His birth name was José Rómulo Sosa who lost his battle to pancreatic cancer at the age of 71. Darn that freaking cancer that has left no family in the world untouched!
At the start of his career, he had a privileged voice that catapulted him to early fame that would later turn out to be his worst enemy. He battled addictions for a very long time. He was the first Mexican singer to go international and lead the way for others.
I heard of his passing in the afternoon as I was channel surfing tired of the news that has dominated our airwaves this week. The two main Spanish speaking networks in the USA did a good job of covering this sad event. They had live coverage both in the USA and Mexico.
Many people went to his Hollywood star in Los Angeles to lay flowers on it. While in Mexico City the place of his birth they played tribute to him in his former neighborhood by singing his songs and taking up a "coperacha" (collection) so they could hire professional mariachis to play his unforgettable music by the statue that was erected in his memory many years ago.
José José was a naturalized American citizen who lived in Florida. Here is a short synopsis of his life https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/28/entertainment/jose-jose-death/index.html
Both networks indicated that he was a trending topic not just in Mexico and the USA but worldwide. Since I do not know how to navigate around social media I have no idea how that played out.
My favorite song by him...La Nave del Olvido https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIi5W1zGQRw
My second favorite songs El Triste https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWSAEGMPXT8
Rest in peace...El Principe de la Canción...you will be missed :-(
My friend Lilly is a fan, as well. How sad another great musician has passed. His beautiful ballads will live on. Hopefully, in the afterlife, all musicians get together and play music in one grand chorus and solos as well. Rest in Peace.
ReplyDeleteThe great ones from that golden era are slowly leaving us. At least his romantic ballads remain to remember him by.
DeleteOne of my takeaways was watching younger people in the Mexico City tribute singing along with their parents and grandparents. When asked by the reporter how he was introduced to his music...he said his grandmother always played his songs...he liked them so he learned to sing them.
He looked to be about 10 or 12 years old. Glad a new generation is being introduced to his music.
It is sad that most who find Fame end up with some kind of addiction. Loved the sound of his voice even for the few of his songs I remember. RIP.
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed sad that addiction tends to sometimes be present in those who reach fame and notoriety at an early age in the music industry.
DeleteHe did have a beautiful voice.
Sad to hear of the passing of Jose' and that dreaded cancer.
ReplyDeleteOne of the networks had a now-infamous picture of four famous Spanish speaking singers. Juan Gabriel (Mexico), Camilo Sexto (Spain) José José (Mexico) and Rocio Durcal (Spain).
DeleteThe thing they all had in common besides music was the fact that three of them passed away due to cancer only Juan Gabriel died due to a heart attack.
Makes us think of just how fragile we are. My recent experience showed me.
ReplyDeleteThat is right Dizzy, life is very fragile and I am glad you are doing well now and I wish you the best in your upcoming surgery.
DeleteI had never heard of him but after watching just one of his videos, I can just say "What a beautiful voice!"
ReplyDeleteHe was not known in mainstream America unless one was of Hispanic origin. Like you said after just listening to him once you could not help but marvel in his beautiful voice.
DeleteSo sad that another Great Musical talent has gone.Cancer sucks
ReplyDeleteWe are losing so many singers from that era. Earlier this month Camilo Sexto a famous singer from Spain also passed away.
DeleteCancer is such a horrible disease that has impacted so many households mine included. I hope that in my lifetime I can see it eradicated.