João Cordeiro papers

João Cordeiro Jr. was active in the musical scene of New Bedford, MA in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s as a conductor and composer of traditional and popular Portuguese music.

Born in São Miguel, Azores in approximately 1907, Cordeiro immigrated to the United States when he was 14. He lived most of his life in New Bedford, MA and was the proprietor of Cordeiro’s Variety Store on Allen Street in New Bedford.

Cordeiro was also very involved in the Portuguese music scene in Southeastern Massachusetts, and played guitar and conducted orchestras throughout the state, as well as composing a number of original pieces. He was a member of several musical groups, including the Golden Star Serenaders and the Alvo Aristocratas. He frequently arranged and conducted music at various south coast locations such as the Colonial Theater in New Bedford, the Aliana Liberal Portuguesa and Roseland in Taunton, MA. Cordeiro also appeared on a number of radio shows during the “Portuguese Hour” on WJAR Providence and WNBH New Bedford. In Fall River he participated in the “Monte Pio Program Hour” on WSAR.

The whole Cordeiro family was involved in the New Bedford music scene. João Cordeiro’s sister Francelina Cordeiro, was a performer in her own right and her son, Gilbert Travers (Tavares) played with Cordeiro in several musical groups. Cordeiro’s two daughters, Vivian and Lillian were also actively involved in his musical life.

He passed away after a long illness in 1971 at the age of 64.