View source for José José

{{Short description|Mexican singer (1948–2019)}}
{{family name hatnote|Sosa|Ortiz|lang=Spanish}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2023}}
{{Infobox person
| name               = José José
| image              = José José.png
| caption            = José José in 2011
| birth_name         = José Rómulo Sosa Ortiz
| birth_date         = {{birth date|df=yes|1948|2|17}}
| birth_place        = Clavería, [[Azcapotzalco]], [[Mexico City]], Mexico
| death_date         = {{death date and age|df=yes|2019|09|28|1948|02|17}}
| death_place        = [[Homestead, Florida]], U.S.
| alias              = El Príncipe de la Canción
| resting_place      = Panteón Francés de San Joaquín, Mexico City
| signature          = Signature of José José.svg
| occupation         = {{flatlist|
* Singer
* actor
}}
| awards             = [[List of awards and nominations received by José José|Full list]]
| years_active       = 1963–2012
| spouse             = {{plainlist|
* {{marriage|Natalia Herrera Calles|1970|1975|reason=divorce}}
* {{marriage|[[Anel (actress)|Anel]]|1976|1991|reason=divorce}}
* {{marriage|Sara Salazar|1995}}
}}
| children           = 3
| module             = {{Infobox musical artist|embed=yes<!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Musicians -->
| genre              = {{flatlist|
* [[Latin ballad]]
* [[bolero]]
* [[bossa nova]]
* [[jazz]]
}}
| instrument         = Vocals
| label              = {{flatlist|
* [[RCA Records|RCA Victor]]
* [[Ariola|Ariola Records]]
* [[Sony BMG]]
}}
}}
}}

'''José Rómulo Sosa Ortiz''' (17 February 1948 – 28 September 2019), known professionally as '''José José''' ({{IPA|es|xo'se xo'se}}) was a Mexican singer and actor. Also known as "[[Honorific nicknames in popular music|El Príncipe de la Canción]]'''"''' (The Prince of Song),<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Aguila |first=Justino |date=2019-09-29 |title=José José's Legacy Remembered by Daddy Yankee, Banda El Recodo & More Artists |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/jose-jose-dead-artist-tributes-daddy-yankee-banda-el-recodo-8531661/ |access-date=2024-08-12 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref> his performance and vocal style have influenced many Latin pop artists in a career that spanned more than four decades.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.laquintacolumna.com.mx/2009/febrero/columnistas/colu_personajes_260209.html |title=Columnistas – personajes |publisher=La Quinta Columna |access-date=14 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://bfmvmexicosonymusic.blogspot.com/2010/02/jose-jose.html |title=JOSÉ JOSÉ ~ Sony Music México |publisher=Bfmvmexicosonymusic.blogspot.com |access-date=14 October 2012}}</ref><ref name="generaccion.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.generaccion.com/noticia/61958/marc-anthony-canta-exitos-roberto-carlos-jose-jose-su-nuevo-disco|title=Noticias del Perú y del Mundo, Corea del Norte, Corea del Sur, Seúl, Ataque nuclear, Revocatoria, Susana Villarán, Paolo Guerrero, Copa Libertadores 2013, UEFA Champions League 2013, Ollanta Humala, Nadine Heredia, Alianza Lima, Universitario de Deportes, Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, Selena Gómez, Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Google, Apple, iPhone, Facebook, Twitter - Generaccion.com Perú|access-date=12 February 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100529170820/http://www.generaccion.com/noticia/61958/marc-anthony-canta-exitos-roberto-carlos-jose-jose-su-nuevo-disco|archive-date=29 May 2010}}</ref> Due to his vocals and popularity, José José was considered by Latin audiences and media as an icon of Latin pop music and one of the most emblematic Latin singers of his time.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.famaweb.com/jose_jose_quotesta_es_mi_vidaquot_lanzamiento-6005.html |title=José José "Esta es mi Vida" LANZAMIENTO |publisher=Famaweb.com |access-date=14 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140319025440/http://www.famaweb.com/jose_jose_quotesta_es_mi_vidaquot_lanzamiento-6005.html |archive-date=19 March 2014  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=El Siglo de Torreón |url=http://www.elsiglodetorreon.com.mx/noticia/41601.jose-jose-reflexiona-sobre-la-muerte-de-celia.html |title=José José reflexiona sobre la muerte de Celia Cruz / Espectáculos |publisher=Elsiglodetorreon.com.mx |date=26 July 2003 |access-date=14 October 2012}}</ref>

Born into a family of musicians, José began his musical career in his early teens playing guitar and singing in serenade. He later joined a [[jazz]] and [[bossa nova]] [[Jazz trio|trio]] where he sang and played [[Bass guitar|bass]] and [[double bass]]. José José found success as a solo artist in the early 1970s. Demonstrating his [[tenor]] vocal ability with a stunning performance of the song "[[El Triste]]" at a Latin music festival held in Mexico City in 1970, he climbed the Latin charts during that decade. Having achieved recognition as a [[Latin ballad|balladeer]], his singing garnered universal critical acclaim from musical peers and media.{{citation needed|date=October 2023}}

In the 1980s, after signing with [[Ariola|Ariola Records]], José rose to international prominence as one of the most popular and talented Latin performers. His 1983 album ''[[Secretos]]'' has sold over four million units. With many international hits, he received several [[Grammy Awards|Grammy]] nominations, sold more than 40 million albums and was once courted by music legend [[Frank Sinatra]], who wanted to win him for his own label.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://elpais.com/elpais/2020/01/21/gente/1579608508_585381.html|title=La polémica sin fin por la herencia de José José, el 'Príncipe de la canción'|access-date=17 June 2020|date=21 January 2020|last=Criales|first=José Pablo|work=El País|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301003756/https://elpais.com/elpais/2020/01/21/gente/1579608508_585381.html|archive-date=1 March 2020|language=es}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=September 29, 2019 |title=Jose Jose, one of Mexico's most-loved voices, dies at 71 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/world/jose-jose-one-of-mexicos-most-loved-voices-dies-at-71-idUSKBN1WE02P/ |work=[[Reuters]]}}</ref> He sold out in venues such as [[Madison Square Garden]] and [[Radio City Music Hall]]. His music reached non-Spanish-speaking countries in Europe and Asia.<ref name="josejose.us">{{cite web|url=http://www.josejose.us/bio.htm |title=José José |publisher=Josejose.us |access-date=14 October 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121129063249/http://www.josejose.us/bio.htm |archive-date=29 November 2012  }}</ref> He forged a career as an actor, starring in movies such as ''[[Gavilán o Paloma]]'' (1985) and ''[[Perdóname todo|Perdóname Todo]]'' (1995).

