José Maria Lucchesi, also known as José Marcos Lucchesi or by his pseudonym Leal Pescador, was a prominent musician born on March 29, 1897, in Sorocaba, Brazil. He was a versatile instrumentalist, proficient in playing the accordion, piano, harmonica, and guitar. Lucchesi's musical career was primarily centered around the genre of tango, and he became well-known for his compositions and performances in this style.

In the 1920s, Lucchesi moved to Europe, particularly to France, during the period of Tangomania, a time when tango music was gaining immense popularity. He settled in Paris, where he met the legendary tango singer Carlos Gardel. Lucchesi dedicated one of his tangos, "Gaby Morlay," to the French actress who had an emotional affair with Gardel. He also composed music for the film "Acusée" by Maurice Torneur in 1930.

Lucchesi's orchestra, known as the "Orchestre sud-américain José M. Lucchesi," was renowned for its broad repertoire, which included tangos, valses, and paso dobles. His early works from the 1920s and 1930s were heavily influenced by Argentinean tango, but he later adapted his style to suit European audiences. His musicians often performed in "Gaucho" uniforms, similar to those of Canaro's orchestra.

In 1942, Lucchesi became a naturalized French citizen. Throughout his career, he recorded extensively in Germany, France, and Spain, sometimes using the pseudonym Leal Pescador, which reflected his love for fishing. His music continued to be popular in milongas and for show dances.

José Maria Lucchesi passed away in Paris on February 10, 1989, leaving behind a rich legacy of tango music that continues to be celebrated.