jaywalkers", American country band "Sunrise, Sunset", his first owned band called "Vibrations", and later the most known "Conjunto Venus" and "Conjunto Mars". Soon, the name Jorge Ferreira was everywhere. Those were the days of dancing, evenings in clubs, halls and church halls. The “boy from Bretanha” sang in English and Portuguese, and gradually his voice earned time and space in the evenings of thousands of Portuguese on this side of the Atlantic. This year, Ferreira signs a contract with the American label “Sky Records” and records in studio for the first time of his career. He releases a 45 RPM record entitled "O Cançonetista que Também é Fadista" (The Lyricist who is Also Fadist), including the first single "Paizinho Sonhei Contigo" (Daddy I Dreamed of You). The next years, he releases several other 45 RPM singles with different American labels, such as "Sonho do Lar" (1973 - Space Records), among others. In 1979, with "Conjunto Mars", Ferreira releases the first album of his career entitled "Mars". This first record includes Portuguese songs, but also American popular songs covered by Ferreira. It knew a small success. In 1980, the "Henda Records & Video", which was one of the first Portuguese record labels in Fall River, contacts Ferreira to make three recordings in Portuguese, but only when Ferreira proved he could sell out halls and theatres, and sell records by the thousands, which he agreed upon for a price. The challenge won, Ferreira signs a three years contract opening the way to new frontiers. A new star was born... Ferreira releases the second album of his career "Amar Como Jesus Amou" (To Love Like Jesus Loved). He decides at the same time to sell his albums in Portugal, so he signs a contract with the Portuguese label "Metro-Som". Ferreira continued to work with Henda Records in America and released 4 EPs from 1981 to 1983 : "Viva Fall River" (Live Fall River), "As Moças da Minha Aldeia" (The Girls of my Village), "Quando Vai Chegar a Paz" (When the Peace will Arrive), and "Viva, Viva New Bedford" (Live, Live New Bedford). In 1983, Ferreira signs a new contract with another Portuguese label "Rádio Triunfo Internacional", and he releases the third album "Viva Fall River" (Live Fall River) which becomes a giant success, especially in the United States. He hit the top of Portugal's charts with this hit song which gives the name of this album. At this time, Ferreira becomes a great star and a confirmed artist, and all America knows who he is. In the same year, he releases another album "Os Olhos de Minha Mãe" (The Eyes of My Mother) containing the hit songs "O Pensar Dum Emigrante" and "Natal Duma Criança". Ferreira performed in the four corners of the United States to promote this album. In 1984, Ferreira releases the album "Baile dos Passarinhos" (Chicken Dance), containing the hit song "Chau". In 1985, Ferreira releases the album "Papai" (Daddy) in which he sings the principal song in duet with his daughter Alison Ferreira, who later will appear on other albums. This song becomes an amazing success in the U.S.A., and in Portugal, he is invited by Carlos Cruz in the TV show "Um, Dois, Três" to perform it. At the end of the song, Ferreira arouses an incredible standing ovation, and afterwards an impresario from the Portuguese show production company "Audição" contacts him to sign a contract. For the first time, Ferreira has the opportunity to make concerts in Portugal. The concerts are on the increase in the four corners of the country and his popularity in Portugal is increasing day after day. In the same year, he releases the album and the mega hit song "Carro Preto" (Black Car). The song talks about a betrayed man cause of the color of his car. The "Black Car" goes round the world and with this album, Ferreira becomes a legend in the United States, and in Portugal, all people listen only him. In 1986, Ferreira leaves Rádio Triunfo Internacional and signs a new contract with the label "Movieplay Portuguesa", and he releases the album "Mãe Já Partiste" (Mom You Passed Away), in homage to his mother deceased this year. In the same year, he signs a second contract of one year with another Portuguese label "DiscoNorte". He releases the album "O Sol Ainda Está Fora" (The Sun is Still Out). In 1987, Ferreira releases the album "Sonho Desfeito" (Drawn Dream). This album tells more or less the Ferreira's life. In 1988, Ferreira leaves Fall River with nostalgia and moves to live in Westport, MA, with wife and children. He build a computerized recording studio in the basement of his new home, without name for the moment. He releases the album "Não Há Gente Como A Gente" from a fan's sentence immigrated in Venezuela who, after a show, embraced the artist and, touched, exclaimed : "NÃO HÁ GENTE COMO A GENTE" ! ("THERE AREN'T ANY PEOPLE LIKE US !") This album is an incredible success with his hit songs "Bacalhau", "Ao Calor do Sol", the Spanish songs "25 Rosas" and "Carro Negro" (the "Black Car" in Spanish) and "Carro Branco" (White Car), the continuation of the "Black Car" with a contrary story. The song "Não Há Gente Como A Gente" is a dedication to all Portuguese people immigrated worldwide. In 1989, Ferreira leaves Movieplay Portuguesa and signs a contract with the label "Ovação Nacional". He names his computerized recording studio "City Limit Track" and writes and composes any songs for other Portuguese artists. Some new musicians make their appearance in Ferreira's albums and shows. One of them, the guitarist José Ernesto Barros, will become Ferreira's right-hand man, producing and arranging some albums, and performing in all live concerts. Ferreira releases the album "Deixei Meu Coração em Portugal" (I Left my Heart in Portugal) which becomes an immediate success, and then he is invited in many Portuguese radios in America and Portugal, and in other countries. During the year, Ferreira performed in a large South African tour. In 1990, Ferreira releases the album "Olhos Verdes" (Green Eyes), changing a little his musical style. In 1991, Ferreira releases the album "Recordar" (To Remember) containing the hit songs "Portugal Não Dorme no Verão" and "O Camião". In 1992, Ferreira releases the successful album "Regresso Prometido" (Promised Return), produced with the New England producer Paulo Sardinha, which is the most pop album, without any folksy song. In 1993, Ferreira leaves Ovação Nacional and signs