== Life and career ==
=== 1948–1962: Childhood ===
José Rómulo Sosa Ortiz was born on 17 February 1948 in Clavería, [[Azcapotzalco]], [[Mexico City]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/america/entretenimiento/2019/09/28/jose-jose-una-vida-llena-de-contrastes/|title=José José una vida llena de contrastes|trans-title=José José a life full of contrasts|website=infobae|language=es|date=28 September 2019|access-date=29 September 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telemundo31.com/noticias/mexico/termina-sepelio-de-jose-jose-pero-el-homenaje-sigue-a-finales-de-octubre-en-el-zocalo-562661601.html|title=Termina el sepelio de José José, pero el homenaje sigue|trans-title=The funeral of José José ends, but the tribute continues|website=Telemundo 31|language=es|date=9 October 2019|access-date=10 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191010032747/https://www.telemundo31.com/noticias/mexico/termina-sepelio-de-jose-jose-pero-el-homenaje-sigue-a-finales-de-octubre-en-el-zocalo-562661601.html|archive-date=10 October 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.buenamusica.com/jose-jose/biografia|title=Biografía de José José|trans-title=José José Biography|website=Buena Musica|language=es|access-date=10 October 2019}}</ref> His father, [[José Sosa Esquivel]], was an [[tenor|operatic tenor]] (tenor comprimario) and his mother, Margarita Ortiz, was a classical pianist.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Amézquita Pino |first1=Carolina |title=Quién es quién en la familia de José José |url=https://peopleenespanol.com/celebridades/quien-es-quien-en-la-familia-de-jose-jose/? |website=People en Español |access-date=29 September 2019 |date=12 November 2018}}</ref> When José showed interest in singing, they tried to discourage him claiming that it was too difficult to be successful in show business. In that time, his reportedly alcoholic father abandoned the family forcing José to work to help his mother and younger brother.

=== 1963–1969: Early career ===
At the age of fifteen, his mother gave him his first piano. Besides working in his teens, he learned to play [[guitar]] and sang in the [[Catholic Church|church]] and in [[serenades]] along with his neighborhood friends for extra money.

In 1967, at the age of 19, José formed Los Peg, a Mexican band of [[bossa nova]]/[[jazz]].<ref name="Peg">{{cite web|url=https://estroncio90.typepad.com/blog/2011/06/los-peg.html|title=Los PEG|work=estroncio90|date=21 June 2011|accessdate=21 September 2021|language=es}}</ref> Although they made several recordings as a group, they did not reach commercial success.<ref name="Peg"/><ref>{{cite web |last1=Ruiz |first1=Gerardo |title=José José: réquiem por el 'Príncipe' triste |url=https://www.univision.com/famosos/jose-jose-requiem-por-el-principe-triste |website=Univision |access-date=2 October 2019 |language=es |date=28 September 2019}}</ref> In 1965, under the name of "Pepe Sosa" and pursuing a solo career encouraged by his mother, he recorded the singles "Ma vie" and "El Mundo", which did not sell well either. He made a career breakthrough when he was invited to perform a song for a friend's sister on her birthday. His friend's sister was the executive secretary for the managing director of [[Orfeón (Mexican record label)|Orfeón Records]]. He took a new performing name after this, joining his first name "José" with his father's first name (also José), who had died of alcoholism.<ref name="bbobituary">{{cite magazine |last1=Cobo |first1=Leila |title=Jose Jose, Mexican Prince of Song, Dead at 71 |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/jose-jose-obituary-mexican-prince-of-song-dead-at-71-8531659/ |magazine=Billboard  |access-date=2 October 2019 |date=28 September 2019}}</ref> He signed a contract with [[RCA Records|RCA Victor]] and recorded his first album: ''[[Cuidado|José José]]'' (also known as ''Cuidado''). The album featured songs by [[Rubén Fuentes]] and [[Armando Manzanero]]. It was arranged by his former teacher Mario Patrón, who was considered the best jazz musician of Mexico, and employed Brazilian percussionist [[Mayuto Correa]], who was in Mexico City playing with bossa nova stars João Gilberto, [[Carlos Lyra]], [[Leny Andrade]], and Tamba Trio. The album's sound is a combination of [[boleros]] and romantic ballads with a jazz and bossa nova influence. The quality of his debut album garnered praise from critics but did not achieve much popular success.<ref name="selecciones.com.mx">{{Cite web|url=http://www.selecciones.com.mx/content/21588/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090531035439/http://www.selecciones.com.mx/content/21588|url-status=dead|title=Everything was left in yesterday: José José|archive-date=31 May 2009|language=Spanish|last=Holguin|first=Martin|website=Selecciones|date=1 March 2006}}</ref>

=== 1970–1980: "El Triste", consolidation and Ariola Records ===
In early 1970 he released the song "La nave del olvido" which became his first big hit in Mexico and Latin America,<ref name="selecciones.com.mx"/> and recorded his second album: ''[[La Nave Del Olvido]]''. José's big break came on 15 March 1970, when he represented Mexico in the international song festival the ''II Festival de la Canción Latina'' (Latin Song Festival II, predecessor of the [[OTI Festival]]) with a performance of the song "[[El Triste]]". Although José José finished in third place, his performance helped launch his music career to a wider audience.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Baustista |first1=Berenice |title=Muere José José, el "Príncipe de la Canción" |url=https://www.chron.com/espanol/news/article/Muere-Jose-Jose-el-Pr-ncipe-de-la-14475765.php |access-date=2 October 2019 |work=Houston Chronicle |date=28 September 2019 |language=es}}</ref>

José José had several major hits in the 1970s including "De Pueblo en Pueblo", "Hasta Que Vuelvas",  "Déjame Conocerte", "Sentimientos", "Paloma", and "Gavilan o Paloma".<ref name="allmusic">{{cite web |last1=Bonacich |first1=Drago |title=José José: Biography & History |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/josé-josé-mn0000822874/biography |website=AllMusic |publisher=Rovi |access-date=3 October 2019}}</ref> One song which was played on the radio, "El Príncipe" ("The Prince"), earned the artist the title "El Príncipe de la Canción" ("The Prince of Songs") from a DJ.<ref name="40anniversary">{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Rg8EAAAAMBAJ&q=jose+jose+el+principe+de+la+cancion&pg=PA28|title=The Prince's 40-Year Reign: A Billboard Q&A|last=Cobo|first=Leila|volume=115|issue=48|page=28|date=29 November 2003|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=[[Nielsen Company]]|access-date=1 October 2019}}</ref>

