José José

José José
Background information
Birth name José Rómulo Sosa-Ortiz
Also known as Pepe Sosa
Born (1948-02-17) 17 February 1948
Mexico City, Mexico
Genres Romantic ballad, bolero, Latin pop, bossa nova, jazz
Occupation(s) 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, Camilo Sesto, Cristian Castro, José Feliciano, Juan Gabriel, Lani Hall, Manuel Alejandro, Marco Antonio Muñiz, Paul Anka, Raúl di Blasio, Reyli, Yanni

José Rómulo Sosa Ortiz (born 17 February 1948), known by his stage name José José, is a Mexican singer, musician and occasional actor.[1] Born and raised in Mexico City into a family of musicians, José began 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 bass and double bass. José found success as a solo artist in the early 1970s. Demonstrating his vocal ability with a stunning performance of the song "El Triste" in a Latin music festival held in Mexico City in 1970, he climbed the Latin charts during the decade. Having achieved recognition as a balladeer, his singing garnered universal critical acclaim from musical peers and media.

In the 1980s, after signing with Ariola Records, José rose to international prominence as one of the most popular and talented Latin performers. His 1983 album Secretos has sold over 7 million units. With a large number of international hits, he received several Grammy nominations and recognitions worldwide. He sold out in venues such as the Madison Square Garden and the Radio City Music Hall. His music reached non-Spanish-speaking countries like Japan, Israel and Russia.[2] José has also forged a career as an actor, starring in movies such as Gavilán o Paloma and Perdóname Todo.

Also known in the entertainment world as "El Príncipe de la Canción" (The Prince of Song), his performance and vocal style have influenced many Latin pop artists in a career that has spanned more than four decades.[3][4][5] Due to his vocals and popularity, José José is considered by the audience and the media as an icon of Latin pop music and one of the most emblematic Mexican singers ever.[6][7][8]

Early life

José Rómulo Sosa Ortiz was born on 17 February 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

In his early teens, José began his attempts to become a singer. He started his career with serenades. Later, José co-founded a bossa nova and jazz trio called "Los PEG", where he sang and played bass and double bass. 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]

Searching for a solo career, in 1967 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: José José (also known as Cuidado). The album featured songs by Rubén Fuentes and Armando Manzanero and had the participation of arranger Mario Patrón, who was considered the best jazz musician of Mexico and Brazilian percussionist Mayuto Correa, who was in Mexico City playing with bossa nova stars João Gilberto, Carlos Lira, Leny Andrade and Tamba Trio. 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]

By the late 1960s his fame began to rise as he was featured on several TV shows performing his songs live. With songs such as "Una mañana" and "Cuidado", José started to get attention from the audience and the media.

The 1970s: "El Triste", consolidation as star, Ariola Records

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 25 March 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 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 seasons 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 icons 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 a large number of international hits and toured Latin America several times during the early to mid-1970s. 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", "Vive", "Dejame conocerte" (Paul Anka's "Let Me Get To Know You"), "Divina Ilusión" and "Sabrás que te quiero". "El Príncipe" (The Prince) is the song that 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 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" (written by Billy Joel) and the hit ballad "Almohada".

1980s: International stardom, Secretos, Mexico's top singer

In 1980, José released the album Amor Amor, recorded in Los Angeles. 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 album Romántico; in this album, he recorded with success the classic boleros with a touch of romantic ballad, bringing back the bolero to mainstream. In 1981, the production 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 featured the hits: "Desesperado" and "Mi vida" (an autobiographic song written by his future 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's performance was 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 City", as a gift to Frank Sinatra, who several years before 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. Its 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 copies as of today. Following the hit of Secretos, José continued 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 also nominated for Best Latin Pop Performance in the Grammy Awards of 1986.