a contract with one of the most famous record companies in Portugal, "Espacial Música". Francisco José Carvalho, the President of this company, becomes his new artistic manager in Portugal. Ferreira releases the album "Nos Arraiais" (In the Villages), containing the hit song "Mãe". He starts to invite some American musicians in his albums, and for this one, he has invited the saxophonist Paul Weddle and the famous trumpet player John Allmark. The result is remarkable. In 1994, Ferreira releases the album and the amazing song "Era Pouco e Acabou-se" (It Was Little and it Finished). With this project, he adopts the country music in some compositions. All the 10 songs are great, especially the flamenco song "Flamengo de Perdição", inspired by a travel in Spain. Thanks to this album, Ferreira makes a giant tour in Australia. Five months later, he releases his first Christmas album "Canta Natal" (Sing Christmas) in which his two daughters, Alison and Elizabeth Marie Ferreira perform some songs in lead and backing vocals. In 1995, Ferreira becomes the U.S.A.'s Portuguese King of Pop and releases the album "Prova de Amor" (Proof of Love). In 1996, after 16 years of success, Ferreira leaves his American label Henda Records & Video with thanks and congratulations from the President Henrique Galvão, but the company continues to distribute his albums. He creates his own record company in Dartmouth, MA, the "Portuguese Music World", with the sole objective of lowering the prices of Portuguese music in the markets of U.S.A. and Canada, and to support the local Portuguese artists who now have a wider distribution of their products. He becomes producer and produces many Portuguese and American artists. He releases the album and the successful song "A Portuguesa é a Mais Linda" (The Portuguese Woman is Most Beautiful). The sales of this album are very good. All songs are written and composed by Elizabeth Marie Ferreira, who will play an important function in the continuation of his father's career. In 1997, Ferreira releases the romantic album "13 de Maio na Cova de Iria" (May 13 in The Irene's Cove) and celebrates his 25 years of career. "As Biatas" is the hit song of this album. Five months later, he releases his second Christmas album "Natal em Família" (Christmas in Family) and invites in backing vocals his last child and first son, Jordan Ferreira, who will be promoted to a splendid future. In 1998, Ferreira releases the album "Revelações do Milénio" (Revelations of the Millenium), arranged with the local musician Joel Hiller, present in keyboards on the previous album. A new musician makes his appearance on this album, the bass player Roberto Bettencourt, who is the father of Donovan Bettencourt (bass player on the albums "Prova de Amor" and "Era Pouco e Acabou-se", and member of the band Mourning Widows) and the brother of the international artist Nuno Bettencourt (now became Rihanna's live guitarist) of the band DramaGods and Mourning Widows, and of the old band Extreme. Roberto will become indispensable in Ferreira's concerts. In 1999, Ferreira releases the album "Açoriano de Raíz" (Azorean of Root). He has invited his daughter Alison Ferreira to record the hit song "Papai 15 Anos Depois" which is the old hit song "Papai", 15 years after, with alternate lyrics. In 2000, Ferreira stops his career during two years and takes advantage of the family happiness. He releases the best of "Eu Voltarei" (I Will Come Back), containing two reprises on new instruments. Elizabeth Marie Ferreira starts a solo singer career and releases an EP entitled "Chuva de Beijos" (Rain of Kisses). Her artist's name is Liz Marie. In 2001, Ferreira releases the best of and the new song "A Chupeta" (The Lollipop) which is very claimant as a song. In Portugal, he signs a contract with the show production company "Palcos Brandão", led by António and Sérgio Brandão, in order to perform some concerts in the most distant areas of the country. In 2002, Ferreira works with the famous Boston producer Marc Soucy and he releases the album "Como Este Mundo Mudou" (As This World Moved). He has invited the local pianist and songwriter Richard London. Marc Soucy gives to this successful album his American pop influences, so of all, this is the most Americanized album. One of these influences is the song "Minha Segunda Mãe" which refers to September 11th, 2001. In 2003, Ferreira releases the album "Vem Agosto, Vem Agosto" (Come August, Come August), recorded in Meaux, France, in which he has invited the French band "Malaca Trio" composed by Jean-Marc Debat (guitar), Sébastien Blanche (bass) and Sylvie Morais (vocals). Produced with Ferreira's European live keyboardist Serge Fernandes, this album is very original and becomes the most folksy album, with his frenzied latin rhythms. In 2004, Ferreira releases the great album "As Velhas e os Solteirões" (The Old Women and the Bachelors). His son Jordan Ferreira becomes member of the progressive/fusion rock band "Mindwalk Blvd", playing electric guitar, and he plays it on this album. The Malaca Trio comes back on this album, recorded in Westport, MA (U.S.A.) and in Meaux (France). Ferreira creates his official website in which some albums are on sell, and he expands little by little on the web. The Portuguese Music World, studying the Portuguese markets, comes to an agreement with two major national record labels. Vidisco and Espacial are the two major record companies that Portuguese Music World has partnered up with. These two leading labels agree that Portuguese Music World represents them in the United States and Canada, chopping prices on their entire inventory. In 2005, Ferreira releases the album "Bendito Seja Agosto" (Blessed Be August), produced with Serge Fernandes and the famous Portuguese producer Ricardo Landum, recorded in Pontinha (Portugal) and in Westport, MA (U.S.A.), and in which performs Jordan Ferreira and the Portuguese trumpet player Miguel Gonçalves. He creates the Portuguese Music World's official website managed by Elizabeth Marie Ferreira, and he releases the DVD "Viagens" (Travels). Three months later, he performs at the restaurant "Venus de Milo" in Swansea, MA, for the "Katrina Event Benefit Concert", a Hurricane Katrina fundraiser show, with an amazing lineup of several local and international artists including Jordan Ferreira's band Mindwalk Blvd. At the end of the event, they total $32,000, to