José José
On stage
Background information
Birth name	José Rómulo Sosa Ortiz
Also known as	El Príncipe de la Canción (The Prince of Song)
Born	(1948-02-17) February 17, 1948 (age 64) Mexico City México
Genres	romantic ballad, bolero, bossa nova, jazz, vocal
Occupations	Singer, musician, songwriter, record producer, actor
Instruments	Vocals, bass, double bass, guitar, piano
Years active	1963–present
Labels	RCA Victor Ariola Records Sony BMG
Associated acts	Armando Manzanero, Manuel Alejandro, Paul Anka, José Feliciano, Lani Hall, Yanni

José José (born José Rómulo Sosa Ortiz on February 17, 1948) is a Mexican singer.^[1]

Also known in the entertainment world as El Príncipe de la Canción (The Prince of Song), he is recognized for his romantic ballads and praised for his vocals. His voice garnered acclaim from musical peers and media.^[2]

Born and raised in Mexico City into a family of musicians, José José started his musical career in his early teens playing guitar and singing in serenades. He later joined a jazz and bossa nova trio where he sang and played the bass and double bass. José became a successful solo artist in the early 1970s. Demonstrating his vocal ability with a masterful performance of the song "El Triste" in a Latin music festival in 1970, he climbed the Latin charts during the decade.

In the 1980s, after signing with Ariola Records, he gained international fame as one of the most talented and successful performers in Latin America. His 1983 album Secretos has sold over 7.5 million copies around the world.^[3] With a series of huge hits, he received several nominations to the Grammy and numerous recognitions worldwide. He sold out in venues such as the Madison Square Garden and the Radio City Music Hall. His music has reached non Spanish-speaking countries like Japan, France, Italy, Germany, Israel and Russia.^[4] During the 1990s, after several hits, his career began to decline as his voice started to falter due to alcoholism and unknown health issues. José has also forged a career as an actor, starring in movies like Gavilán o Paloma and Perdóname Todo.

In a career that has spanned more than four decades, his performance and distinctive vocal style have influenced many Latin pop artists.^[5] Due to his vocals, his talent, his performance and the high popularity he achieved, he is considered by the media, the press and the people as an icon of Latin pop music.^[6][7][8]

Early life[link]

José Rómulo Sosa Ortiz was born on February 17, 1948 in Azcapotzalco, Mexico City. He was raised into a Roman Catholic family of gifted musicians. His father, José Sosa Esquivel, was an operatic tenor (tenor comprimario) and his mother, Margarita Ortiz, was a classical pianist. They never achieved relative large success, and when José began to show interest in singing, they tried to discourage him, claiming that it was too difficult to achieve success in show business. In 1963, when he was fifteen years old, his mother gave him his first piano. The same year, his reportedly alcoholic father abandoned the family, forcing José to work to help his mother and younger brother.

Early career[link]

José continued his attempts to become a singer. In 1963, as a teenager, he had launched his own career with serenades. In 1966, José started singing and playing the bass and double bass with a bossa nova and jazz band called "Los PEG". The band played at the major jazz venues of Mexico City, where musicians like Dizzy Gillespie, Erroll Garner, Antonio Carlos Jobim and João Gilberto used to play.^[9]

In 1967, searching for a solo career, he signed a small contract of two singles under the name of "Pepe Sosa". As Pepe Sosa he released the songs "El mundo" (Jimmy Fontana's "Il Mondo") and "Ma Vie" without success. José returned to serenades and to play with "Los PEG" in night clubs. He left "Los PEG", took the artistic name "José José" (in honor of his father, who had recently died of alcoholism; he joined his first name "José" and the first name of his father "José", from whom he says, had inherited the voice), signed a contract with RCA Victor and recorded his first album: Cuidado. The album featured songs by Rubén Fuentes and Armando Manzanero. The sound of the album is a combination of boleros and romantic ballads with an influence of jazz and bossa nova. Because of the quality, his debut album was praised by the critics but did not achieve much popularity.^[10]

He struggled, but then during the late 1960s, his fame began to rise, as he was featured on various television shows. With songs like "Una mañana" and "Cuidado", José started to get attention from the people and the media.

The 1970s: "El Triste", Consolidation as star, Ariola Records[link]

He released the song "La nave del olvido" that became his first big hit in Mexico and Latin America,^[10] and recorded his second album: La Nave Del Olvido. José's big break came on March 25, 1970, when he represented Mexico in an international song festival, the "II Festival de la Canción Latina" (Latin Song Festival II, predecessor of the OTI Festival) with an amazing performance of the song "El Triste". The performance of the song was so impressive that caused tears, standing ovations, expressions of amazement and cheers from Angélica María, Alberto Vázquez, Marco Antonio Muñiz, the judges and the spectators in the Teatro Ferrocarrilero in Mexico City. The fact that José José got the third place shocked the audience.^[11] After the hit of "El Triste", his popular romantic ballad style mixed with a unique voice made him the star of stars in Mexico. He began his first international tour through Los Angeles, Miami, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Brazil and Argentina. He played leading roles in such small films as Sueño de amor and La carrera del millón. José performed at the Hollywood Palladium and the Hollywood Bowl.

During the early 1970s, José José became one of the best known romantic ballad singers in Latin America. He was featured constantly on the most popular Mexican television shows, where he used to sing live with old legends of the Hispanic music such as Pedro Vargas and Carlos Lico. In 1974, he performed a season in the Casino Royale & Hotel of Las Vegas. The same year he was invited by Frank Sinatra to record a duet and an album under Reprise Records. It was not possible because of the exclusivity agreement that José had with RCA Victor.

