[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 74 (Thursday, May 23, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E888]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN HONOR OF JOSE JOSE: A DISTINGUISHED MUSICIAN AND INDIVIDUAL

                                 ______


                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 23, 1996

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to 
Jose Jose, a remarkable individual who has distinguished himself by his 
enormous contribution to Latino music and the Hispanic community. He 
will be honored during a performance at Radio City Music Hall on May 
24, 1996.
  Born in Mexico as Jose Romulo Sosa Ortiz, Jose Jose was destined to 
become a renowned international celebrity. The son of a tenor for the 
Mexican National Opera Company, Jose Esquival, and a concert pianist, 
Margarita Ortiz, Jose Jose's talent and interest in music were 
influenced by the success of his parents.
  During the 1950's, Jose Jose's talent began to emerge. He joined the 
school choir and began performing at local festivals, and important 
social and sporting events. Upon learning to play the guitar in the 
early 1960's, he formed a trio along with his cousin and a close 
friend. Jose Jose's first record received little recognition but he 
persevered on in his musical career. He began performing at prominent 
nightclubs like the Tropicana, EL Farolito and Peria Negra, and was 
soon offered a record deal with RCA Records. Soon after, in 1969, Jose 
Jose struck it big throughout the Hispanic community with his first hit 
song, ``La Nave Del Olvido.'' Following the overwhelming success of 
this single, his career reached heights beyond his dreams.
  The sudden success catapulted the singer to international stardom. 
Throughout the 70's and 80's, he toured major cities in the United 
States, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Brazil and Argentina, and 
made numerous television appearances performing such renowned hits as 
``La Nave Del Olvido,'' ``Secretos,'' ``Lagrimas,'' ``40 y 20,'' 
``Gavilan O Paloma,'' and ``El Triste.'' Today Jose Jose serves as an 
example of self-determination and hard work. His voice has touched the 
lives of so many and will continue to echo throughout the international 
community for many years to come.
  It is an honor to have such an outstanding entertainer visit the 13th 
District and to perform at Radio City Music Hall. I ask my colleagues 
to join me in honoring Jose Jose, an entertainer for the ages.

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