donate to the American Red Cross to help the hurricane victims and the city of New Orleans, LA. Two months later, Ferreira releases his third Christmas album "Natal com Jorge Ferreira e Família" (Christmas With Jorge Ferreira and Family), which is a Christmas best of containing 3 new songs, and in which sing his two daughters and his son, who plays also. In 2006, Ferreira releases the album "Meu Coração Bate Por Ti" (My Heart Beats For You) produced with Nelson Moreira and recorded in Fall River, MA. The local female singer Nélia and Alison Ferreira perform together in backing vocals. In October, his long time friend and singer Jack Sebastião dies of a heart attack. He had sung in duet with him the song "Jorge Ferreira e Jack Sebastião à Desgarrada", from the last album. In 2007, Ferreira releases the successful album "É Bom é Bom" (It's Good It's Good). He has worked very hard and has given the best of himself for this project. The album is very folksy and joyful, and incites people to dance. His son Jordan Ferreira has given a lot of his time to this album, so he plays electric guitar in the orchestra. Fall River's producer Nelson Moreira is come back and has contracted some local musicians. The local female singer Nélia is also come back in backing vocals. The tracklist is very interesting, and in particular two songs. The first, "Olhos Risonhos", is a reprise of the old hit song "Olhos Tiranos", in a more modern version. The lyrics are different and the music is a cover of a hit song by the legendary band ABBA. The second, "E Cai a Neve", is a Portuguese cover of Salvatore Adamo's hit song "Tombe la Neige". The Portuguese version has been writing with the collaboration of Brazilian songwriter Romeu Nunes. Famous Italian-French singer Salvatore Adamo had loaned in the past his song "La Nuit" to Ferreira in 1988, for the tracklist of the album "Não Há Gente Como a Gente". Ferreira's studio drummer Robert Leonardo is now a famous producer and has made mixings and mastering at his Fall River studio "Digital Wave Multimedia". At the same time that the release of this new album, Ferreira releases this year his first live DVD "Ao Vivo em Ponte da Barca" (Live in Ponte da Barca) recorded in August 2006 in Ponte da Barca, during Ferreira's annual Portugal Summer Tour. Ponte da Barca is a beautiful municipality located in Northern Portugal. This live concert was the best of all during the Portugal Summer Tour 2006. During 1h30 of show, Ferreira performs his best hits, including some songs from his 2006 album "Meu Coração Bate Por Ti". In 2008, Ferreira performs in England, at one of the largest music venues of London, the Carling Academy Brixton. He participated in the first Portuguese Music Awards of America, the A.U.A. Awards Show, at the Portuguese Cultural Centre of Fall River. Ferreira won Awards thanks to his two hit songs from his 2007 album "É Bom é Bom" : "Se Ela Encosta é Bom é Bom" (Best National Folk Song Award of the year) and "Deixa-me Ir Contigo" (Best Folksy Song Award of the year). Ferreira releases the album "Manel Aperta o Cinto" (Manuel, Pinch the Belt). With this album, Ferreira wanted to make an urgent appeal to the global financial crisis of 2008 which touches nowadays all countries of the globe. He speaks about the life of emigrated workers who resist to daily difficulties and who receive a just sufficient wage to survive with the constraining obligation to "pinch the belt systematically", blending nostalgic melodies of Portugal appearing in the space soul moments of these people. On this call to democracy, Ferreira united several friends who agreed to lend their voice by participating in some songs. Featured artists are Portuguese singer/songwriter José Reza, Portuguese folk singer and accordionist Augusto Canário from the band "Augusto Canário e Amigos", and Portuguese-Canadian female pop singer Jessica Amaro. The American people appreciates the musical work of this last album, which became gold record in the U.S. two months after its North American release. In 2009, Ferreira becomes the most nominated artist to the second Portuguese Music Awards of America, the A.U.A. Awards Show Gala II. Despite his absence due to a tour in California programmed for the same period, he won 6 awards, principally thanks to his triumphant and successful 2008 album, "Manel Aperta o Cinto" : "Parabéns, Parabéns" (Best National Folk Song Award of the year), "Manel Aperta o Cinto" (Best Folksy Song Award of the year), "Velhas com Canário e Jorge Ferreira" (Best Desgarrada Song Award of the year), "Ceia do Emigrante" (Best Fado/Pop Song Award of the year), "Este Natal Santo" (Best Christmas Song Award of the year) and "Ao Vivo em Ponte da Barca" (Best Live Album of the year). He also decides to endorse to the sale for his fans the sumptuous concertinas from the firm "Ranco Antonio Concertinas", partner of the famous Italian society "Polverini Accordions", following various negotiations. Later, he will adopt and always use "Ranco" concertinas, as well in lives as in recording studios. Ferreira releases the album "Ser Português" (To be Portuguese), celebrating his 30 -year career in business music on one hand, and on the other hand by performing on a tour celebrating the event. This album reports daily frauds and manipulations under all their forms which clamp down at present, that are financial, human, mediatical or political. Behind the present claims, the wisdom is searched. Throughout it are transmitted happiness, love and spirituality messages as well as a research of glory, wealth and power for all persons who dream one day to escape the matrix of their life more or less monotonous. Musically, the album goes through different and various musical rhythms such as timeless ballads or festive and folk songs. Recorded in Fall River, Westport (U.S.A.) and Mississauga (Canada), the album was produced in collaboration with Robert Leonardo and Hernâni Raposo. In June, Ferreira performs at the prestigious international hall of the Casino Herisau, in Herisau, Switzerland, where the stage floor has been milled on in the past by Eric Clapton, among others… In September, he performs outside in Bermuda, right in the middle of the big historical and touristic place of King's Square, in St. George's. During the year, Portuguese Music World society wins fame and popularity. Thanks to devotion of his daughter and secretary