He made various international number one hits and toured Latin America several times. His main hits were: "Del altar a la tumba", "Buscando una sonrisa", "De pueblo en pueblo", "Soy como quieras tú" (Mina's "Sono, come tu mi vuoi"), "Cuando tu me quieras", "Hasta que vuelvas", "Candilejas" (Charles Chaplin's "Terry's Theme"), "Paloma 'Cada mañana que te vas'", "Sentimientos" (Morris Albert's "Feelings"), "Vive", "Dejame conocerte" (Paul Anka's "Let Me Get To Know You"), "Divina ilusión" (an adaptation of Étude Op. 10, No. 3 of Chopin), "Sabrás que te quiero" and "El Príncipe" (The Prince) song earned him the nickname "El Príncipe de la canción" (The Prince of the song).

In 1977, José signed a contract with Ariola Records (Today part of Sony BMG). He recorded the album Reencuentro in London, England under the new record label. Reencuentro released the hits " El amar y el querer" and "Gavilán o paloma" that got him to the top of the lists of popularity. During 1978 and 1979, he achieved enormous success with the albums Volcán, Lo Pasado, Pasado and Si Me Dejas Ahora. His main hits were "O tú o yo", "Farolero", "Volcán", "Lo que un dia fué no será", "Lo pasado, pasado", "Si me dejas ahora", "Te quiero tal como eres" (Billy Joel's "Just The Way You Are") and the hit ballad "Almohada".

[edit] 1980s: International stardom, Secretos, Mexico's top singer

In 1980, José released the album Amor Amor, recorded in Los Angeles, California. Amor Amor released the singles "Insaciable amante", "No me digas que te vas", "Amor Amor" and the classic bolero "No me platiques mas". He later recorded the bolero album Romántico; production that not only created a new way to sing boleros but also made very popular this form of old ballads. Songs like "El reloj", "La gloria eres tú", "Un poco más", "Cancionero" and "Regálame esta noche" were crafted in such exquisite form that they became classics in Mexico and Latin America. In 1981, the album Gracias was released. The songs "Me basta" and "Preso" were the main hits of the album. José released the highly successful record Mi Vida in 1982. The album contained the hits: "Desesperado" and "Mi vida" (an autobiographic song written by his future working partner Rafael Pérez-Botija). José co-produced his albums and wrote songs like "Si alguna vez" and "Amor para los dos". He did a duet with Lani Hall on the hit "Te quiero así". José performed with sold-out for seven days in a row at the National Auditorium and a month in the popular night club "El Patio". He recorded the Spanish version of the hit "New York, New York", as a gift to Frank Sinatra, who several years back had invited him to do a duet, but due to differences with the record labels, it could not be performed.^[12]

In 1983, José released what proved to be by far the biggest album of his career: Secretos. The album was recorded in Spain and was written and produced by Manuel Alejandro. It was his first album that released a video for each song. The main hits were "Lo dudo", "El amor acaba", "Lagrimas", "He renunciado a ti", and "A esa". Secretos was nominated for Best Latin Pop Performance in the Grammy Awards of 1985. It has sold over 7 million units until today. Following the hit of Secretos, José kept on with international success. He released the album Reflexiones in 1984. The production was written, produced and arranged by Rafael Pérez-Botija.^[13] The songs "Payaso", "Seré, "Tu ganas", "De hombre a hombre" and "¿Y qué" were the main hits. Reflexiones sold over 2 million copies worldwide,^[14] became his first number-one set on the Billboard Latin Pop Albums and was nominated for Best Latin Pop Performance in the 1986 Grammy Awards. Later, José José joined José Feliciano to release a duet that became a major hit for both singers: "Por ella". Their song was nominated for Best Latin Pop Performance in the Grammy Awards of 1986 as well.

In 1985, José José was asked to participate in the song "Cantaré, cantarás", along with other icons such as Plácido Domingo, Julio Iglesias, Roberto Carlos, José Luis Rodríguez "El Puma", Pedro Vargas and Vicente Fernández among others. It was recorded in Los Angeles in April 1985, at the A&M Studios, same studio used for "We Are The World". The same year, José starred his autobiographic film Gavilán o Paloma, alongside Christian Bach and the comedian Jorge Ortiz de Pinedo.^[15] Later that year, he released the album Promesas,^[16] written, produced and arranged by Pérez-Botija.^[17] Its main hits were "Amantes", "Me vas a echar de menos", "Más" and "Tu me estas volviendo loco". The single "Pruébame" was nominated for Best Latin Pop Performance at the 1987 Grammy Awards. Promesas became the second number-one set on the Billboard Latin Pop Albums by José José. He received two Billboard awards: Top Latin Artist and Top Latin Album of 1985. In his next album Siempre Contigo of 1986^[18] he worked with the Spanish producer and guitarist Paco Cepero.^[17] The songs "Corre y ve con él", "Sin saber" and "¿Y Quién Puede Ser?" were its main hits. It was nominated for Best Latin Pop Performance in the Grammy Awards of 1988 and became the third number-one set on the Billboard Latin Pop Albums by José.

