Marco Paulo: “I wish him to be at peace and recognized throughout time; no one will ever forget him”
Singer Antonio Calvário highlighted this Saturday “the unmistakable, well-placed voice and wonderful timbre” of Marco Paulo, who died last Thursday.
António Calvário, who was one of Marco Paulo’s idols, as the singer stated in an interview with the Lusa agency, is one of the personalities who went to the Basílica da Estrela, in Lisbon, to attend Marco Paulo’s funeral ceremonies this Saturday.
The interpreter of “Oração” referred to Marco Paulo as “an immortal figure” and highlighted his vocation for music since he was a teenager, when he met him.
Also fado singer Lenita Gentilfriend of Marco Paulo for more than 60 years, recalled the good disposition of the interpreter of “Maravilhoso Coração”.
Lenita recalled the jokes that Marco Paulo told her and the fun times they both had.
A self-confessed admirer of Marco Paulo, Lenita said that his legacy “is there, in the many young people who try to follow him and even imitate him”.
The two interpreters highlighted Marco Paulo as an example in the fight against the oncological disease he suffered for around 26 years.
Marcelo is not present
The President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who was present at Marco Paulo’s wake on Friday, is not present this Saturday for scheduling reasons, a source from the Presidency of the Republic, who sent a member of the Military House of the Republic, told the Lusa agency. President.
Marco Paulo’s funeral will take place this Saturday from the Basílica da Estrela to the Cemitério dos Prazeres, where he will lie in the family tomb.
Marco Paulo, 79 years old, died in the early hours of last Thursdayat his residence in the municipality of Sintra, on the outskirts of Lisbon, having had a career spanning more than 50 years, marked by hits such as “Ninguém, Nobody”. “I Have Two Loves” or “Maravilhoso Coração”, among others.
Born in Mourão, in the district of Évora, Marco Paulo was the stage name of João Simão da Silva.
Last Friday, parliament unanimously approved a vote of condolence presented by the president of the Assembly of the Republic over the singer’s death.
The vote signed by José Pedro Aguiar-Branco states that Marco Paulo “had a long and fruitful artistic career, with more than five decades and 70 albums released.” Also highlighting that he became “one of the leading names in Portuguese songwriting”.
The President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, decorated the singer with the Order of Infante D. Henrique, in May 2022.