coordinator Elizabeth Marie as well as to the team work of his staff, Ferreira succeeds to digitize the Portuguese music in great numbers throughout numerous lawful downloading platforms on the web. 95% of Portuguese-speaking singers and musicians of the planet as well as 15% of foreign singers and musicians of the globe, all merged musical styles, all met Jorge Ferreira and collaborated with him with the intention to negotiate their discographic distribution in North America. Many Portuguese artists who want to acquire a big popularity on this continent will go even to the point of choosing the Portuguese Music World as second record company and second show production company. Of this fact, Ferreira acquires new responsibilities, also becoming Tour Manager. In 2010, Ferreira starts the year by accepting to participate to the organization of « Operation Haiti », a Fundraiser Concert of 2h30 in favour of the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. Ferreira performs in February with several Portuguese-American artists, at the B.M.C. Durfee High School Auditorium, in Fall River, MA. Produced by Floriano Cabral, the event was broadcast live on a number of TV stations and radio stations scattered across the United States. It was also webcast and shown live on RTP Azores, in Portugal. At the end of the evening, the theleton netted $45 000, all proceeds went to the American Red Cross. Operation Haiti's official website was also created : http://fundraiserforhaiti.com . From March to November, Ferreira goes on a World Tour. He performs in the United States, France, Portugal, Canada, Venezuela, Switzerland and Luxembourg. In Toronto, he performs live at CNE Bandshell Park, a world famous stage of the Exhibition Place, for the 44th Annual CHIN International Picnic, one of the most famous picnics in the world, attracting approximately 250 000 people each year coming from various countries. Ferreira releases the album « Pedaços de Mim » (Pieces of Me). This album consists in reprises of Ferreira's old hits from the 80's and the beginning of the 90's, in a large majority. Some lyrics were modified on some songs by Elizabeth Marie. The only exception is the last track, #16, entitled "Ecos Fatais (Pesadelos Reais)". This last song, which is a charity song, was performed live at the Operation Haiti Fundraiser Concert on February 6th 2010, by Ferreira and various other local artists for closing this special event. Originally entitled "Haiti", the lyrics of this song was incorporated into an old music from 1994 belonging to the Era Pouco e Acabou-se album's song "Jugoslávia". The lyrics were quickly written by Ferreira in a few days before the event in Fall River. The studio version is a little bit different, starting by performers who aren't all the sames, someone having been substituted by other artists. In comparison with the live version, new performers are Portuguese-Canadians female singers Ana Pacheco and Sarah Pacheco, and Brazilian-Portuguese singer from Venezuela Carlos Kanto. Recorded in the United States and Canada, the album was produced in collaboration with Robert Leonardo and Hernâni Raposo. Their arrangements bring a new cool touch to all these memorable hit songs, performed with the best equipment in musical instruments. During the year, Ferreira connects with his public thanks to the social network « Facebook » on the web, with which he creates his own artist page : Jorge Ferreira Oficial. Then, numerous were the fans who joined Ferreira, creating their profile or already online, just to talk with their idol or just to leave a comment. In his family, his son Jordan leaves his band Mindwalk Blvd and joins other rock musicians. Together, they create a new progressive/fusion rock band called ElixirOnMute. In 2011, Ferreira slows down the rhythm of his tours and limits the number of scheduled concerts to dedicate his free time to the work in studio. Only 25 concerts have been performed this year, what represents a very thin number compared with the previous years. In June, he is the guest of honor during the 27th Annual Heritage Day of Portugal at the State House in Boston, where he is awarded and decorated by a medal. “Being Portuguese it’s what allowed me to be what I am today”, Ferreira told those gathered at the House Chamber ceremony. The next day, Ferreira is received and recognized in Washington D.C., at the White House by President Barack Obama himself, in honor of his wonderful contribution for the emigration of the United States, becoming a confirmed Ambassador of Portugal in North American lands. Ferreira releases the album "Pela Terra e Pelo Mar" (Through the Earth and Through the Sea). For this record, Ferreira has worked very hard, more than all other released albums, spending much hours of concentration during many months in his studio. Beautiful songs were recorded and adapted with different musical genres. The tracklist, very diversified, contains marches, ballads, Portuguese folk songs, pop rock songs, one desgarrada and... one hip hop song ! All these genres emphasize Ferreira's famous vocal versatility. In this album, Ferreira tells his lived during his travels on tour through the countries of the world, what notably explains the visual illustration of the terrestrial globe. He reveals his experiences with the women, his old loves, his friends, the pride to be Portuguese beyond borders, and with the "saudade" for the homeland. Other artists were also invited on some songs. These are Mickael Salgado, a young Portuguese fado singer who is blind, Ferreira's friend Manel "Nelinho" da Capela, a Portuguese-French amateur desgarrada singer, and O'Antigo, a French rapper of Portuguese descent. The hip hop song "Saudade (Foi Assim o Emigrante)" is a big exclusivity on this album. It is the first hip hop song ever that Ferreira recorded for one of his albums since the beginning of his career. The musical quality of this album is at its highest level, recorded in the United States and Canada in various studios, the album was produced with the excellent collaboration of musician and producer from the Toronto area, Hernâni Raposo, who was very invested in his work. The album also marks the return in studio of well known live guitarist José Ernesto Barros, after 8 years of absence, but only playing acoustic guitar. During October and November, Ferreira accompanies his son Jordan, this one on American