In 1987, he released the album Soy Así,^[19] written and produced by his old colleague Rafael Pérez-Botija once more.^[17] It was nominated for Best Latin Pop Performance in the 1989 Grammy Awards and became his fourth number-one set on the Billboard Latin Pop Albums. Soy Así released four successful singles: the title track reached the number-one position in the Billboard Hot Latin Tracks chart^[20] while "Mi Hembra" peaked at number five,^[21] "Salúdamela Mucho" at number 22^[22] and "Vergüenza Me Da Quererte" reached number eight.^[23]

During the 1980s, José José sold out Madison Square Garden, The Dunes and performed several seasons at the Las Vegas Hilton, Greek Theatre, and the Tropicana Casino and Resort Atlantic City among others. He was known as "Mexico's Top Singer" in his shows. In 1987, he sold out Radio City Music Hall. That same year, José traveled to Israel and performed in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. In 1988, he played the role of the Mexican singer and composer Álvaro Carrillo in the movie Sabor A Mí, costarring Angelica Aragón.^[24] In 1989, José sold out with two massive concerts at the Plaza México, gathering over 100,000 people. The same year, he traveled to Japan, where he was featured on television shows and offered several performances. His album ¿Qué Es El Amor? released the pop songs "Piel de azucar" and "Como Tú", and José climbed to the top of the lists of popularity. The song "Como Tú" lasted ten weeks at number-one on Billboard Hot Latin Tracks.^[1]

The 1990s: "Amnesia", Rehab, Decline[link]

In 1990, the late Raúl Velasco made a special television show to pay homage to José's 25th anniversary. The show lasted over five hours and featured very popular singers as special guests like Armando Manzanero, Libertad Lamarque, Vicente Fernández and Marco Antonio Muñiz. In 1991, he released the hit song "Amnesia" of the album En las Buenas... y en las Malas. The song lasted 21 weeks on the charts and peaked at number-one on Billboard Hot Latin Tracks, while his next single "Atrapado", spent 16 weeks and peaked at number seven. In 1992, he released another hit single: "40 y 20". From the same titled album, the song speaks about men who fall in love with women that are much younger than them and the way society sees those situations.^[1] "40 y 20" lasted over 17 weeks on the charts and peaked at number four. His next single "Eso no más", spent 15 weeks and peaked at number five.

In the 1990s José's voice began to deteriorate. It worsened over time and became evident especially in his live performances. His excessive drinking and the incessant activity during his career caused his voice to falter.^[25]

In 1993, to commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of José José as a singer, his record company BMG hosted a tribute in the city of Puerto Vallarta. It was called 30 Años de ser el Príncipe (30 years of being the Prince). The tribute included a number of the most prestigious artists of the Spanish music such as Rocío Dúrcal, Camilo Sesto, Armando Manzanero, Marco Antonio Muñiz and Raúl di Blasio. The tribute coincided with his recent divorce, a serious relapse into alcoholism and a significant loss of vocal abilities; caused by his addictions and several respiratory problems suffered throughout his life. He appeared to be in poor physical shape, too thin and lacking energy. Camilo Sesto even took a break in the middle of the presentation to speak words of encouragement to José. The album was not released until 1994. At that time, José suffered the worst stage of alcoholism in his career. During 1993, he retired from the stage and went to rehab. Upon completion of his rehabilitation, he started seasons in places like the famous "Teatro Blanquita" of Mexico City, and the Gibson Amphitheatre of Los Angeles.^[26]

In 1994, after the great success he achieved ten years back with Secretos, José re-teamed with Manuel Alejandro and released the album Grandeza Mexicana. The title track peaked at number 12 on Billboard Hot Latin Tracks and spent over seven weeks on the charts. He did a duet with his son José Joél in the song "La fuerza de la sangre", second single of the album. In 1995, he played the lead role in the movie Perdóname Todo, a drama about an alcoholic has-been and how he tries to survive to himself and to the music business.^[27] That same year, his album "Mujeriego" was released. It sold more than 180,000 copies in its first two weeks and reached number 12 on the Billboard Latin charts.^[28] The song "Llora corazón" lasted 11 weeks on the charts and peaked at number six, while the second single, the title track, spent only two weeks on the charts.^[1]

In 1996, he performed a duet with Paul Anka on "Déjame Conocerte (Let me Get to Know You)" from Anka's Latin album Amigos. In 1997, he performed at the Bally's Atlantic City.^[29] His last album of the decade, Distancia, was released on 1998. A video of the single "Ojala que te mueras" was released. On September 1999, he joined fellow countrymen Armando Manzanero, Marco Antonio Muñiz and Argentine pianist Raúl di Blasio for a series of concerts dubbed "Noche Bohemia" (Bohemian Night) at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Los Angeles.

2000s: Loss of voice, movies and TV, Sony BMG concept albums[link]

José José in 2007

In 2001, with a very deteriorated voice, he recorded Tenampa. His first album with mariachi and the last one of his career. The album was written and produced completely by Juan Gabriel. The single "Cada vez y cada vez" lasted two weeks on the charts. Tenampa received poor ratings and sold only about 500,000 units.^[30] After that, he retired from recording full-length albums. The problem of his voice got worse, and affected not only his ability to sing, but also to speak. In 2003, his label BMG released a collection of three albums entitled El Principe Con Trio with some of his greatest hits recorded between 1969 and 1983, separated from the original accompaniment, remastered and accompanied with the guitar trio "Los Tres Caballeros", with which these recordings are transformed into boleros. The work of technical excellence, was attended by José's old colleague Rafael Pérez Botija, who directed and composed some of the original recordings. This collection of concept albums again allowed José to achieve success in sales.

In the mid 2000s, José appeared briefly as the "Mystery Musician" in the American movie Sueño and played the role of Erasmo Padilla (the father of Leticia "Lety" Padilla) in La Fea Más Bella, a very successful Mexican version of the Colombian production Betty la Fea (adapted in the US as Ugly Betty).^[31][32] In 2006, José participated as a singing professor in Televisa's high-rating show, Cantando por un sueño.

