José Afonso

Portuguese musician and folk singer with left-wing political messages in his songs. He was adored by his followers, not just for his music but also for his activism. He married while in college. In 1953, his first child was born (José born in January) and he entered his compulsory military service which he fulfilled until 1955. In 1954, his daughter was born.Two years later he released his recording "Fados de Coimbra" and began a teaching career. By 1968 he had become qute active in politics and was fired from his teaching post. With his espousal of the cause of the Democratic Labor Union Movement, his activism became more pronounced. All the while he continued recording and giving concerts. He was arrested in April 1973 and was imprisoned for 20 days. Diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in 1982, he died on 23 February 1987 at 3:00 GMT, in Setúbal, Portugal.