tour with his rock band ElixirOnMute. Ferreira joins the technical staff and becomes the bus driver for this Fall Nationwide Tour. The father attends a large part of his son's concerts, what gives him the opportunity to visit the biggest American cities. With his son Jordan (guitar and vocals), Jon Reshard (bass), Padget Nanton (drums) and Evan La Ruffa (Tour Manager), Ferreira drives the band to Boston, Worcester (Massachusetts), Danbury (Connecticut), Butler (New Jersey), Charlotte (North Carolina), Atlanta (Georgia), Oklahoma City (Oklahoma), Austin, El Paso (Texas), Las Vegas (Nevada), Culver City, San Francisco (California), Seattle (Washington), Minneapolis (Minnesota), Kansas City and University City (Missouri). In 2012, Ferreira releases the successful album "Kumolinho" (Softass). This album is very folksy and joyful. On this album, Ferreira promotes the kuduro music style and sings about parties, women, loves, Portuguese feasts, his past childhood, the bad influences of the money, the worldwide financial crisis, the politicians' swindles, the social injustices, and the extreme financial distance between the richest and the poorest people. Many celebrities have participated to the realization of the album. These are drummer Robert Leonardo, now living in Cape Verde, West Africa and who came back to North America to work with Ferreira for one song only, Brazilian-Canadian producer Hernâni Raposo, Californian young singer of Portuguese descent Joey Medeiros, Rhode Islanders cousins Ricardo and Evaldo Estrella from the band "Young Fire", Ferreira's European tour manager Nicky Lemos, who worked with Ferreira in studio for the second time, Portuguese-American rapper Brian Couto, and Portuguese-Canadian female singer Sarah Pacheco. Recorded in 5 recording studios in the United States (two studios in Massachusetts, one in Rhode Island, and one other in California) and Canada (one studio in Ontario), the album was produced with the excellent collaboration of Brazilian-Canadian musician and producer Hernâni Raposo, who performed several musical instruments, so showing his professional versatility. A short time after its release, the album received an amazing success, and particularly in Portugal where the single "Tiro Liro à Minha Maneira" hit the top of Portugal’s charts during several weeks, and was broadcasted on various radios of the country. "Tiro Liro à Minha Maneira" became Portugal's Summer Hit Song 2012. The song was also remixed in a rap version as a bonus track on the album, and it features Portuguese-American rapper Brian Couto. It is the second Ferreira's collaboration with a hip hop artist. Other hit songs from the album are "Kumolinho", "Aperta o Cinto P'ra Calcinha Não Cair", "Que Bondade de Mulher", "Por Isso Vivo Sonhando", "Fechei as Portas ao Mundo", and "Pedaços do Meu Passado". Sold to numerous copies worldwide, "Kumolinho" is became one of Jorge Ferreira's best albums ever. In June, Ferreira performed in Venezuela, at the prestigious Hotel Gran Meliá Caracas. In October, Ferreira accompanies his son Jordan for the second time, driving him to a new American tour with his rock band ElixirOnMute. Ferreira becomes bus driver again. With his son Jordan (guitar and vocals), Jon Reshard (bass), Padget Nanton (drums) and Evan La Ruffa (Tour Manager), Ferreira drives the band to Massachusetts (Boston), New Hampshire (Allenstown), New Jersey (Hoboken), Ohio (Columbus), Indiana (Fort Wayne), Missouri (Kansas City) and Wisconsin (Milwaukee and Madison). In 2013, Ferreira starts the year in February, by participating to the first edition of the International Portuguese Music Awards, event held in New Bedford, MA, at the prestigious Zeiterion Theater. It is about a comparable event to the Portuguese Music Awards of America, the A.U.A. Awards Show, but this time in the worldwide level, uniting several international Portuguese singers and bands from the entire world, including Portugal. Founded on the initiative of five professional musicians from the Portuguese-American musical industry, Gary Sebastião, David Saraiva, Eric Amaral, Floriano Cabral and José Xavier, Ferreira shared the stage with famous international artists, performing a show case to close the event. He won the "Popular" category award, or "Middle of the Road" with the song "Pedaços do meu Passado" from the last album. The show was aired on several Portuguese TV channels, in live across the United States and on the web, and taped across Portuguese-speaking countries. Some months later, Ferreira learns the deaths of two old musicians with whom he collaborated in the past : Lina Paredinha, Ferreira's old live backing vocalist from 2009 to 2011 for Portugal Summer Tours, passed away at the age of 23 of a Glioblastoma Multiforme Stage IV, and Ferreira's long time live and studio drummer Bob Miranda (from the United States). Miranda was a part of Ferreira's dream team musicians during many years. Miranda died of a heart attack. He was probably the most competent drummer that Ferreira knew in his career. During Portugal Day festivities in June, Ferreira performed an amazing memorable outdoor concert at the famous touristic maritime esplanade of Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, in the big city of Philadelphia, PA. He releases the album "À Minha Maneira" (To my Manner). This album puts in honour the beautiful Portuguese island of Madeira. Ferreira performs Madeiran folk music and sings about Madeiran traditions, his nostalgia for his parents' house in his homeland, old women, loves, Portuguese traditional feasts, his immigrant's status and his "saudade" for his homeland, the American line dance of the Hully Gully, and his intolerance to the idlers, social injustices, thieves, corruption and incompetent governments. Some artists have lent their voice on this project. These are Armando Pimentel, Canadian female singer of Portuguese descent Stephanie Tavares, and American rapper of Portuguese descent "The Craft", stage name of Karl Amaral. To note on backing vocals the performance of Portuguese-American singer Nelson (Nelson Rego), and on trumpet and trombone the return of Ferreira's long time musician Joseph Pereira Jr., who come back in studio to work with Ferreira after a long absence of 7 years. About songs, Ferreira covered Madeiran traditional song "Bailinho da Madeira" as "Bailinho da Madeira à Minha Maneira", that a rap