[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 28 (Tuesday, March 5, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E274]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO JOSE JOSE

                                 ______


                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 5, 1996

  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I ask that the House commend today a great 
Mexican pop singer, Jose Jose. Jose Jose is to Hispanic music lovers 
throughout the United States and Latin America what Frank Sinatra is to 
many 1950's music fans.
  Jose Jose is a crooner who has enthralled Spanish-speaking audiences 
with his sweet, gentle manner. He is stylish and elegant, and his voice 
conveys a passionate blend of strength and vulnerability.
  He was born Jose Romulo Sosa Ortiz in February of 1948 and first 
appeared on the music scene in Mexico in the late 1960's. His 
commercial success in music, however, did not come until the 1970's. He 
was the first Latino artist in the United States to sell over 1 million 
albums.
  In the 1990's, after years of stardom, Jose struggled publicly with a 
divorce and a bout with alcoholism. But, he was sustained during this 
time by the love and kindness of his family, friends, and a faithful 
public. Last year he triumphed over the difficulties in his life, and 
used his experiences to communicate--through music--the pain and agony 
of life.
  Songs full of candor describe his long climb back from the pain of 
chemical dependency and divorce. His new songs are autobiographical, 
talking about relationships, of losing someone and finding a way back. 
Some of his emotional songs include ``El Triste'' (The Sad One), 
``Promesas'' (Promises), and ``Re- flexiones'' (Reflections).
  But Jose Jose does not dwell on sadness. Some of his greatest hits, 
including ``Gavilan o Paloma'' (Hawk or Dove), speak to facing 
challenges and making the right choices.
  I hope my colleagues will join me today in commending Jose Jose for 
his lasting musical talent.

                          ____________________