In 1985, José José joined performers such as Plácido Domingo, Julio Iglesias, Roberto Carlos, José Luis Rodríguez "El Puma", Pedro Vargas and Vicente Fernández for the song "Cantaré, cantarás". It was recorded in Los Angeles in April 1985, at the A&M Studios, the same studio used for "We Are The World". The same year, José starred in 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 "Tú me estás 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 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 5,[21] "Salúdamela Mucho" at 22[22] and "Vergüenza Me Da Quererte" reached number 8.[23]

During the 1980s, José José sold out Madison Square Garden, The Dunes and performed several seasons at the Las Vegas Hilton, Greek Theatre, Gibson Amphitheatre and the Tropicana Casino and Resort Atlantic City among others. He was referred to as "Mexico's Top Singer" in his shows. On 20 August 1988, 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, co-starring Angelica Aragón.[24] In 1989, José sold out two massive concerts at the Plaza México, gathering over 100,000 people. The album ¿Qué Es El Amor? released the hits "Piel de azucar" and "Como Tú", and José climbed to the top of the lists of popularity. The single "Como tú" lasted ten weeks at number-one on Billboard Hot Latin Tracks.[1]

The 1990s: "Amnesia", 40 y 20, rehab, decline

In 1990, Raúl Velasco made a special TV show to celebrate José's 25th anniversary as a singer. The show, broadcast by Televisa, lasted over five hours and featured special guests such as Armando Manzanero, Libertad Lamarque, Vicente Fernández and Marco Antonio Muñiz. In 1990, he released the hit "Amnesia" of the album En las Buenas... y en las Malas. The single 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 7. In 1992, he released another hit: "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 early 1990s, José's voice began to deteriorate. It worsened over time and became evident in his live performances. His excessive drinking and the unceasing activity of his career caused his voice to falter.[25]

On August 1993, to commemorate the allegedly 30th anniversary of José's career, 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 some of the most prestigious artists of 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. 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 of his life. During 1993, he retired from the stage and went into 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, among others.[26]

In 1994, after the success 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 against himself and 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 6, while the second single, the title track, spent only two weeks on the charts.[1] On 9 May 1996, "Llora corazón" was nominated for Pop Song of the Year in the Lo Nuestro Awards.

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 in 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

José José in 2007

In 2001, with a 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. His vocal problems became worse, affecting not only his ability to sing, but also to speak. In 2003, 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 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 vocal coach in Televisa's hit show, Cantando por un sueño. In 2007, he won a TVyNovelas Award for best supporting actor due his work in La Fea Más Bella.

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] Since 2012, José has been performing with modest success in several cities of Mexico, South and Central America.

Personal life

Through all of his career, José José has been widely open about his personal life with the press and the audience. He constantly grants interviews and answers questions about his family, friends, alcoholism, financial problems, health issues and other subjects.

Relationships, marriages and family

In 1970 he started a relationship with TV hostess, actress and model Ana Elena Noreña, known in the show business as Anel. That year they split and he married Natalia "Kiki" Herrera Calles, a socialite twenty years older. He separated from Herrera and returned with Anel shortly after. He divorced Herrera in 1975[10] and married Anel in 1976. 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]

José told the magazine Selecciones that from 1985 to 1987, he underwent a serious personal crisis because his life "was spent on airplanes, tour buses and locked in a hotel room".[39] In 1991 he divorced Anel. Several years before he finished his partnership with his manager Manuel Noreña, Anel's brother.[39] In 1995 he married Sara Salazar, his third wife. The same year during a Latin American tour, his third child Sara was born. He lives in Miami, Florida with his wife.[40][41]

Alcoholism

José has said that he started drinking at the age of fifteen, when his father (an alcoholic) left the house.[42] Due to his alcoholism, he developed a cocaine habit.

He stated that his addiction was because he "was frail, weak, innocent, ignorant, weak-willed and did not know how to say no".[43] In the early 1970s after the 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 fell steadily into the addiction. 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

José suffered from a severe case of pneumonia in 1972 and his thoracic diaphragm got paralyzed. The disease almost ended his career. He recovered after months of therapy based on breathing exercises. One of his lungs got 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 cortisone before singing, 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.[44] The effects of alcoholism, the abuse of cortisone and his hiatus hernia have not only affected his ability to sing but also to talk.[45] In 2007, he suffered from Bell's palsy. As a result of all these problems, he has fought a serious depression over the recent years. He acknowledged this during an interview on the Univision program Don Francisco Presenta..., hosted by Don Francisco.[46] He struggled with diabetic retinopathy in one of his eyes; he underwent a successful operation.[47] In 2012, he underwent an operation on his stomach due to gastritis. In November 2013, he underwent an operation to remove cataracts from one of his eyes.