version is also available as a bonus track on the CD, becoming the third Ferreira's collaboration with a hip hop artist. Ferreira also covered two hit songs by Madeiran rockabilly old band Conjunto Académico João Paulo, who was very famous in Portugal during the 60's, in honour of its lead vocalist Sérgio Borges who passed away in 2011. These songs are "Milena", a 1966 love song, and "Hully Gully do Montanhês", a 1965 rockabilly song recorded on new instruments with a more contemporary sonority, and making an impressive dynamic and powerful rock song. Ferreira also covered his own hit, the old ballad "Chau", 29 years after the original version, available in two new versions : one in solo and one in duet. Portuguese folklore song "À Força Querem que eu Diga" was recorded with a bagpipe performed by Ferreira himself, for the first time of his career. Ferreira searched a professional and competent bagpiper during a long moment, but without any find. So he took the time to learn bagpipe for this song, and finally he mastered it. The result gives beautiful celtic melodies. Azorean traditional folk music is also represented on this album, with desgarrada song "Velhas". All album songs were recorded in Mississauga, ON, Canada. For the first time in Ferreira's career, this album was produced by only one man : Brazilian-Canadian musician and producer Hernâni Raposo, who each year brings his personal touch and gives the best of himself on Ferreira's albums. Robert Leonardo has worked on this record too, helping Raposo with his professional experience. Ferreira promotes his 2013-2014 tour at the end of the year by performing on stage for special occasions : for the first time of his career, he performed in the State of Idaho, United States, in the town of Wendell, at the Magic Valley Portuguese Hall, for Saint Anthony the Great annual Festival. In France, he performed at Le Dôme, in Mutzig, for the first edition of "Lusartist", which is a singing competition organized in France for local French artists of Portuguese descent and those from the rest of the world, as well as for Portuguese artists coming directly from Portugal who have all the same common objective : to begin a professional career in the musical industry. During this first edition, the 12 finalists performed live, with their band, a song in front of the attended people in the hall and the jury composed by seven music professional persons who voted for the candidate of their choice. Ferreira is named Foreman of the jury at the sides of the other committee members composed by well known Luso-French names from the musical industry, the media and the business world of the French territory such as Rodolfo Salvado, Alexandre Cardoso, Carlos Pereira, Artur Silva, Noémie Ramos and Nicky Lemos. He also performed in Switzerland, at the Genossenschaft Sporthalle Unterrohr Schlieren, in Schlieren (near Zurich), for Portugal Stars, an event that unites six of the biggest international celebrities of Portuguese music. So Ferreira shared the stage of this hall with the international star Lucenzo. In 2014, Ferreira releases the album "Canta com os Amigos - Desgarradas Inéditas" (Sings With Friends - Inedit Desgarradas). This album is very special and different in comparison with other Ferreira's records. Entirely produced by Ferreira and recorded in his home studio "City Limit Track" in Westport, MA, this project unites several Ferreira's friends around desgarrada songs only. Indeed, some united singers in this CD are renowned artists specialized in Portuguese traditional folk music. These are Portuguese pop diva Ágata, French rapper of Portuguese descent In-k (performing in Spanish language), Portuguese-Swiss singer and musician Pêga, Portuguese-American folk singer and musician Tony Carvalho (from California), Portuguese-American folk singer António Azevedo (from California), Portuguese female singer and musician Cláudia Martins (lead vocalist of the band "Minhotos Marotos"), Portuguese young singer and musician Tiago Maroto, French singer of Portuguese descent Mike da Gaita, Portuguese-French amateur desgarrada singer Nelinho da Capela, and Portuguese-French singer and musician Carlos Pires. On backing vocals, Portuguese-American singer Nelson (Nelson Rego) performed this year again. On concertina, between other musicians, there are Ricardo Ferreira, member of the band "Minhotos Marotos", and Portuguese-French singer and musician Nelson Costa. There are different track lists for each edition : 9 songs for the American/Canadian release and the European/worldwide release, including the additional song "Malhão de Cinfães" for this last edition, and 12 songs for the iTunes release including the instrumental tracks "Vira dos Namorados", "Vira de Santa Marta", and "Vira do 8". Desgarrada songs are very extended : the longest desgarrada lasts 10:10, and the shortest desgarrada lasts 7:17. Complicity, teasings, human heat, simplicity, wisdom, enjoyment, fun, humor, and friendship spirit constitute the general atmosphere that characterizes this album. Ferreira and his friends sing about Portugal and their "saudade" and love for their homeland, their immigrant's status for the expatriates, the difficulties and feelings felt to take the bad knocks of the everyday life of the today's society, Azorean old women, the old good times, the beauty of Portuguese lands, but also about the incompetent Portuguese government, social injustices and corruption in Portugal. Ferreira covered Portuguese traditional song "Malhão de Cinfães", which is a well-known song in Portugal covered by Amália Rodrigues and Roberto Leal, among others. This song marks the fourth Ferreira's collaboration with a hip hop artist (In-k). Also, it's the only song of the album which is not a desgarrada, but a Portuguese folklore song. Brazilian-Canadian musician and producer Hernâni Raposo did not produce this album, but performed various instruments and made the final mastering. Drummer and producer Robert Leonardo was very invested on this record. He showed his professional versatility by performing additionals acoustic guitar and keyboards. In September, Ferreira performs in a large concert in South Africa, in the town of Brakpan, at the famous international stage of The Big Top Arena at Carnival City Casino and Entertainment World of Johannesburg. Several famous international artists have performed at this prestigious