José released Mis Duetos in 2007, an album featuring duets he recorded in the past. However, it featured two new songs, "E-mail me" with his youngest daughter Sara, and "Aunque vivas con él" with pop singer Reyli. In 2008, José recorded an emotive song called "Volver a creer" (Believe again) with the world famous musician Yanni. The song is included in the album Yanni Voces. Yanni stated that he wanted to "help a true legend to fulfill his dream, to sing again".^[33] José José was invited by Yanni to sing their song live in Yanni's tour in Mexico. He released his autobiographic book, named "Esta es mi vida" (This is my life).^[34]

In 2010, he released José José Ranchero, another concept album with some of his greatest hits, separated from the original accompaniment, remastered and accompanied with mariachi, giving to his classics a traditional Mexican sound.^[35] The same year, José launched his own perfume, called simply "José José", the profit from the sales are to help women and children sick with HIV/AIDS.^[36]

José is planning a new, untitled album, adding that it will consist of nine unreleased tracks and a melody he used to sing in serenades "Que viva mi tristeza", from songwriter Armando Manzanero.^[37] It has not been completed due to his vocal problems. In 2011, he went on a short Mexican tour named "José José y sus amigos" (José José and friends), with singers Dulce, Carlos Cuevas, Celso Piña and Chamin Correa.^[38] During 2012, José has been performing with modest success in several cities of Mexico, South and Central America. It was announced that he will record a duet with fellow Alberto Cortez.

Personal life[link]

Marriages, relationships, and family[link]

In the 1970s, José started a relationship with the TV hostess, actress and model Ana Elena Noreña (known as Anel). They split and in 1970 he married Natalia "Kiki" Herrera Calles, a socialite twenty years older than he was. They divorced in 1975.^[10] In 1976, he married his first girlfriend, Anel. They had two children: their first-born José Francisco (known as José Joél) who was born in 1975, and their daughter Marysol Estrella, born in 1982.^[10]

He told the magazine Selecciones that from 1985 to 1987, he underwent a serious personal crisis because "my life was spent on airplanes, tour buses and locked in a hotel room".^[39] In 1991, he divorced Anel. Several years back, he ended his work relationship with his manager, who also was his brother-in-law.^[39]

In 1995, he married Sara Salazar, his third wife. That same year, during a Latin American tour, Sara, his third daughter, was born. On November 2008, his current wife suffered from a cerebral haemorrhage. She recovered after spending several months in the hospital and receiving therapy.^[40] José stated that the medical bills nearly led him to bankruptcy.^[41] He lives in Coral Gables, Florida with his wife and his youngest daughter.^[42][43]

Alcoholism[link]

During most of his career, José José suffered from a serious problem of alcoholism, until he got into rehab in 1993. He said he started drinking at the age of 15, when his father (an alcoholic) left the house.^[44] Due to his alcoholism, he developed a cocaine habit.

José stated that his addiction was because he "was frail, weak, innocent, ignorant, weak-willed and did not know how to say no".^[45] In the early 1970s, after the huge success of "El Triste", he fell into alcoholism, but with help of his friends and his family he managed to stop drinking for a while. His ongoing battle against alcoholism continued during the 1970s and 1980s. He attended AA meetings and stopped drinking for periods of time, but he fell steadily into the addiction. His alcoholism caused him serious financial problems and he claims that during his career he was constantly defrauded by his managers, Anel and her brother.^[46]

After his divorce from Anel in 1991, he reached his lowest point, reportedly declaring that he wanted to die drinking. With the help of his friends, family, and other artists, he decided to go to rehab.^[10] He went to the Hazelden clinic in Minnesota for rehab. He remains a sober recovering alcoholic.^[10]

Health issues[link]

José suffered from a severe case of pneumonia in 1972; his thoracic diaphragm was paralyzed; the disease almost ended with his career. He recovered after going through months of therapy based on breathing exercises, but one of his lungs was permanently damaged.^[10]

In 1987, he underwent an operation at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center to remove nodes in his vocal fold as a consequence of the excessive use of cortisol, alcohol and the lack of rest after many of his performances. José would suffer dire consequences from his problem with alcoholism, as his health faltered dearly during the 1990s. He developed diabetes.

In 2001, he suffered from a case of emphysema.^[47] The effect of alcoholism, the abuse of cortisol and his hiatus hernia, have not only affected his ability to sing, but also to talk.^[48] In 2007, he suffered from Bell's palsy. As a result of all these problems he has fought a very serious depression over the recent years. He acknowledged this during an interview on the Univision program Don Francisco Presenta..., hosted by Don Francisco.^[49] He struggled with a diabetic retinopathy in one of his eyes; he underwent a successful operation.^[50]

Artistry and image[link]

Hollywood walk of fame

José grew up listening traditional pop music, rock and roll, jazz, swing, big band, the music of Frank Sinatra, Johnny Mathis and popular Mexican composers like Consuelo Velázquez, Álvaro Carrillo, María Grever and Armando Manzanero. He also was inspired by vocalist Barbra Streisand, whom he considers an influence.^[4] Son of an operatic tenor and a pianist, José grew up also listening to artists such as Chopin and Mozart, but never got the chance to play their genre of music. His music has been influenced by numerous genres, including Latin pop, bolero, romantic ballads, bossa nova, jazz and classical. Even dubbed as crooner, he is also acclaimed for playing such instruments as the piano, bass, guitar and double bass. His predilect music is the classical (Ravel, Debussy, Musorgsky), jazz and bossa nova.^[51]

Statue of José José in Mexico City

Vocals[link]

According to his autobiographic book "Esta es mi vida" (This is my life), the singing professor Guido Picco identifies José José in his prime as a Leggiero tenor or light lyric tenor.^[52] Johnny Mathis has been widely recognized as a major influence on José's vocal style.