Financial problems

José has made his current financial problems public. Despite being one of the most recognized Latin artists for decades, his alcoholism caused him serious monetary loss. His career declined when he lost his vocal ability, stopping income from live performances. He claims that during his career he was constantly defrauded by people close to him, including his former wife Anel and her brother.[48] On November 2008, his current wife suffered from a cerebral haemorrhage,[49] José stated that the medical bills nearly caused him to go bankrupt.[50] He told TV Notas magazine that he and his family live "day by day" and in 2014, he sold his five-million-dollar house at Coral Gables, Florida and moved to an apartment in Miami.[51]

Artistry and image

Hollywood walk of fame

José grew up listening to traditional pop music, rock and roll, jazz, swing and big band. He listened to performers such as Frank Sinatra, Johnny Mathis and popular Mexican composers like Consuelo Velázquez, Álvaro Carrillo, María Grever and Armando Manzanero. He was later inspired by vocalist Barbra Streisand, whom he considers an influence.[2] 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 bolero, bossa nova, jazz and classical. Even dubbed as crooner, José is also acclaimed for playing several instruments, such as the piano, bass, guitar and double bass. Because of his phrasing and accuracy, he was once described as "a singer who sings as a musician". His predilect music is classical (Ravel, Debussy, Musorgsky), jazz and bossa nova.[52]

Statue of José José in Mexico City

Vocals

According to his autobiography "Esta es mi vida" (This is my life), professor Guido Picco stated that José José in his prime was a leggiero tenor or light lyric tenor.[53] Johnny Mathis has been widely recognized as a major influence on José's vocal style.

Over time, because of his alcoholism and negligence, his voice and vocal style changed noticeably. By inheriting the singing qualities of his father, in his prime he was able to easily reach high and low notes and his intonation was practically perfect.[54] Upon his performance of "El Triste", many critics praised his technical capacity and intensity.[54] He had the ability to sustain long and clear notes.[54]

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."[55] In the Latin VH1 show "Las 100 grandiosas canciones de los 1980s en español" (The 100 greatest Spanish songs of the 1980s), singer Diego Verdaguer said: "If today he could sing, he would be the greatest of Latin America." José's voice is often considered one of the most influential in Latin pop music.[5]

Legacy

The music of José José is widely known in the Hispanic community.[56] A large number of artists have acknowledged José as an influence, including Cristian Castro,[57] Vicente Fernández,[58] Alejandro Fernández,[59] Nelson Ned, Pepe Aguilar, Kalimba, Erik Rubin, Manuel Mijares,[60] Lupita D'Alessio, Diego Verdaguer, Reyli and Marc Anthony.[61]

In 1997, José was inducted into Billboard's Latin Music Hall of Fame.[62] In 2002 he achieved "El Premio a la Excelencia" (Prize to Excellence) at the Premios Lo Nuestro (Lo Nuestro Awards).[63] The Billboard Magazine awarded him for "Mejor Artista Latino" (Best Latin Artist) and "Mejor Disco Latino" (Best Latin Album) several times. In the Latin Grammy Awards of 2005 he received the "Personalidad del Año" (Person of the Year) by the Latin Grammy Award Recording Association;[64] he has been nominated nine times to the Grammy Award.

In 2006, Televisa made a TV homage to José José in Acapulco where singers such as Manoella Torres, Francisco Céspedes, Dulce and Gualberto Castro performed several of his greatest hits live.

"People went mute when he walked onstage ... We were just amazed when he came out, stood there and sang a song with such mastery. He was like an angel. It revolutionized my mind, and little by little I understood that that's what I wanted to do."

Cristian Castro
Billboard Magazine, 2003[65]

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 some of his greatest hits live, and stars such as Plácido Domingo, Ricky Martin, Enrique Iglesias, Pepe Aguilar, Pedro Fernández, and RBD, showed their admiration with messages and greetings.[66] Univision described José José as: "One of the most beloved singers in Latin music".[67] On 25 April 2013, José was awarded due his career by Billboard at the 2013 Latin Billboard Music Awards.