concert hall such as Bryan Adams, James Blunt, and Kris Kristofferson, to name a few… In November, he performs at luxurious hotels in the United Kingdom, in the Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey, respectively in the cities of Saint Helier and Vale. In 2015, Ferreira releases the album "Quem Ganha são as Mulheres" (Who Win are Women). Very feminist and light, this album puts in honour all women and their power and domination over men in everyday life. Almost all songs turn around the topic of the woman. For the first time of his versatile pop career, Ferreira adopts a new musical genre, from Brazil : sertanejo. Sertanejo songs “Dona Maria Benta (Já com Perto de 90)” and “Nunca Mais Ponho a Colher (Entre Marido e Mulher)” are exactly "sertanejo universitário" (university sertanejo) songs, a subgenre of sertanejo music. “Desgarrada do Carro Preto” is a desgarrada song about the story of Ferreira’s black car (in reference to Ferreira’s famous hit song “Carro Preto”), and what it became today. Invited musicians on this CD are Portuguese-French desgarrada singer Mondim, and Portuguese folk singer Carlos Ribeiro, both on lead vocals on desgarrada songs, Portuguese-American female singer Ana Lisa came back on backing vocals since her latest performance on Ferreira’s 2009 album “Ser Português”, American singer and musician of Portuguese descent Josh Pereira, on acoustic guitar and tenor guitar, American pianist and producer from Milton, MA Joel Hiller came back on piano, well-known famous Cape Verdean singer and musician Khaly Angel on piano, and Portuguese singer and accordionist Helder Baptista on concertina. This album is visionary and introspective at the same time. In the visionary part, Ferreira sings about constraints that men have to undergo in a couple life, sensuality, feminine beauty, seduction, passionate and ardant desire, intensity of loving feelings, the search of the soul mate, deep love, romanticism, affection, tenderness, sweetness, happiness in love and loving poetry in a relationship, mesmerizing and seductive women eyes, active old women behaving like young bimbos of today, a violent and enlivened domestic quarrel between a drunk husband and his wife terrifying and interacting neighbors. In the introspective part, Ferreira sings about himself : his long years of career and his life as a recording artist, his will to continue to sing until the end of his career, his good and bad moments spent between friends and various people, and now remembered with nostalgia, and his love for Northern Portugal’s region of Minho and its good and strong wine. As usually, friendship spirit, looseness, simplicity, wisdom, difficulties and hard reality that the immigration makes endure, "saudade" and love for Portugal and the old good times, humor, sexual meaning words, verbal sparring matches, teasings, and enjoyment characterize desgarrada songs. Produced by Ferreira in the US, and by drummer/producer Robert Leonardo in Cape Verde Islands, Western Africa, this album was recorded in 4 countries at 5 different studios : one studio in the United States, two studios in Portugal, one studio in France, and one studio in Cape Verde. Leonardo’s studio XL Produções has 3 offices : its main office in Praia, Cape Verde, one office in Lisbon, Portugal, and one office in Fall River, MA, U.S.A. Only Cape Verdean and Portuguese offices were used to record instruments and full tracks. Ferreira’s European Tour Manager Nicky Lemos recorded some instruments and full tracks at his own studio in France, K-Lypso Studio, as well as Portuguese folk music producer and musician Henrique Cedovim at his own studio O Provinciano, in Portugal. In August, for the second time since 1999, Ferreira is the Headliner Pop Star at the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament in New Bedford, MA. This big Madeiran festival is the "World's Largest Portuguese Festival" and the "Largest Ethnic Festival in New England". After a long day where several American and Portuguese singers and bands performed, Ferreira closes this beautiful festival as the 15th artist on stage, performing a powerful outdoor concert at Madeira Field, in front of more than 100,000 people. In 2016, Ferreira makes a break by leaving recording studios and puts back all his future projects for the next year. Under the directives of "Espacial Música", his European record company based in Portugal and managing his discographic distributions in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania, he releases the compilation "Best Of", including 21 main hits from 1994 to 2013, and an inedit single entitled "Eu te Amo Portugal" (I Love You Portugal). This single is promoted in America as a digital version (MP3), and only the European basic compilation will remain available exclusively outside the American continents. The song "Eu te Amo Portugal" was recorded on the occasion of the UEFA Euro 2016 of soccer, held in France, in order to celebrate and support the course of the Portugal National Soccer Team in this European championship. Through the lyrics, Ferreira also delivers a message of thanking to all Portuguese people who welcomed him, as well in Portugal as within Portuguese communities throughout the world. The song, which doesn't belong to Ferreira, is originally entitled "Eu te Amo, meu Brasil" (I Love You, my Brazil) and was written and composed by Eustáquio Gomes de Farias, singer of the Brazilian duet "Dom & Ravel", this one became famous at the beginning of the 70s thanks to this song which propelled the duet at the top of the Brazilian charts. The single was released in 1970 on the occasion of the 1970 FIFA World Cup of soccer held in Mexico in order to celebrate and support the course of the Brazil National Soccer Team in this world championship. The song became famous with its reprise by the Brazilian pop rock band "Os Incríveis", in the course of this time. Cataloged in Brazil as being a song of ufanist exaltation of the Brazilian nation, it was very used and performed at various civic events during the dictatorial military regime of General Médici. The musical genre of the original song performed by Dom & Ravel is the Brazilian folk, while the version performed by the band Os Incríveis is a military march. Ferreira, as for him, arranged the song to the current musical trend on a kuduro music style. Dom, stage name of Eustáquio Gomes de