In 1973, [[Frank Sinatra]] listened to José's music at [[Reprise Records]] and invited him to record a duet and a full album under Sinatra's label. The collaboration was impossible due to José's exclusivity agreement with his label.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.quien.com/espectaculos/2019/09/28/dueto-jose-jose-con-frank-sinatra-que-lo-llevo-alcoholismo|title=El dueto frustrado de José José con Frank Sinatra que lo llevó al alcoholismo|date=28 September 2019|website=Quién}}</ref>

In 1976, José signed with [[Ariola Records]] with ''[[Reencuentro (José José album)|Reencuentro]]'' being the first albums to be released under the label a year later.<ref name="40anniversary"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Calle |first1=Tommy |title=Para las nuevas generaciones que se preguntan: ¿Quién fue José José? |url=https://www.latimes.com/espanol/entretenimiento/articulo/2019-09-28/para-las-nuevas-gener |access-date=2 October 2019 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=28 September 2019 |language=es}}{{dead link|date=June 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

=== 1980–1989: International stardom, ''Secretos'' and Mexico's top singer ===
José José released several successful albums including ''[[Amor Amor (José José album)|Amor Amor]]'' (1980), ''[[Romántico (José José album)|Romántico]]'' (1981), ''[[Gracias (album)|Gracias]]'' (1981), ''[[Mi Vida (José José album)|Mi Vida]]''. ''Amor Amor'' sold over 1.5&nbsp;million copies in Latin America.<ref>{{cite web |title="…Me Vas a echar de menos y cada dia mas…" Jose Jose - El Principe De La Cancion |url=https://tvespanol.net/especiales/2018/3/5/me-vas-a-echar-de-menos-y-cada-dia-mas-jose-jose-el-principe-de-la-cancion |website=TVEspañol Inc |access-date=2 October 2019 |language=es |date=5 March 2018 |archive-date=2 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191002013611/https://tvespanol.net/especiales/2018/3/5/me-vas-a-echar-de-menos-y-cada-dia-mas-jose-jose-el-principe-de-la-cancion |url-status=dead }}</ref> He recorded a Spanish version of the hit "[[Theme from New York, New York|New York, New York]]", as a tribute to his friend Frank Sinatra.<ref>{{AllMusic|class=album|id=r100671|pure_url=yes}}</ref>

In 1983, José José released ''[[Secretos]]'', in which he collaborated with [[Manuel Alejandro]] for the album's compositions. "Lo Dudo" ("I Doubt It") and "El Amor Acaba" ("The Love is Over") were major hits from the album and ''Secretos'' became the best selling recording in his career with four million copies sold.<ref name="40anniversary"/> ''Secretos'' was nominated for [[Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album|Best Latin Pop Performance]] in the [[Grammy Awards of 1985]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.upi.com/Archives/1985/01/10/Academy-of-Recording-Arts-Sciences-nominees-for-Grammy/3522474181200/|title=Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences nominees for Grammy...|publisher=United Press International|date=10 January 1985|access-date=17 July 2015}}</ref>  Following the release of ''Secretos'', José continued his international success. He released ''[[Reflexiones (José José album)|Reflexiones]]'' in 1984. The album was written, produced and arranged by Rafael Pérez-Botija and sold over 2&nbsp;million copies worldwide.<ref>{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r100664|pure_url=yes}}|title=Reflexiones – Credits|date=29 June 1985|access-date=4 March 2009|publisher=Macromedia Corporation|work=Allmusic }}</ref> ''Reflexiones''  became the first album to reach number one on the [[Latin Pop Albums|''Billboard'' Latin Pop Albums]] in the United States upon its establishment in 1985, and was also nominated for Best Latin Pop Performance in the [[Grammy Awards of 1986|1986 Grammy Awards]].<ref name="latinpopalbums">{{cite magazine |title=José José - Chart History: Latin Pop Albums |url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=Jose Jose|chart=Latin Pop Albums}}|magazine=Billboard  |access-date=2 October 2019}}</ref><ref name="grammy-1986">{{cite magazine| last = Fernández| first = Enrique| date = 25 January 1986| title = Latin Notas| magazine = [[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]| volume = 96| issue = 4| page = 53| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=ACQEAAAAMBAJ&q=danny+rivera+grammy&pg=PT52
| access-date = 26 November 2012}}</ref>

