Home · Artists · José José

🇲🇽 Mexico · 1963–2012

José José

José José, whose real name was José Rómulo Sosa Ortiz, emerged in the music scene as a prominent figure, recognized for his distinctive interpretive style in Latin pop. His career positioned him as one of the most influential artists in Latin America, selling a significant number of records worldwide. The nickname El Príncipe de la Canción became firmly established to describe his legacy and his way of connecting with audiences through his performances.

His musical beginnings date back to his youth, when he already explored the guitar and offered serenades. Later, he was part of a trio called Los PEG, where he took on roles as vocalist and bassist, venturing into genres such as jazz and bossa nova. The turning point in his solo career came in the early 1970s. It was at the second Latin Song Festival, held in Mexico City in 1970, where his performance of the song El triste resonated deeply, catapulting him to Latin popularity charts and solidifying his reputation as an exceptional balladeer.

369K Listeners/mo

Details, awards, members and more

More about José José

Biography

During the 1980s, his music transcended borders. After signing with Ariola Records, he became an artist with great international projection, reaching the top spot in Mexico. His hits earned him multiple Grammy nominations and recognition on various global stages, including performances at iconic venues like Madison Square Garden. His music crossed language barriers, reaching audiences in countries such as Japan, Israel, and Russia. Simultaneously, he explored his acting side, participating in film productions like Gavilán o paloma in 1985 and Perdóname todo in 1995.

Throughout his career, he faced personal challenges related to substance abuse, which affected his distinctive voice between 1990 and 2000. This period led him to an active retirement from the stage to focus on his rehabilitation, though he occasionally returned to musical and film projects, such as his participation in the telenovela La fea más bella in 2006. His final years were spent in the United States, where he passed away on September 28, 2019, due to health complications. His memory endures through tributes and posthumous releases.

Details

Nacimiento
17 feb 1948
País
🇲🇽 Mexico
Género
canción melódica

Awards and honors

  • Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement

Record labels

Ariola Records * Sony BMG

Links