Avelino Ferreira de Sousa (6 April 1880 – 18 August 1946) was a Portuguese poet, playwright, novelist, and journalist, renowned for his contributions to the Fado music genre. Born in Encarnação, Lisboa, Portugal, he began his career as a typesetter for the newspaper "A Voz do Operário" and later became the first curator at Torre do Tombo. A passionate advocate for Fado, Sousa published the book “O Fado e os Censores” in 1912, defending the genre against critics. His literary works include ten books on Fado and Theater, four novels, and over fifty plays. Notable among his theatrical works are the operettas “Bairro Alto” and “História do Fado,” the latter featuring prominent Fado singers like Alberto Costa and Maria Alice. Sousa's Fado melody “Perseguição” became a significant success, recorded by artists such as Maria Alice and Amália Rodrigues. Despite his use of erudite language, which sometimes conflicted with Fado's simplicity, Sousa's work remains influential in Portuguese cultural history. He passed away in São Sebastião da Pedreira, Lisboa, and was buried at Cemitério do Alto de São João.