In 1985, José José collaborated with performers such as [[Plácido Domingo]], [[Julio Iglesias]], [[Roberto Carlos (singer)|Roberto Carlos]], [[José Luis Rodríguez "El Puma"]], Pedro Vargas and [[Vicente Fernández]] for the [[charity record|charity single]], "[[Cantaré, cantarás]]".<ref>{{cite web |title="Cantaré, cantarás" celebra 30 años de su grabación |url=https://www.uniradioinforma.com/noticias/fama/336147/cantare-cantaras-celebra-30-anos-de-su-grabacion.html |website=Uniradio Informa |access-date=3 October 2019 |language=es |date=25 April 2015}}</ref> He also performed a duet with Puerto Rican singer [[José Feliciano]] on the song "Por Ella" ("For Her") on Feliciano's album ''Ya Soy Tuyo'' (1985) which was also nominated in the same category on the 1986 Grammy Awards.<ref name="grammy-1986"/> The same year, José starred in his autobiographic film ''[[Gavilán o Paloma (film)|Gavilán o Paloma]]'', alongside [[Christian Bach]] and the comedian [[Jorge Ortiz de Pinedo]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Avendaño |first1=Reyna |title=Christian Bach amó y padeció a José José en "Gavilán o paloma" |url=https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/espectaculos/cine/christian-bach-amo-y-padecio-jose-jose-en-gavilan-o-palom |access-date=3 October 2019 |work=El Universal |date=3 January 2019 |language=es}}</ref> The following, he released the album ''[[Promesas]]'',<ref>{{AllMusic|class=album|id=r100657|pure_url=yes}}</ref> written, produced and arranged by Pérez-Botija.<ref name="Kellman">{{cite web|title=Album Review: Promesas|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r100657|pure_url=yes}}|work=Allmusic|publisher=Macrovision Corporation |access-date=3 April 2009}}</ref> Its main hits were "Amantes", "Me vas a echar de menos", "Más", and "Tú me estás volviendo loco". One of the album's singles, "Pruébame", was nominated for Best Latin Pop Performance at the [[Grammy Awards of 1987|1987 Grammy Awards]].<ref name="grammyaward-1987">{{cite news|title=Grammy Nominations: Highs and Lows: Winwood, Gabriel and Simon Garner Most Nominations|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-01-09-ca-2676-story.html |first=Dennis |last=Hunt |date=9 January 1987|access-date=26 November 2012 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] }}</ref> ''Promesas'' became his second number-one album on the ''Billboard'' Latin Pop Albums.<ref name="latinpopalbums"/> On his next album ''[[Siempre Contigo (José José album)|Siempre Contigo]]'' in 1986<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/1986-11-29/latin-pop-albums|title=Latin Pop Albums|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=1 April 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140818002044/http://www.billboard.com/charts/1986-11-29/latin-pop-albums|archive-date=18 August 2014}}</ref> he worked with the Spanish producer and guitarist [[Paco Cepero]].<ref name="Kellman"/> The album produced three singles: "[[¿Y Quién Puede Ser?]]", "Corre y Ve Con Él", and "Sin Saber". The former track became his first number-one song on the [[Hot Latin Songs|''Billboard'' Hot Latin Songs]] chart in the United States.<ref name="hotlatinsongs">{{cite magazine |title=José José Chart History: Hot Latin Songs |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/jose-jose/chart-history/htl/ |magazine=Billboard  |access-date=3 October 2019}}</ref> It was nominated for Best Latin Pop Performance in the [[Grammy Awards of 1988]] and became his third number-one album on the ''Billboard'' Latin Pop Albums chart.<ref name="latinpopalbums"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/01/14/Here-are-the-nominees-for-the-30th-annual-Grammy/4163569134800/|title=Here are the nominees for the 30th annual Grammy...|publisher=United Press International|date=14 January 1988|access-date=17 July 2015}}</ref>

José José told magazine ''[[Selecciones]]'' that during 1985 to 1987, he had a personal crisis because "my life was going on airplanes, trucks, locked in a hotel room."<ref name="Selecciones">{{cite web |url=http://www.selecciones.com.mx/content/21588/ |title=Todo Quedó en el Ayer: José José |date=1 March 2006 |language=es |last=Holguín |first=Martín |publisher=Reader's Digest México, S.A. de C.V |work=Selecciones |access-date=5 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090531035439/http://www.selecciones.com.mx/content/21588 |archive-date=31 May 2009 }}</ref> His daughter was born in 1982 and that more or less balanced his marriage, but after a while he divorced his then wife.<ref name="Selecciones"/> In the same year, he also finished his work relation with his [[Talent manager|manager]], who also was his brother in law.<ref name="Selecciones"/> During this events, and his on-going battle with [[alcoholism]], José José recorded his album ''Soy Así'';<ref name="Selecciones"/> it became his fourth number-one album on the Latin Pop Albums chart.<ref name="latinpopalbums"/> The album included four singles: [[Soy Así (song)|the title track]] (became his second number-one song on the Hot Latin Songs chart), "Mi Hembra", "Salúdamela Mucho", and "Vergüenza Me Da Quererte".<ref name="hotlatinsongs"/>  ''Soy Así'' was nominated for Best Latin Pop Performance in the [[Grammy Awards of 1989|1989 Grammy Awards]].<ref name="grammyaward-1989">{{cite news|title=Chapman, McFerrin Lead Grammy Race : Baker, Sting, Michael, Winwood Also Capture Multiple Nominations|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-01-13-ca-306-story.html |first=Dennis |last=Hunt |date=13 January 1989|access-date=17 July 2015 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]]  |page=3}}</ref> It was also nominated for [[Lo Nuestro Award for Pop Album of the Year|Pop Album of the Year]] at the [[Premio Lo Nuestro 1989|1st Annual Lo Nuestro Awards]] in the same year while José José was awarded [[Lo Nuestro Award for Pop Male Artist of the Year|Pop Male Artist of the Year]].<ref name="Winners-archive">{{cite web |url=http://i.univision.com/contentuvn/rinconlatino/plnuestro/images/index_historia.swf|title=Lo Nuestro – Historia |language=es |work=[[Univision]] |publisher=[[Univision Communications]]|access-date=8 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626102925/http://i.univision.com/contentuvn/rinconlatino/plnuestro/images/index_historia.swf|archive-date=26 June 2015}}</ref><ref name="Nominees-1989">{{Cite news | last1 = Coto | first1 = Juan Carlos | title = Univision Launches Latin Music Awards | newspaper = [[The Miami Herald]] | publisher = [[The McClatchy Company]] | date = 28 May 1989 }}</ref>

José José played the role of the Mexican singer and composer [[Álvaro Carrillo]] in the movie ''Sabor A Mí'', co-starring [[Angelica Aragón]].<ref>{{cite news |title=José José: las películas de El Príncipe de la Canción |url=https://www.milenio.com/espectaculos/jose-jose-principe-cancion-trayectoria-cine-mexicano |access-date=3 October 2019 |work=Milenio |date=28 September 2019 |language=es}}</ref> In 1989, José José released ''¿Qué Es El Amor?'' and included three singles: "[[Como Tú (José José song)|Como Tú]]", "Piel de Azucar" and "Él". "Como Tú" spent ten weeks at number-one on the [[Hot Latin Songs]] chart and received a nomination for [[Lo Nuestro Award for Pop Song of the Year|Pop Song of the Year]] at the [[Premio Lo Nuestro 1990|1990 Lo Nuestro Awards]].<ref name="hotlatinsongs"/><ref name="Nominees-1990">{{Cite news | author = Houston Chronicle News Services | title = Latin Music Awards - 3 Houston acts earn nominations | newspaper = [[Houston Chronicle]] | date = 29 March 1990 | publisher = [[Hearst Corporation]] }}</ref>

=== 1990–1999: "Amnesia", ''40 y 20'', rehab and decline ===
In 1990, [[Raúl Velasco]] made a special TV show to celebrate José's 25th career anniversary. 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.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Morales |first1=Sandra Meneses |title=Así fue la intensa vida de José José a través de los años |url=https://www.quien.com/espectaculos/2019/09/28/asi-fue-la-intensa-vida-de-jose-jose-a-traves-de-los-anos |access-date=3 October 2019 |work=Quién |date=28 September 2019 |language=es}}</ref> Later that year, he released ''[[En las Buenas... y en las Malas]]'' with the lead single "[[Amnesia (José José song)|Amnesia]]" reaching number-one on the Hot Latin Songs chart.<ref name="hotlatinsongs"/> Two years later, he released ''40 y 20'' in which the title track speaks about men who fall in love with women that are much younger than them and the reaction of the society to those situations.<ref name="allmusic"/>