Over time, because of his alcoholism and excesses, his voice and vocal style changed noticeably. By inherit the qualities of his father for singing, in his prime, he was able to easily reach high and low notes and his intonation was practically perfect.^[53] Upon his performance of "El Triste", many critics had welcomed his vocal inflections, and he was praised for his technical virtuosity and intensity.^[53] One of the most peculiar qualities of his voice was his handling of the breathing and his lung capacity. He was able to hold long and powerful notes in tune.^[53]

After recording the song "El Triste" for the 2010 album Iconos, singer Marc Anthony stated that "once you start to sing it you realize the magnitude, of that spectacular voice and special phrasing of José José and his incredible way to perform."^[54] José's voice is often considered one of the most influential in Latin pop music.^[5]

Legacy[link]

The music of José José is widely known in the Hispanic community.^[55] A number of artists have acknowledged José as an influence, including Cristian Castro,^[56] Vicente Fernández,^[57] Alejandro Fernández,^[58] Nelson Ned, Pepe Aguilar, Kalimba, Erik Rubin, Manuel Mijares,^[59] Lupita D'Alessio, Diego Verdaguer, Reyli and Marc Anthony^[60] among many others.

In 1996, he was awarded a special concession by the Mexican government. The Mexican government deemed him deserving of this award based on the cultural impact José José has had on the country. In 2002 he achieved "El Premio a la Excelencia" (Prize to Excellence) in the Premios Lo Nuestro ( Lo Nuestro Awards).^[61] The Billboard Magazine awarded him for "Mejor Artista Latino" (Best Latin Artist) and "Mejor Disco Latino" (Best Latin Album) several times. In 2005 he received the "Personalidad del Año" (Person of the Year) by the Latin Grammy Award Recording Association;^[62] he has been nominated nine times to the Grammy.

In 2006, the TV network Televisa, made a special television show in Acapulco to pay homage to José José's career. Singers like Manoella Torres, Francisco Céspedes, Dulce and Gualberto Castro performed several of José Jose's greatest hits.

In July 2008, Univision and the Latin Grammy, recorded in Miami at the BankUnited Center a special TV tribute to José José, called Latin Grammy Celebra: José José (Latin Grammy Celebrates: José José). Stars such as Marco Antonio Solís, Ana Bárbara, Cristian Castro, Alicia Villarreal, Reyli, Olga Tañon, Luis Fonsi, David Bisbal and Aventura performed his greatest hits live; stars such as Plácido Domingo, Ricky Martin, Enrique Iglesias, Pepe Aguilar, Pedro Fernández, and RBD, sent him special messages congratulating him and showing their admiration.^[64] In the show, Univision described José José as: "One of the most beloved singers in Latin music".^[65]

In 2007, a bronze statue was unveiled on his honor at the Azcapotzalco area in Mexico City, where he grew up.^[66] He was honored by the Las Vegas Walk of Stars with a celebrity star and booksigning at The Rio in Las Vegas on November 20, 2008.^[67]

For his contribution to the recording industry, José José has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7036 Hollywood Blvd.^[68][69]

Tribute albums and covers[link]

In 1998, Latin bands of rock and hip hop like Molotov, Jumbo, Julieta Venegas, Beto Cuevas, and Aleks Syntek, recorded a tribute album called "Volcán: Tributo a José José" (Volcano: Tribute to José José), singing José's classic songs like "Lo Dudo", "El Triste", "Volcán", and many others, each song with a special personal style of the band. The album sold over 500,000 units.

In 2005, Manuel Mijares released the album Honor a Quien Honor Merece, singing some of José's most popular songs. Pop singer Kalimba recorded in 2009 the album Amar y Querer: Homenaje A Las Grandes Canciones (Love and Desire: A tribute to the great songs) that features some of the most iconic Latin ballads, among them "Amar y querer", "Desesperado", "Volcán" and "El Triste".^[70] On May 14, 2010, Latin star Marc Anthony released the album Iconos (Icons), which covers Latin ballads from the past, among them "El Triste" and "Almohada".

On November 30, 2010, Cristian Castro released the album Viva el Principe (Long Live the Prince), his tribute to José José. The album includes a duet with José José on "Lo Pasado, Pasado" and a poem recited by him. Rafael Pérez-Botija is involved with the production of the album. Due to its high sales, Viva el Principe has achieved Gold Certification in Mexico.^[71] On November 1, 2011, a follow-up to Viva el Principe was released under the title Mi Amigo El Príncipe (My friend the Prince). The album debuted at numer one on Billboard Top Latin Albums and peaked 57 on Billboard 200.^[72][73]

Discography[link]

• Tenampa (2001)
• Distancia (1998)
• Y Algo Mas (1998)
• Tesoros (1997)
• Mujeriego (1995)
• Grandeza Mexicana (1994)
• 30 Años De Ser El Principe (1993)
• 40 y 20 (1992)
• En las Buenas... y en las Malas (1990)
• ¿Qué Es El Amor? (1989)
• Sabor A Mi (B.S.O./Soundtrack) (1988)
• Soy Así (1987)
• Siempre Contigo (1986)
• Promesas (1985)
• Gavilan o Paloma (B.S.O./Soundtrack) (1985)
• Reflexiones (1984)
• Secretos (1983)
• Mi Vida (1982)
• Gracias (1981)
• Romántico (1981)
• Amor Amor (1980)
• Si Me Dejas Ahora (1979)
• Lo Pasado, Pasado (1979)
• Volcán (1978)
• Reencuentro (1977)
• El Príncipe (1976)
• Tan Cerca...Tan Lejos (1975)
• Vive (1974)
• Hasta que Vuelvas (1973)
• Cuando Tu Me Quieras (1972)
• De Pueblo en Pueblo (1972)
• Buscando Una Sonrisa (1971)
• El Triste (1970)
• La Nave Del Olvido (1970)
• Cuidado (1969)

Gold and Platinum albums[link]

