Born in Maranhão and based in Rio de Janeiro, Zé Américo occupies a prominent place in the history of Brazilian music production, having played key roles as an arranger and musical director for renowned artists such as Elba Ramalho, Alcione, Fagner, and Dominguinhos. His influence also extends to various compilations and a notable roster of artists from Maranhão, including Gerude, César Nascimento, Tião Carvalho, and Josias Sobrinho. He is the curator of the prestigious Papete Award—Maranhão Music Festival and the visionary behind the Crioula Festival.

International recognition came in 2012, when his album "Iluminado Dominguinhos" won a Latin Grammy in the Brazilian Roots category during the ceremony held in Las Vegas, United States.

Throughout his career, Zé Américo has left his mark on notable productions. In 1997, he arranged the album "Baioque" by Elba Ramalho, released by BMG. Two years later, he contributed his arrangements again to the CD "Solar," also by Elba Ramalho. In 1999, he demonstrated his skill as an accordionist on the track “A mulher que virou homem” on the album “Jackson do Pandeiro revisto e sampleado,” by Jackson do Pandeiro and Elias Soares. His musical production shone on the CD “Serenin” by Piauí artist César Nascimento in 2000.

In the following years, Zé Américo continued his career, standing out with his arrangements on Tião Carvalho’s album “Quando dorme Alcântara” (2002), and serving as musical director and keyboardist on the collaborative album by Elba Ramalho and Dominguinhos (2004). His talent was also evident in notable collaborations, such as playing the accordion on the track “Cara Bonita” by Francis Hime and Olivia Hime, on Olivia Hime’s album “Canção transparente” (2004).

The year 2005 saw Zé Américo shine on stage, performing at Canecão, where, as a keyboardist, he participated in the show by Dominguinhos and Elba Ramalho, presenting the songs from the CD they had recorded together.