By the early 1990s, José's vocals began to deteriorate. It worsened over time and became evident in his live performances. His excessive drinking and unceasing activity of his career caused his voice to falter.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/59886399.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Sep+12,+1988&author=VICTOR+VALLE&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&edition=&startpage=5&desc=Jose+Jose+Is+Affable+but+Passe+in+Greek+Show | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105124309/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/59886399.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Sep+12,+1988&author=VICTOR+VALLE&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&edition=&startpage=5&desc=Jose+Jose+Is+Affable+but+Passe+in+Greek+Show | url-status=dead | archive-date=5 November 2012 | first=Victor | last=Valle | title=Jose Jose Is Affable but Passe in Greek Show | date=12 September 1988}}</ref>

In August 1993, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of José's career, [[Bertelsmann Music Group|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. The album was not released until 1994.<ref>{{cite news |title=Siguen Homenajes a José José |url=https://caracol.com.co/radio/1998/07/29/nacional/0901692000_018739.html |access-date=3 October 2019 |work=Caracol Radio |date=29 July 1998 |language=es}}</ref> 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 in Los Angeles, among others.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-10-11-ca-48854-story.html|work=Los Angeles Times|first=Enrique|last=Lopetegui|date=11 October 1994|title=Pop Music Review : Jose Jose Gets a Hero's Welcome}}</ref>

In 1994, José José reunited with Manuel Alejandro and released the album ''Grandeza Mexicana''. The title track peaked at number 12 on the  Hot Latin Tracks.<ref name="hotlatinsongs"/> He recorded a duet with his son José Joél in the song "La Fuerza de la Sangre".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Montaya |first1=María |title=José Joel lanza 'Me gustaría', el primer sencillo de su nuevo disco |url=https://www.tvnotas.com.mx/noticias-espectaculos-mexico/jose-joel-lanza-me-gustaria-el-primer-sencillo-de-su-nuevo-disco |website=TVNotas |access-date=3 October 2019 |language=es |date=2 March 2019}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Escobar |first1=Elizabeth |title=Alejandra Ávalos atesora su debut en cine junto a José José {{!}} El Universallejandra ávalos tesora su debut en cine junto a José José |url=https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/espectaculos/musica/alejandra-avalos-atesora-su-debut-en-cine-junto-jose-jose |website=El Universal |access-date=3 October 2019 |language=es |date=28 September 2019}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-12-27-ca-18147-story.html|work=Los Angeles Times|first=Enrique|last=Lopetegui|date=27 December 1995|title=Balladeer Revives His Career—and Health : Pop music: Alcohol nearly ruined Jose Jose's life, but after rehabilitation and three albums, he's back as one of Mexico's premier romantic singers}}</ref> The song "Llora Corazón" peaked at number 6 on the Hot Latin Songs and was nominated for Pop Song of the Year in the [[Premio Lo Nuestro 1996|Lo Nuestro Awards]].<ref name="hotlatinsongs"/><ref name="univision-lonuestro-1996">{{cite news|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/UNIVISION+ANNOUNCES+THE+NOMINEES+FOR+SPANISH-LANGUAGE+MUSIC%27S+HIGHEST...-a018135281|title=Univision Announces the Nominees for Spanish-language Music's Highest Honors Premio Lo Nuestro a la Musica Latina|work=[[Univision]]|publisher=[[Business Wire]]|date=27 March 1996|access-date=11 June 2013|archive-date=15 December 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131215234124/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/UNIVISION+ANNOUNCES+THE+NOMINEES+FOR+SPANISH-LANGUAGE+MUSIC'S+HIGHEST...-a018135281|url-status=dead}}</ref>

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]].<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/06/15/nyregion/at-the-casinos.html?scp=1&sq=Jos%E9+Jos%E9+Mexican+singer&st=nyt|work=The New York Times|title=At the Casinos|date=15 June 1997}}</ref>  In September 1999, he joined fellow Mexican singers Armando Manzanero, Marco Antonio Muñiz and Argentine pianist Raúl di Blasio for a series of concerts dubbed "Noche Bohemia" (Bohemian Night) at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lechner |first1=Ernesto |title=Night of Nostalgia : Three veterans of Latino pop perform tonight at Universal Amphitheatre. |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-sep-17-me-11302-story.html |access-date=3 October 2019 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=17 September 1999}}</ref>

=== 2000–2012: Vocal problems, TV and Sony BMG concept albums ===
[[File:Jose azul.jpg|thumb|left|upright|José José in 2007]]

In 2001, with a deteriorating voice he recorded ''Tenampa''. It was his first studio album with [[mariachi]] and the last one of his career. It was written and produced completely by [[Juan Gabriel]]. It received poor reviews and sold only about 500,000 units.<ref>{{AllMusic|class=album|id=r551304|pure_url=yes}}</ref> After that, he retired from recording full-length albums. His vocal problems worsened, 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 by the guitar [[Trio (music)|trio]] "Los Tres Caballeros", transforming them into boleros.<ref name="allmusic"/>

In the mid-2000s, he 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]]'').<ref>{{cite news  |title=José José estará en 'Betty la Fea' |url=https://www.prensa.com/cultura/Jose-Betty-Fea_0_1628837136.html |access-date=3 October 2019 |work=La Prensa |date=12 December 2005 |language=es}}</ref> In 2007, he won a [[TVyNovelas for Best Co-star Actor|TVyNovelas Award for best supporting actor]] for his work in ''La Fea Más Bella''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Premios TV y Novelas 2007: Lista de Ganadores |url=http://www.webdelatele.com/novelas/premios-tv-y-novelas-2007-lista-de-ganadores.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071130142150/http://www.webdelatele.com/novelas/premios-tv-y-novelas-2007-lista-de-ganadores.html |url-status=usurped |archive-date=30 November 2007 |website=Web de la Tele |access-date=3 October 2019 |language=es-ES |date=2007}}</ref>

[[File:Jose Enrique con el Principe de la cancion Jose Jose 16Dec2012 (cropped) (2).jpg|thumb|upright|José in 2012]]