Farias, passed away on December 10th, 2000 of a stomach cancer, and his brother Ravel, stage name of Eduardo Gomes de Farias, passed away on June 16th, 2011 of a heart attack. Produced by Ferreira and by drummer/producer Robert Leonardo, the single "Eu te Amo Portugal" was recorded in Praia (Cape Verde, Western Africa), at XL Produções, Leonardo's recording studio. It is to note that "Best Of" is the third Ferreira's album-compilation, the others being "A Chupeta" (2001) and "Eu Voltarei" (2000). Along his career, Ferreira has released numerous record projects. Next to his albums, he adds up 4 EPs, 33 singles, 49 compilations, 3 live albums, 21 musical collaborations, 2 VHS, 9 DVDs, and 151 music videos. Today, Ferreira is songwriter, performer, musician, producer and graduate in musicology. Despite his worldwide success, he still depends on the Portuguese dictionary to write his lyrics. The name Jorge Ferreira is known throughout the Portuguese speaking world. Prompted by great entrepreneurs, he commands the largest audiences in the world, and is recognized as one of the world's most beloved artists wherever he goes. Ferreira tours in 16 to 20 countries, sometimes invited by U.S. authorities to sing the Portuguese national anthem at the world championships Portuguese football, usually when the national team plays in the U.S.A. Now known in Portugal as one of the greatest artists and composers of Portuguese pop music, with an estimate of more than six million albums sold… Making history with every note. Ferreira is the most famous Portuguese singer of the United States in so far as reference number one in Portuguese music. The stage is not Jorge Ferreira’s only home. He can often be found in his recording studio, where he produces his own recordings, as well as the recordings of other local artists and abroad. His brilliant repertoire contains over 40 recorded albums, highlighting 30 gold records, 8 silver, and 14 platinum. Ferreira has added well over 600 songs to his name, of which he recorded over 400 himself, as well as dozens of songs for other artists such as José Ribeiro, Luís Manuel, Luís Filipe Reis, Tony Carreira, and many others in other countries. Ferreira also gived many opportunities in his live shows to other artists, where some have started their careers. He has been named Portuguese Business Association's man of the year of the city of Fall River, in honor of his rise from the factory floors to world fame and millions in records sales, rewarded in so far as "Portuguese Music's Ambassador in the World" at the Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort in Atlantic City, has been given the key to the city of Toronto, Canada by the Mayor of Toronto, recognized by the Governor of Ontario as the first artist to sellout the 16,000 setter Standard Bank Arena in Johannesburg, South Africa, followed by Stevie Wonder and Tracy Chapman, and the only Portuguese artist invited to do three back to back concerts at the Caesar’s Palace of Johannesburg, South Africa, nominated a few dozens of times and awarded sixteen times by the Lusiadas Awards (AUA Awards, United Artists of America), the first Portuguese artist to perform and sell out the Civic Center in San José, California, the first Portuguese artist to perform and sell out the United Nations Park in Caracas, Venezuela, the first Portuguese artist to perform and sell out the big arenas of Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, Australia, as well as the big stages of France, United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Belgium, Portugal, Brazil, United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Philippines, Timor-Leste, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Gabon, and some countries of Caribbean Islands such as Bermuda, Aruba, Curaçao, and Saint Barthélemy. Countless acts have used his well known songs. Married to Yvonne Ferreira (co-producer for videos with him and staff member of the Portuguese radio station "WJFD Radio Globo" in New Bedford, MA), Jorge has two daughters, Alison and Elizabeth Marie, and a son, Jordan (of the band ElixirOnMute), all of them with a passion for music. Much more could be said about Jorge Ferreira, who as a kid went hungry many times, and received his first pair of shoes at the age of 12, but now his music reaches the farthest corners of the earth. Only a biographical book, or even a movie could tell us his entire life amazing story. Psychologically, Jorge Ferreira is a shy and reserved man. Simple and humble person, despite his success, Ferreira has never ceased to be the humble, friendly person he is, not has he forgotten the long road that brought him where he is today. In his own way of life, his honesty and sincerity makes him a personality respected and loved by all. Even on the other side of the Atlantic, he never forgets his country and his roots. Untiring fighter, he is a valorous artist full of will to conquer and he always thanks the U.S.A., this country which has presented him the opportunity to conquer the prestige and the fame that today he possesses. When he wins a gold record or when one of his songs becomes a great success, he accepts it with an impressive modesty and timidity impression. The secret of Jorge Ferreira's success is his wonderful voice, his envious communicative talent with the public, his musical orchestra composed by professional musicians and instruments from the U.S.A., and his computerized recording studio "City Limit Track" fitted out with the best technology of the moment. His lyrics reflect all the sorrows, joys, nostalgias and loves of all Portugueses immigrated around the world who, through his songs, search for a way to feel nearer of everything is Portuguese. Ferreira plays with the words in various situations of the daily. He mixes the American pop rock with the Portuguese national folk music and the result is awesome. He sings on various musical styles, going from an extremity to another, going through country, rock, American pop, pop rock, rockabilly, American folk, and hip hop music (United States), ballads and dance music (United Kingdom), reggae (Jamaica), flamenco (Spain), latin music (hispanic America), lambada and sertanejo (Brazil), Christmas songs and Italian folk music (Italy), kuduro (Angola), fado, Portuguese pop, desgarrada, and Portuguese folklore (Portugal). Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.