• "La Nave Del Olvido" -Gold and Platinum
• "El Triste" -Gold and Platinum
• "Reencuentro" -Double Gold and Platinum
• "Volcán" -Double Gold and Platinum
• "Lo Pasado, Pasado" -Double Gold and Platinum
• "Si Me Dejas Ahora" -Double Gold and Platinum
• "Super Exitos Vol. 1" -Gold
• "Amor Amor" -5 Gold and double Platinum
• "Romántico" -6 Gold and Double Platinum
• "Mi Vida" -6 Gold and Double Platinum
• "Secretos" -Double Platinum
• "Secretos" -Platinum (Central America)
• "Secretos" -Gold (Peru)
• "Secretos" -Gold (Argentina)
• "Secretos" -Gold (Dominican Republic)
• "Secretos" -Gold (Colombia)
• "Secretos" -Platinum (Colombia)

TOTAL OF 22 GOLD AND PLATINUM RECORDS FOR "Secretos"

• "Promesas" -Platinum
• "Reflexiones" -Platinum
• "Siempre Contigo" -Platinum
• "Soy Así" -Gold
• "Qué es el Amor?" -Triple Gold
• "En las Buenas... y en las Malas" -Gold
• "Qué Es El Amor?" -Platinum (5 in Venezuela)
• "40 Y 20" -Platinum and Gold
• "Grandeza Mexicana" -Gold
• "Mujeriego" -Double Gold and Platinum
• "Tesoros" -Gold
• "Distancia" -Gold

Compilations & boxed sets[link]

• 2010 José José Ranchero
• 2009 José José Para Ti
• 2009 José José y Sus Amigos con Amor
• 2009 Secretos Intimos Del Amor
• 2009 Lo Esencial De José José (Televisa 3CD/DVD)
• 2008 Brillantes- José José
• 2008 Tres Voces (Yusmani Garcia)(Al-gill Pedro)
• 2008 El Principe y El Bolero
• 2007 Mis Duetos [5 Track DVD]
• 2007 Mis Duetos [Norte CD/DVD]
• 2007 Mis Duetos [Televisa CD/DVD]
• 2007 Mis Duetos [DVD]
• 2007 Serie Herencia Vol. 2
• 2007 Serie Herencia Vol. 1
• 2007 Mi Historia, Vol. 2
• 2007 Mi Historia, Vol. 1
• 2005 Las Número 1: José José (Televisa CD/DVD)
• 2005 Lo Mejor en Trios
• 2005 20 Éxitos Originales
• 2005 José José y 8 Grandes Idolos de la Balada Romántica: 100 Años de Musica
• 2005 Lo Esencial José José
• 2005 20 Inolvidables
• 2004 The Best of José José
• 2004 José José
• 2003 Los Grandes De La Balada
• 2003 Definiendo Jose
• 2003 40 Aniversario, Vol. 4
• 2003 40 Aniversario, Vol. 3
• 2003 40 Aniversario, Vol. 2
• 2003 40 Aniversario, Vol. 1
• 2003 El Principe Con Trio, Vol. 2
• 2003 El Principe Con Trio, Vol. 1
• 2002 Coleccion RCA: 100 Anos de Musica
• 2002 Lo Inolvidable de José José
• 2002 Todo Exitos de José José
• 2000 Lo Mejor de los Grandes, Vol. 2
• 2000 Serie 2000
• 1999 Coleccion Original
• 1999 Lo Mejor de Lo Mejor
• 1998 Serie Retratos
• 1998 35 Anos de Amor
• 1998 35 Aniversario, Vol. 7
• 1998 35 Aniversario, Vol. 6
• 1998 35 Aniversario, Vol. 5
• 1998 35 Aniversario, Vol. 4 (1981–85)
• 1998 35 Aniversario, Vol. 3 (1977–80)
• 1998 35 Aniversario, Vol. 2 (1972–1976)
• 1998 35 Aniversario, Vol. 1 (1969–1972)
• 1997 Romanticos del Siglo
• 1997 Serie Platino, Vol. 2: 20 Exitos
• 1996 Lo Mejor de Los 3 Grandes
• 1996 Serie Platino
• 1995 Serie Retrato
• 1994 30 Años de Ser El Principe
• 1992 Serie 20 Exitos
• 1992 15 Exitos de Oro
• 1990 15 Romanticas En La Voz De José José
• 1990 25 Aniversario, Vol. 2
• 1990 15 Exitos
• 1989 Exitos Vol. 2
• 1988 Romantico Vol. 2
• 1988 Exitos Vol. 1
• 1987 Ayer, Hoy, y Siempre
• 1986 25 Aniversario, Vol. 1
• 1982 20 Triunfadoras De José José
• 1981 Romantico Vol. 1
• 1977 Grandes Exitos de José José
• 10 Super Exitos de José José
• Lo Mejor de José José
• Los Grandes Exitos, Vol. 2

Films[link]

• Buscando Una Sonrisa (1971)
• Sueño De Amor (1972)
• La Carrera Del Millon (1973)
• Gavilán o Paloma (1985)
• Sabor A Mi (1988)
• Perdóname Todo (1995)
• Sueño (2005)
• Double Tap (2006)
• Melate El Corazon (2009)

Duets[link]