In 2008, José recorded an emotive song called "Volver a creer" ("Believe Again") with Greek composer [[Yanni]]. The song is included on the album ''[[Yanni Voices]]''. Yanni stated that he wanted to "help a true legend to fulfill his dream, to sing again".<ref>{{cite web|author=Por El Universal |url=http://www.zocalo.com.mx/seccion/articulo/pianista-internacional-yanni-apoya-a-jose-jose |title=Pianista internacional Yanni apoya a José José [Música&#93; – 15/11/2008 &#124; Periódico Zócalo |publisher=Zocalo.com.mx |date=15 November 2008 |access-date=14 October 2012}}</ref> José José was invited by Yanni to sing their song live on Yanni's tour in Mexico. He published his [[autobiography]] ''Esta es mi vida'' (''This is My Life'').<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tvyespectaculos.com/2008/10/28/esta-es-mi-vida-libro-de-jose-jose/ |title=Esta es mi vida libro de José José |publisher=Tvyespectaculos.com |date=28 October 2008 |access-date=14 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100124150530/http://www.tvyespectaculos.com/2008/10/28/esta-es-mi-vida-libro-de-jose-jose/ |archive-date=24 January 2010 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>

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 his classics a traditional Mexican sound.<ref>{{AllMusic|class=album|id=r1704706|pure_url=yes}}</ref> The same year, José launched his own perfume, called simply "José José", the profits from sales help women and children sick with HIV/AIDS.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.celestrellas.com/2010/02/22/perfume-jose-jose |title=La fragancia de José José |publisher=Celestrellas |access-date=14 October 2012}}</ref>

José was planning a new, untitled album, adding that it would consist of nine unreleased tracks and a melody he used to sing in serenades "Que viva mi tristeza", from songwriter Armando Manzanero.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.eluniversal.com/2010/11/04/music_ava_jose-jose-recibe-pre_04A4694061.shtml | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101108061547/http://www.eluniversal.com/2010/11/04/music_ava_jose-jose-recibe-pre_04A4694061.shtml |archive-date=8 November 2010 | title=José José recibe premio por su liderazgo en las artes en Los Ángeles | work=El Universal | date=4 November 2010 | location=Caracas | language=es | access-date=10 August 2020 }}</ref> It was never completed due to his vocal problems. In 2011, he went on the short Mexican tour "José José y sus amigos" (José José and friends), with singers [[Dulce (Mexican singer)|Dulce]], Carlos Cuevas, [[Celso Piña]], and [[Chamin Correa]].<ref>{{cite web |author=marzo 2, 2011 |url=http://pueblaenvivo.com/?p=5099 |title="José José y sus Amigos" en la Angelópolis |publisher=Puebla en Vivo |date=22 February 1999 |access-date=14 October 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321142507/http://pueblaenvivo.com/?p=5099 |archive-date=21 March 2012 }}</ref>

In 2012, as a celebration for his 50-year career, José gave a concert at the [[Hard Rock Hotel & Casino]] in Miami,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telemundo.com/entretenimiento/2017/09/21/el-concierto-mas-reciente-de-jose-jose|title=El concierto más reciente de José José|trans-title=José José's most recent concert|website=Telemundo|language=es|date=21 September 2017|access-date=29 September 2019}}</ref>  his final live performance.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.show.news/music/El-ultimo-concierto-que-dio-Jose-Jose-20190928-0015.html|title=El último concierto que dio José José|trans-title=The last concert José José gave|website=Show News|language=es|date=28 September 2019|access-date=29 September 2019}}</ref>

=== 2024: "Ya no pienso en ti" ===
On September 25, 2024, [[Sony Music Mexico]] released through [[Spotify]] the inedit single “Ya no pienso en ti”,  song recorded by José José in [[London]] in 1978 for the album ''[[Lo Pasado, Pasado]]''.

== Personal life ==

=== Relationships, marriages and family ===
In 1970 he started a relationship with TV hostess, actress, and model Ana Elena Noreña, known in show business as [[Anel (actress)|Anel]]. That year they split and he married Natalia "Kiki" Herrera Calles, a socialite 20 years older. He separated from Herrera and returned to Anel shortly after. He divorced Herrera in 1975<ref name="selecciones.com.mx"/> and married Anel in 1976. They had two children: their first-born José Francisco (known as [[José Joel]]) who was born in 1975, and their daughter Marysol Estrella, born in 1982.<ref name="selecciones.com.mx"/> In 1991 he divorced Anel.<ref name="Selecciones"/> Four years later, he married Sara "Sarita" Salazar, his third wife. The same year during a Latin American tour, his third child Sara was born. He lived in [[Miami, Florida]], with his wife.<ref>{{cite web |author=Por Carole Joseph |url=http://www.peopleenespanol.com/pespanol/articles/0,22490,1647703,00.html |title=José José se recupera de parálisis facial |publisher=PeopleenEspanol.com |date=27 July 2007 |access-date=14 October 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091006043021/http://www.peopleenespanol.com/pespanol/articles/0,22490,1647703,00.html |archive-date=6 October 2009 }}</ref>

===Financial problems===
In later years, José made his 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 claimed that during his career he was constantly defrauded by people close to him, including his former wife Anel and her brother.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.peopleenespanol.com/pespanol/articles/0,22490,1181091,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100220172652/http://www.peopleenespanol.com/pespanol/articles/0,22490,1181091,00.html|url-status=dead|title=&#124; People en Español|archive-date=20 February 2010}}</ref> In November 2008, his wife suffered a [[cerebral hemorrhage|cerebral haemorrhage]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.peopleenespanol.com/pespanol/articles/0,22490,1860412,00.html |title=La esposa de José José sufre derrame cerebral |publisher=PeopleenEspanol.com |access-date=14 October 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929143642/http://www.peopleenespanol.com/pespanol/articles/0,22490,1860412,00.html |archive-date=29 September 2011 }}</ref> José stated that the medical bills nearly caused him to go bankrupt.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.terra.com.mx/articulo.aspx?articuloId=777628 |title=Busca José José salir a flote de deudas – Famosos – Gente E |publisher=Terra |access-date=14 October 2012}}</ref> He told ''TV Notas'' magazine that he and his family lived "day to day" and in 2014, he sold his five-million-dollar house in [[Coral Gables, Florida]], and moved to an apartment in Miami.