In 2007, a bronze statue was unveiled in his honor at the Azcapotzalco area in Mexico City, where he grew up.[68] He was honored by the Las Vegas Walk of Stars with a celebrity star and booksigning at The Rio in Las Vegas on 20 November 2008.[69]

In February 2004, for his contribution to the recording industry, José José has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7036 Hollywood Blvd.[70][71]

Tributes

Latin artists of rock and hip hop such as Molotov, Jumbo, Julieta Venegas, Beto Cuevas, and Aleks Syntek recorded a tribute album in 1998 called "Volcán: Tributo a José José" (Volcano: Tribute to José José). Every artist recorded one of José's classics such as "Lo Dudo", "El Triste" or "Volcán" in a distinctive fashion. It sold over 500,000 units. After almost fifteen years since its release, in November 2013, a follow-up to "Volcán: Tributo a José José" was released under the title "Un Tributo 2", featuring performers such as Natalia Lafourcade, Moderatto, Los Claxons, Carla Morrison and Panteón Rococó.

In 2005 Manuel Mijares released the album Honor a Quien Honor Merece. On 30 November 2010, Cristian Castro released the album Viva el Principe (Long Live the Prince). 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.[72] On 1 November 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 number one on Billboard Top Latin Albums and peaked 57 on Billboard 200.[73][74]

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".[75] On 14 May 2010, Marc Anthony released the album Iconos (Icons), which covers Latin ballads from the past, among them "El Triste" and "Almohada".

Filmography

Films and television
Year Title Role Notes
1971 Buscando Una Sonrisa Film
1972 Un sueño de amor David Granados Film
1973 La carrera del millón Film
1977 Variedades de media noche Singer TV series, episode: "El principe de la canción"
1983 Los secretos de José José Himself Film
1984 Siempre en domingo Film
1985 Gavilán o Paloma José Sosa "José José" Film
1988 Sabor a mí Film
1995 Perdóname todo Film
2005 Sueño Mystery Musician Film
2006 Double Tap Mob Leader Film
2006–2007 La fea más bella Erasmo Padilla TV series; Co-lead role
2007 Objetos perdidos Singer TV series; episode: "Objeto 1"
2009 Melate el corazon Himself Film

Discography

Year Title Label −1965 EL mundo (sensillo 45 rpm / pepe sosa 1967 Los PEG RVV EP1 (México)
1967 Anina y Pepe Sosa Orfeon (México)
1969 Cuidado RCA (México)
1970 La nave del olvido RCA (México)
1970 El Triste RCA (México)
1971 Buscando una sonrisa RCA (México)
1972 De pueblo en pueblo RCA (México)
1972 Cuando tú me quieras RCA (México)
1973 Hasta que vuelvas RCA (México)
1974 Vive RCA (México)
1975 Tan cerca... Tan lejos RCA (México)
1976 El príncipe RCA (México)
1977 Reencuentro Ariola (México)
1978 Volcán Ariola (México)
1978 Lo pasado, pasado Ariola (México)
1979 Si me dejas ahora Ariola (México)
1980 Amor, amor Ariola (México)
1981 Romántico Ariola (México)
1981 Gracias Ariola (México)
1982 Mi vida Ariola (México)
1983 Secretos Ariola (México)
1984 Reflexiones Ariola (México)
1985 Música original de "Gavilán o Paloma" Ariola (México)
1985 Promesas Ariola (México)
1986 Siempre contigo Ariola (México)
1987 Soy así Ariola (México)
1988 Música original de "Sabor a mí" Ariola (México)
1989 ¿Qué es el amor? BMG Ariola (México)
1990 En las buenas... y en las malas BMG Ariola (México)
1992 40 y 20 BMG Ariola (México)
1994 Grandeza mexicana BMG (México)
1995 Mujeriego BMG (México)
1997 Tesoros BMG (México)
1998 Y algo más BMG (México)
1998 Distancia BMG (México)
2001 Tenampa BMG (México)

Gold and Platinum albums

TOTAL OF 22 GOLD AND PLATINUM RECORDS FOR "Secretos"