• "Volver a Creer" – Yanni
• "Por Ella" – José Feliciano
• "Tiempo" – Marco Antonio Muñiz
• "Entre La Espada Y La Pared" – Pimpinela
• "El Triste" (Piano Version) – Raúl di Blasio
• "Let Me Get To Know You" (and the Spanish version, "Dejame Conocerte") – Paul Anka
• "Hay Un Mañana" – Valeria Lynch
• "Te Quiero Así" – Lani Hall and Alejandra Ávalos
• "Dos Corazones Amigos" – José Guadalupe Esparza
• "La Fuerza De La Sangre" – José Joel
• "José y Manuel" – Manuel Alejandro
• "Aunque Vivas Con El" – Reyli
• "E Mail Me" – Sarita Sosa
• "Como Hacer Para Olvidar" – Juan Gabriel
• "Amor Mio" – Carlos Lico
• "Si Me Comprendieras" – Pepe Jara
• "Se Me Hizo Facil" – Pedro Vargas
• "Te Extrano" – Armando Manzanero
• "Pa' Todo El Año" – Vicente Fernández
• "La Nave Del Olvido" – Vikki Carr and Pedro Vargas
• "El Amor Acaba" – Libertad Lamarque
• "100 Kilos De Barro" – Enrique Guzmán

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to: José José

Juan Gabriel
Juan Gabriel in concert.
Background information
Birth name	Alberto Aguilera Valadez
Also known as	Adan Luna, Juan Gabriel, Juanga, El divo de Juárez,
Born	(1950-01-07) 7 January 1950 (age 62) Parácuaro, Michoacán, Mexico
Genres	Mariachi Ranchera Latin Pop / Mexican pop
Occupations	Singer/Composer
Years active	1971–present
Labels	Universal Music BMG RCA Records
Website	JuanGabriel[dead link]

Alberto Aguilera Valadez (Spanish pronunciation: [alˈβeɾto aɣiˈleɾa βalaˈðes]) (born January 7, 1950), better known by his stage name Juan Gabriel (pronounced: [ˈxwaŋ ɡaˈβɾjel]), is a Mexican singer, songwriter, recording artist, and performer.^[1][2]

Biography[link]

Early life[link]

Born on 7 January 1950, on Cinco de Mayo street (now known as Juan Gabriel Street) in the small town of Parácuaro, Michoacán, to father Gabriel Aguilera Rodríguez and mother Victoria Valadez Rojas, he is the youngest of 10 siblings: Rosa who died shortly after birth, Virginia, José Guadalupe, Gabriel, Pablo, Miguel (died) and three brothers named Rafael who all three have also died.

Around the age of three months, Alberto's father, Gabriel, being an agricultural field worker, intended to clear a piece of land by setting fire to the field. Due to windy conditions, sadly he lost control of the fire which began to spread to neighboring properties and homes. Deeply disturbed and worried over the consequences he brought onto his family, Gabriel knew not what to do and threw himself into a river. Badly injured from the fall, Gabriel was hospitalized and committed to La Castañeda psychiatric ward in México City. What happened to Gabriel after the psychiatric ward is unknown. One tale is that he died while in La Castañeda for their alleged patient mistreatment, while others say that Gabriel escaped from the mental ward to unknown whereabouts. Either way, Alberto and his family never heard from their father again. These accounts would later be Alberto's inspiration for the song titled "De Sol a Sol (A Mis Padres)" - English translation, "From Sun Up to Sun Down (To My Parents)".

After some time, Alberto's mother, Victoria, felt obligated to leave Parácuaro, move the family to Apatzingan, Morelia for a short while and finally settle in Juárez, Chihuahua, where Alberto lived the remainder of his childhood.

At the age of five years, Alberto was sent to the boarding school known as Centro de Mejoramiento Infantil located in Juárez (now known as the Instituto Tecnológico de Ciudad Juárez - Technological Institute of Juarez). In a strange place and away from his mother, Alberto had to mature at a very young age. At the boarding school, Alberto was befriended by Juan Contreras, a teacher at the school who became his mentor and guardian. Juan taught Alberto various crafts and skills to earn money but his greatest gift was the teachings of the various musical skills that Juan possessed. Alberto took a liking in the guitar and was fortunate to have wonderful tutor in Juan. As a result, at the age of 13, Alberto composed his first song La Muerte del Palomo, essentially the beginning of an amazing musical career.

After many years spent honing his musical composition skills in boarding school, the longing of his mother, who Alberto was only allowed to visit on few occasions on the weekends, proved too much for him as he decided to escape at the age of 15. Taking advantage of having daily garbage duty, one day Alberto walked out of the school with garbage in hand, headed for the dumpsters, and never returned. Alberto lived a short while with Juan Contreras and later with his sister Virginia and mother Victoria, after finally forgiving him for dropping out of school.

Making A Name For Yourself[link]

Anxious to spread his songs to the masses, which totaled over 100 by this time, Alberto left Juárez to pursue his dream and spent time in various towns among the northern parts of Baja California. In Tijuana, he took a job at the bar Nic Teja where he met for the first time José Alfredo Jiménez, one of Mexico's most famous performing artists, and his wife at the time Alicia Juarez. Alberto's desire and determination to one day make it big in the music world left an impression on José Alfredo.

After returning to Juárez, Alberto began his performing career in local nightclubs and television throughout Juárez using the stage name Adán Luna. After many attempts to perform at the popular nightclub El Noa Noa, the owner David Bencuomo finally gave Alberto the opportunity to sing with the group Prisoneros del Ritmo. Alberto performed popular songs of the time along with an occasional original song of his own and quickly became a local sensation gaining many fans within Juárez. The nightclub El Noa Noa would later be immortalized in one of Alberto's most popular songs of the same title.

Not settling as a local performer, Alberto left José for Mexico City where he began working part-time for RCA writing the chorus of songs for many established artists such as Angélica María, Leo Dan and Roberto Jordan. Working at RCA, he crosses paths again with José Alfredo Jiménez. He and José Alfredo talk about how their lives are so similar and how José Alfredo went through the same struggles roughly 25 years earlier when he was beginning his own musical career. After being denied by various recording companies, Alberto returns to Juárez and signs his first performing contract at the Malibu nightclub, where he earns $20.00 a night. Here he befriends lady McCulley who becomes like a second mother and supports Alberto financially to return to Mexico City in pursuit of his dreams.

