António José de Barros Veloso, a renowned figure in Portuguese modern jazz and a distinguished physician, has passed away in a Lisbon hospital due to health complications.
Throughout his career, which spanned from 1957 until his retirement at the age of 70, Barros Veloso devoted himself to medicine, specializing in Oncology and Internal Medicine, working in civil hospitals in Lisbon. Despite his medical career, he frequently mentioned in interviews that music played a significant role in his life, having taught himself to play by ear without reading music.
As one of the most recognized names in modern jazz in Portugal, Barros Veloso was among the founding members of the Hot Clube de Portugal (HCP), established in the capital in 1948.
The Hot Clube de Portugal paid tribute to him in a social media statement, describing him as “an enlightened spirit, whose wisdom, sensitivity, intelligence, and generosity inspired all who had the privilege of knowing him.” The HCP highlighted his participation in numerous concerts and jam sessions, noting that “he played with musicians across generations, from the young to the well-established. His Tuesday concert series at the Hot Clube, known as ‘Tuesdays with the Doctor,’ left an indelible mark on the club’s history.”
Born on September 27, 1930, in Coimbra, where he graduated in Medicine, Barros Veloso was also an author of several books reflecting his diverse interests, including Music, Tiles, Philosophy, and Medicine. His publications include “Médicos e Sociedade — Para uma história da Medicina em Portugal no século XX,” “História e Azulejos dos Hospitais Civis de Lisboa,” “Azulejaria de Fachada em Lisboa,” and “Notas de Jazz: 22 Semínimas.”
In 2018, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Universidade Nova de Lisboa. Barros Veloso also left behind a discography, including “Doctetos — Barros Veloso entre amigos” (2010) and “Jazz Trintage” (1987).
A biographical book titled “António José de Barros Veloso — Uma Vida, Vários Mundos,” written by Margarida Almeida Bastos, was published in 2021.
A vigil for Barros Veloso will be held at 4:00 PM on Tuesday at the Carnide cemetery in Lisbon, with the funeral scheduled for Wednesday.