===Health issues===
José José suffered from a severe case of [[pneumonia]] in 1972 and his [[thoracic diaphragm]] was [[paralyzed]]. The disease almost ended his career. He recovered after months of therapy involving breathing exercises. One of his lungs was permanently damaged.<ref name="selecciones.com.mx"/> In 1987, he underwent an operation at the [[Cedars-Sinai Medical Center]] to remove [[Vocal fold nodule|nodes in his vocal fold]] as a consequence of the excessive use of [[cortisone]] before singing, alcohol use, 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]].{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}

The effects of alcoholism, the abuse of cortisone, and his [[hiatus hernia]] not only affected his ability to sing but to talk, as well.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.univision.com/content/content.jhtml?chid=6&schid=1363&secid=1408&pagenum=1 |title=Confesiones de un príncipe – Univision TV |publisher=Univision.com |date=27 September 2007 |access-date=14 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606070729/http://www.univision.com/content/content.jhtml?chid=6&schid=1363&secid=1408&cid=1300012&pagenum=1 |archive-date=6 June 2011 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> In 2007, he suffered from [[Bell's palsy]]. As a result of all these problems, he fought a serious depression. He acknowledged this during an interview on the Univision program ''Don Francisco Presenta...'', hosted by [[Don Francisco (television host)|Don Francisco]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.univision.com/content/content.jhtml?chid=6&schid=1363&secid=1408&pagenum=2 |title=Confesiones de un príncipe |publisher=Univision.com |date=27 September 2007 |access-date=14 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606070806/http://www.univision.com/content/content.jhtml?chid=6&schid=1363&secid=1408&cid=1300012&pagenum=2 |archive-date=6 June 2011 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> He struggled with [[diabetic retinopathy]] in one of his eyes undergoing a successful operation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.laprensa.com.ni/2009/11/10/revista/7372 |title=José José operado por médico nicaragüense |publisher=Laprensa.com.ni |date=9 October 2012 |access-date=14 October 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224145804/http://www.laprensa.com.ni/2009/11/10/revista/7372 |archive-date=24 February 2012 }}</ref> In 2012, he underwent surgery due to [[gastritis]]. In November 2013, he underwent an operation to remove [[cataract]]s from one of his eyes.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}

=== Alcoholism ===
José said that he started drinking at the age of fifteen, when his father (an alcoholic) left home.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.informador.com.mx/entretenimiento/2008/60713/6/el-cantante-presenta-libro-en-la-fil-jose-jose-sin-filtros.htm |title=El cantante presenta libro en la FIL, José José, sin filtros :: El Informador |work=EL INFORMADOR |publisher=Informador.com.mx |access-date=14 October 2012}}</ref> As a result of 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".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.diariolasamericas.com/news.php?nid=65038 |title=¿Por qué José José cayó en el alcoholismo? |publisher=Diario Las Americas |date=2 August 2010 |access-date=14 October 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110040053/http://www.diariolasamericas.com/news.php?nid=65038 |archive-date=10 January 2016 }}</ref> In the early 1970s, after the success of "El Triste" and missing a collaboration with [[Frank Sinatra]], he fell into depression and alcoholism, but with help of his friends and family he managed to stop drinking for a while. His ongoing battle against alcoholism continued during the 1970s and 1980s. He attended [[Alcoholics Anonymous|AA]] meetings and stopped drinking for periods of time, but fell steadily back 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 fellow artists, he decided to go to rehab. He went to the [[Hazelden]] clinic in [[Minnesota]] for rehab and remained a sober recovering alcoholic.<ref name="selecciones.com.mx"/>

==Illness and death==
{{More citations needed section|date=October 2019}}
In March 2017, José José announced he had been diagnosed with [[pancreatic cancer]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://es-us.vida-estilo.yahoo.com/jose-jose-confirma-que-padece-de-cancer-de-pancreas-183625474.html|title=José José confirma que padece de cáncer de páncreas|publisher=[[Yahoo]]|access-date=25 March 2017|date=24 March 2017}}</ref> On 28 September 2019, although it was not entirely confirmed since an autopsy was not performed, José José presumably died of the disease at the Homestead hospital in [[Homestead, Florida]] at 12:17&nbsp;p.m., at the age of 71.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/legendary-mexican-crooner-jose-jose-dies-from-cancer/2019/09/28/7d2feb30-e228-11e9-be7f-4cc85017c36f_story.html|title=Legendary Mexican crooner José José dies from cancer|access-date=29 September 2019|date=28 September 2019|newspaper=The Washington Post|author=Berenice Bautista & Amy Guthrie}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.excelsior.com.mx/funcion/muere-jose-jose-el-principe-de-la-cancion-a-los-71-anos/1338924|title=Muere José José, 'El Príncipe de la Canción' a los 71 años|trans-title=José José dies, 'The Prince of the Song' at 71|website=Excélsior|language=es|date=28 September 2019|access-date=28 September 2019}}</ref><ref name="defunction">{{cite web|url=https://www.quien.com/espectaculos/2019/10/08/revelan-acta-de-defuncion-de-jose-jose-contradice-sara-sosa|title=Revelan el acta de defunción de José José que contradice a Sara Sosa y a su mamá|trans-title=They reveal the death certificate of José José that contradicts Sara Sosa and her mother|website=Quién|language=es|first=Renata|last=González|date=8 October 2019|access-date=9 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/B3XSLJYhARK/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/B3XSLJYhARK |archive-date=23 December 2021 |url-access=subscription|title=Defunction act of José José|website=Instagram|author=chamonic|date=8 October 2019|access-date=10 October 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

His death shocked Mexico and within several hours became a national [[trending topic]]. A large number of personalities, artists, athletes and politicians mourned his death in [[social media]]. President of Mexico at that time [[Andrés Manuel López Obrador]] stated that "his voice moved a lot of people", highlighting his collaborations with composer [[Manuel Alejandro]], also added that "the best homage is to keep remembering him and listening to his songs".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.milenio.com/politica/amlo-lamenta-muerte-de-jose-jose|title=AMLO lamenta muerte de José José|website=milenio.com|date=28 September 2019 |access-date=24 July 2020}}</ref>

