José José
Los Angeles ©2009 Angela María Ortíz S.
He was born José Rómulo Sosa Ortiz in Azcapotzalco, Mexico City, Mexico, but he was better known to the world as José José, “El Príncipe de la Canción” (Prince of the Song). This musical icon passed away at 71.
His career spanned five decades; he sold over 120 million records, which made him one of the most successful Latin American singers in history. There’s no doubt about his talent.
My introduction to José José was his hit song, “La Nave del Olvido” (1970). I was fourteen. I remember hearing the song on the radio and waiting to hear who the singer was, while at the same time I started looking for cash in my room so I could go buy it. Once I got my album—YES, ‘album,’ not ‘CD,’—I was hooked. Hooked to the lyrics, his interpretation, and his voice.
José José at “Buscando una sonrisa” premiere
©1972 Angela María Ortíz S.
A few years later, I heard about his first starring role in a movie, Buscando una sonrisa (1972). And of course, listening to the radio, I find out there’s a premiere in my home town, Los Angeles. Right away I am in contact with friends, and we planned on being there.
Memories from that day and evening are still partly blurred from the excitement. One of the things I do remember is my friend Adela’s older sister Mimi driving us with our other friend Arlene, and maybe her younger sister, Annabelle. We got there early; we were the first ones in line at the Orpheum Theatre. We were so excited, waiting and watching all the other fans who started showing up. Then the celebrities started coming.
Even thought I was waiting for José José, I had another excitement: singer/actress Olga Guillot was walking towards us. Guillot was a Cuban singer who was known as the “queen of bolero” and one of my mom’s favorite singer. I was determined to say hello…and I did. Another friend, Sarita, who was also there, texted me this message over the weekend: “I remember when you gave her a big hug. You had a big smile on your face.” Somewhere in the house I still have her autograph.
José José at the Million Dollar Theatre
The night at the Orpheum was so full of fun and nerves. I did manage to get a photograph of José José, but I was too nervous to get in the shot with him. Arlene and I remember Adela going up to him and kissing him on the cheek and walking back with the biggest smile on her face. The next time I saw him, he was performing at the Million Dollar Theatre in downtown L.A.
José José and Angela Ortíz, 1980s
José José signing one of my albums (1980s)
In the late 80s, I was driving home from work and heard he was going to be signing at Musica Latina, a record store in Montebello that is no longer around. I had to go. I rushed home to make a call to see who would meet me there. Rosi won out. We had a great time meeting him and taking pictures. He signed one of my albums and a CD.
José José, his wife Sara Salazar and daughter Sarita
©2010 Angela María Ortíz S.
Fast forward to the 2000s. I had a career that had me taking celebrity photos for events and red carpets, and I got to meet José José again. This time I was excited, but not as nervous as my teen years. During this period, we would actually have some conversations about his work and health.
L-r: Juan Gabriel, José José, Camilo Sesto and Rocío Dúrcal at the height of their careers in 1984 (Internet).
I’ve included the last professional photo I took of him with his wife Sara Salazar and daughter Sarita (I think he had six children) at a MALDEF event.
There were three singers that I listened to through the 70s and 80s. Every day, it was José José, Juan Gabriel and Camilo Sesto (who just passed). They are all gone now, but their music will live on.
José José, music icon,“Príncipe de la canción” rest in peace. — A.O.