Compilations and boxed sets

Year Title Label
1982 20 Triunfadoras de José José Ariola (México)
1987 Ayer, hoy y siempre: José José
1988 Éxitos, Vol.1
Romántico, Vol.2
Frente a Frente: Marco Antonio Muniz y José José
1989 Éxitos, Vol.2
1990 15 éxitos BMG Ariola (México)
15 románticas en la voz de José José Ariola (México)
25 Aniversario (Volúmenes 1 y 2) BMG Ariola (México)
1991 Bodas de plata del Príncipe de la Canción Bertelsmann de México S.A. de C.V.
1992 15 Éxitos de oro RCA Records Label
Serie 20 Éxitos Ariola
1994 Boleros T.H. Rodven
1996 Serie platino BMG (México)
1997 Serie platino, Vol.2
Tesoros
1998 35 Aniversario
Serie retratos Madacy Latino
Y algo más BMG (México)
1999 Lo mejor de lo mejor
Colección original Sony International
2000 Serie 2000 RCA International
2002 Todo éxitos de José José Líderes Ent. Group
3 voces y un maestro – Canciones de Manuel Alejandro BMG Music
2003 Definiendo José Sony International
40 Aniversario (Volúmenes 1,2,3 y 4) BMG (México)
2004 Best of: Jose Jose, Ultimate Collection Sony International
Personalidad: 20 éxitos BMG Entertainment
2005 Originales: 20 éxitos BMG (México)
Lo mejor en tríos Sony U.S. Latin
20 Inolvidables Univision Music Group
Tres trovadores Sony U.S. Latin
Las número uno Sony Music
2006 La historia del príncipe BMG (México)
2007 Mis Duetos Sony – BMG (México)
2008 El príncipe y el bolero
José José: Para ti Sony U.S. Latin
2009 Lo esencial de José José Sony Music Entertainment
Dos Clásicos
2010 Recupera tus clásicos (Volúmenes 1 y 2)
Guitarra y sentimiento
2011 Mis favoritas Sony U.S. Latin
Frente a Frente: José José y Cristian Castro Sony Music México
2012 El Romántico, El Príncipe Sony Music Latin
2013 Frente a Frente: José José y Leo Dan Sony U.S. Latin
Frente a Frente: José José y Marco Antonio Muñiz
2014 Sólo para mujeres

Studio Duets

Year Song Artist
1968 Adiós Libertad Lamarque
1975 Tiempo Marco Antonio Muñiz
1978 Cruz de olvido Marco Antonio Muñiz
1982 Te quiero así Lani Hall
1984 Voy a apagar la luz Gina Romand
1985 Por ella José Feliciano
1988 Mi Orgullo Carmen Salinas
1988 Es tan lindo José Joel y Angélica Vale
1990 Hay un mañana Valeria Lynch
1994 La fuerza de la sangre José Joel
1994 José y Manuel Manuel Alejandro
1995 Te quiero así Alejandra Avalos
1995 or 1996 Dos corazones amigos José Guadalupe Esparza
1996 Déjame conocerte Paul Anka
1998 Entre la espada y la pared Pimpinela
1998 El triste Raúl Di Blasio
1998 Lo sé José Alfredo Fuentes
2001 Cómo hacer para olvidar Juan Gabriel
2001 ¿Qué ganaste corazón? Juan Gabriel
2007 Aunque vivas con él Reyli
2007 E-Mail Me Sarita Sosa
2008 Volver a creer Yanni

References

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  4. ↑ "JOSÉ JOSÉ ~ Sony Music México". Bfmvmexicosonymusic.blogspot.com. Retrieved 2012-10-14.
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  6. ↑ "José José "Esta es mi Vida" LANZAMIENTO". Famaweb.com. Retrieved 2012-10-14.
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  9. ↑ "ORONOTICIAS José José en Platica poblano mientras yo te ganó 1/2". YouTube. 26 January 2009. Retrieved 2012-10-14.
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  22. ↑ "Salúdamela Mucho – José José". Billboard. Nielsen Business, Inc. 9 April 1988. Retrieved 2009-06-05.
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  26. ↑ Lopetegui, Enrique (11 October 1994). "Pop Music Review : Jose Jose Gets a Hero's Welcome". Los Angeles Times.
  27. ↑ Profile of the film Perdóname Todo
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  69. ↑ "Picture 35 of 68 – Jose Jose – Jose Jose Honored by the Las Vegas Walk of Stars With a Celebrity Star and Booksigning at the Rio in Las Vegas on November 20, 2008". Netglimse.com. 20 November 2008. Retrieved 2012-10-14.
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  74. ↑ Aguila, Justino (21 November 2011). "Backbeat: Cristian Castro Celebrates Jose Jose Tribute Album, 'Mi Amigo el Principe,' at Las Vegas Release Party". Billboard.biz. Retrieved 2012-10-14.
  75. ↑ Birchmeier, Jason. "Amar y Querer: Homenaje a Las Grandes Canciones – Kalimba : Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved 2012-10-14.

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