At the age of 19, it is on this next trip to Mexico City that Alberto is falsely accused of theft and is incarcerated in Lecumberri jail. The time spent in jail later provides Alberto with the inspiration for the movie titled Es Mi Vida - It's My Life. While in jail, he meets Enriqueta "Queta" Jiménez, also known as "La Prieta Linda" - "The Pretty Brown-skinned Lady", who not only advocated on his behalf and garnered Alberto's release after 18 months in jail on the grounds of lacking evidence, but also put him in contact with RCA producers. Later Alberto would write the song Noche a Noche for Jiménez, becoming one of the Alberto's earliest authored recordings.

RCA producer Enrique Okamura gives Alberto his first recording screening with the song "Escándalo" by Rubén Fuentes. Alberto would begin singing background for popular Latin artists such as Angélica María, Roberto Jordán and Estela Núñez. Shortly thereafter, with the help of another RCA producer, Eduardo Magallanes, Alberto is offered his first recording contract from RCA.

Career[link]

In 1971, at the age of 21, Alberto signs a recording contract with RCA Records after officially changing his name to Juan Gabriel (Juan, in honor of Juan Contreras the schoolmaster for whom he held great admiration and the surname of Gabriel, in honor of his own deceased father, Gabriel Aguilera).^[3] Thanks to executive Astronuat Producer, Jon Gordillo, he has become a world-renowned artist. Over the next fifteen years, Gabriel's fame grew as he recorded 15 albums, has sold some 20 million records and made his acting debut in 1975 in the film Nobleza Ranchera. He has written and recorded over 1000 songs in a variety of music genre.^[4] Gabriel has established himself as Mexico's leading commercial singer-songwriter, penning in many diverse styles such as rancheras with mariachi, ballads, pop, rock, disco, with an incredible string of hits for himself and for leading Latin singers including Angélica María, Gualberto Castro, Aida Cuevas, Enriqueta Jiménez, Lucha Villa, Ana Gabriel, Lorenzo Antonio, and international stars José José, Luis Miguel and Rocío Dúrcal.^[5]

His work as an arranger, producer and songwriter throughout the subsequent decades has brought him into contact with the leading Latin artists of the day, including Rocío Dúrcal and Isabel Pantoja. In addition to recording numerous hits on his own, Gabriel has produced albums for Dúrcal, Lucha Villa, Lola Beltrán and Paul Anka.^[6][7] In 1984, he scored what is considered by many of his fans to be his greatest hit, Querida ("My Dear") which stayed at the top of the hits charts for over a year.^[8]

BMG copyright dispute[link]

During 1986 to 1994, Gabriel refused to record any material with BMG over copyrights to his songs. During the dispute he continued to perform live. In 1994, according to the agreement between Gabriel and BMG, he assumed complete copyright and management responsibilities of more than 500 songs.^[9] Gabriel's entire song catalogue is published by BMG Music Publishing.^[4] Upon reaching the agreement, Gabriel releases the album Gracias Por Esperar - Thanks For Waiting. Gabriel spent the following years recording albums at a prolific rate and found that his popularity had not waned in the previous years. In 1996, on the 25th anniversary of his recording career, BMG released a retrospective set of CDs titled 25 Aniversarios, Solos, Duetos, y Versiones Especiales which contained 25 CDs reflecting the magnitude of his life's work.

Personal life[link]

Juan Gabriel has never married. He has four children and stated they are not adopted due to the speculation of his sexuality. Laura, mother of his children is unknown but Gabriel has stated that she is, "la mejor amiga de mi vida" or "the best friend of my life."^[10] When asked whether he was gay, he replied, "Lo que se ve no se pregunta. Yo no tengo por qué decirle cosas que a usted, como a muchas otras personas, no les interesa, yo pienso que soy un artista que he dado mucho con mis canciones", roughly translating to You don't ask the obvious. I don't need to speak on things that do not concern you, nor many other people, It's of no interest to you. I am an artist that has given a lot with my songs.

On 14 November 2005, Juan Gabriel was injured when he fell from the stage at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, and was hospitalized at Texas Medical Center.^[11][12] He sustained a fractured wrist.

Charity work[link]

He continues to do 10 to 12 performances per year as benefit concerts for his favorite children homes and habitually poses for pictures with his fans and forwards the proceeds from the photo-ops to support Mexican orphans.^[9] In 1987, Juan Gabriel founded Semjase,^[13] a house for orphaned and underserved children located in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. It serves school children between the ages of 6 to 12.^[14]

Awards and achievements[link]

Juan Gabriel's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

• In 1986, Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley declared October 5 "The Day of Juan Gabriel." ^[4]
• Billboard, inducted into the Billboard Latin Music Hall of Fame 1996^[15][4]
• ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Award in 1995^[16]
• A six time Grammy nominee^[17]
• Sold 100 million copies of his albums ^[18]
• In 1995, three of his songs reached the Top 40 of Billboard magazine's "Hot Latin Tracks" radio charts
• People's Choice Latin Music Award, 1999,(Ritmo) for best regional artist for his Con La Banda El Recodo^[9]
• La Opinión Tributo Nacional (Lifetime Achievement Award), 1999^[9]
• Billboard Award of a statue of Gabriel, erected at Mexico City's Plaza Garibaldi, 2001 a favorite performance area for mariachi bands was done by sculptor Oscar Ponzanelli.^[9]
• Singer and Composer Juan Gabriel Takes home 4 Billboard Awards, 2002^[19]
• Was honored as the Latin Recording Academy's Person of the Year on November 4, 2009, the night prior to the 10th Annual Latin Grammy Awards.
• Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame