Fernando Freitas, full name Fernando Macedo do Freitas, was a prominent Portuguese Fado musician and songwriter, born on September 1, 1913, in the parish of Santa Isabel, Lisbon. He began his musical journey at the age of nine, performing with troupes of eccentric clowns and musical parodists at Coliseu dos Recreios, where he played the violin, mandolin, banjo, and ukulele. By the age of 12, he learned to play Fado Corrido on the guitar from his father and participated in Carnival plays by 14.

Freitas made his debut as a guitarist at 16 in 1929 at "Solar da Alegria," introduced by Alfredo Marceneiro. He honed his guitar skills under Armando Machado and played in clandestine gambling houses. His career included performances at various cafés and retreats, accompanying renowned Fado singers such as Ercília Costa and Amália Rodrigues. He composed notable pieces for Rodrigues, including "Ronda dos Bairros" and "Sardinheiras."

Freitas's international career highlights include performances in Paris in 1937 and accompanying Amália Rodrigues in Brazil at the Copacabana Casino in 1944. He spent 14 years in Brazil, returned to Portugal in 1965, and later performed in Spain with Maria Dolores Pradera. He also toured with Fernando Farinha in North America and Argentina.

From 1971, Freitas was a permanent performer at Restaurante "O Faia" in Lisbon. He was married to Fado singer Maria Girão and fathered Fernando Girão, a singer and composer. Fernando Freitas passed away on March 18, 1988, in Lisbon. His contributions to Fado music remain influential, with compositions like "A Canção da Neve" and "Fado Napoleão" among his legacy.