[[File:Caravana_José_José.png|thumb|Caravan and float that transported the repatriated remains of the singer in October 2019]]
On 4 October, a funeral for José was held in Miami which was exclusively for family and friends<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.excelsior.com.mx/funcion/asi-se-lleva-a-cabo-el-funeral-de-jose-jose-en-miami/1340043|title=Así se lleva a cabo el funeral de José José en Miami|trans-title=This is how José José's funeral is held in Miami|website=Excélsior|language=es|date=4 October 2019|access-date=9 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009170443/https://www.excelsior.com.mx/funcion/asi-se-lleva-a-cabo-el-funeral-de-jose-jose-en-miami/1340043|archive-date=9 October 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> and José was finally [[cremated]] on 8 October. Also on 8 October, his death certificate was revealed and his ashes were divided; with a portion of his ashes staying in Miami, while the remainder of his ashes were flown back to Mexico.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jornada.com.mx/ultimas/espectaculos/2019/10/06/dividiran-cenizas-de-jose-jose-entre-mexico-y-miami-dice-sara-sosa-2301.html|title=Dividirán cenizas de José José entre México y Miami, dice Sara Sosa|trans-title=Ashes of José José will be divided between Mexico and Miami, says Sara Sosa|website=La Jornada|language=es|date=6 October 2019|access-date=10 October 2019}}</ref>

On 9 October, half of his ashes were flown back to Mexico City aboard a [[Mexican Air Force]] [[Military aircraft|military plane]] early in the day. A black [[hearse]] picked up the gold plated [[Coffin|casket]] bearing his ashes at the airport and drove to the city's downtown where admirers tossed [[flower]]s and waved to the passing vehicle as it made its way to the [[Palacio de Bellas Artes|Palace of Fine Arts]]. A three-hour long [[tribute]] was held at the Fine Arts Palace planned  by the Mexican Culture Ministry with members of the [[National Symphony Orchestra (Mexico)|National Symphony Orchestra]] played renditions of some of the icon's ballad songs including "El Triste". Artists from Mexico's the [[Opera]] Studio of Fine Arts and the Saloma [[Quartet]] also honored the singer's musical legacy during the ceremony.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/thousands-mexico-say-final-goodbye-legendary-singer-jos-jos-n1064366|title=Thousands in Mexico say a final goodbye to legendary singer José José|website=NBCNews|author=Carlos Jasso|date=9 October 2019|access-date=28 December 2020}}</ref> One of the surprises of the day was the visit of [[Emmanuel Acha|Emmanuel]]. [[Dulce (Mexican singer)|Dulce]] and [[Lucia Mendez]] arrived together at the tribute, where they also stood guard for the coffin. [[Jorge Ortiz de Pinedo]], was another of the people invited to say goodbye to the prince of the song. The ashes were then taken to the [[Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe]] for a mass, after the family led a [[funeral procession]] through the singer's former neighborhood. The ashes were interred at the [[Panteón Francés de San Joaquín]] located in Mexico City.

==Artistry and image==
[[File:JoséJoséEstatuaCollage.jpg|thumb|Statue of José in the Parque de la China located in Clavería, Azcapotzalco, where he was born, with his name in the traditional epigraph (left), the statue adorned with flowers after his death in September 2019 (right)]]
José grew up listening to [[traditional pop]], [[rock and roll]], [[jazz]], [[swing music|swing]], and [[big band]]. He listened to performers such as [[Elvis Presley]], [[Frank Sinatra]], [[Johnny Mathis]] and such popular Mexican composers as [[Consuelo Velázquez]] and [[María Grever]]. He was later inspired by vocalist [[Barbra Streisand]], whom he considered an influence.<ref name="josejose.us"/> The son of an operatic tenor and a pianist, he grew up listening to composers such as [[Chopin]] and [[Mozart]], but never got the chance to play classical music. In his teens, José learned to play music from top Mexican jazz players and is recognized for playing several instruments, such as the piano, bass, guitar and double bass. Because of his [[musical phrasing|phrasing]] ability, he was once described as "a singer who sings as a musician". His musical preferences were classical musicians such as [[Ravel]], [[Debussy]] and [[Musorgsky]], jazz, and bossa nova.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.diariolibre.com/noticias_det.php?id=187441|title=José José: "Soy millonario en amigos"|publisher=DiarioLibre.com|access-date=14 October 2012}}</ref>

===Vocals===
According to his autobiography, ''Ésta es mi vida'', vocal coach Guido Picco described José José in his early years as a [[Tenore di grazia|light lyric tenor]].<ref>{{cite web|title=The Light Lyric Tenor|url=http://operalab.org/archives/1841|access-date=5 February 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110507065159/http://operalab.org/archives/1841|archive-date=7 May 2011}}</ref> The vocals showed through all of his career place him in a [[Baritone#Baryton-Martin|light baritone]] range. José worked for periods with coach [[Seth Riggs]], who later highlighted his vocal abilities.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archivo.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/720794.html|title=Jackson, uno de los artistas más completos|website=archivo.eluniversal.com.mx|access-date=3 October 2019|date=2 November 2010}}</ref> Over time, his voice and vocal style changed noticeably, being his prime the early 1970s. Inheriting the singing qualities of his father, he was able to reach high and low notes easily with a practically flawless intonation.<ref name="quintacolumna.com.mx">{{cite web|url=http://www.quintacolumna.com.mx/2009/febrero/columnistas/colu_personajes_260209.html|title=La Quinta Columna – Columnistas – personajes|publisher=Quintacolumna.com.mx|access-date=14 October 2012}}</ref> His live performance of "El Triste" in 1970 has been widely praised by many critics for its technique and intensity. His breathing technique allowed him to sustain long and clear notes.<ref name="quintacolumna.com.mx"/>

After recording the song "El Triste" for the 2010 album ''[[Iconos]]'', singer [[Marc Anthony]] said, "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".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://elperiodiquito.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=8335|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308082345/http://elperiodiquito.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=8335|url-status=dead|title=Excerpt from elperiodiquito.com|archive-date=8 March 2012}}</ref> On the [[VH1 (Latin America)|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."  In a 2018 interview, singer [[Lupita D'Alessio]] stated "[José] is an icon, the master, the creator of phrasing, he's got a way of phrasing that there will not be another, for me, he is the greatest singer ever, with the pardon of [[Luis Miguel]]". D'Alessio also highlighted his technique to breathe and sustain long notes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sdpnoticias.com/enelshow/famosos/mejor-canta-luis-jose-jose.html|title=José José canta mejor que Luis Miguel: Lupita D'Alessio|website=SDPnoticias.com|date=9 January 2018 }}</ref> In 2024, iconic [[ranchera]] and [[mariachi]] singer [[Aida Cuevas]] stated in an interview with host and TV personality [[Yordi Rosado]], that José José is "the best singer that this country [Mexico] has given".

==Legacy==
{{See also|List of awards and nominations received by José José}}
The music of José José is widely known in the [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic community]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://music.batanga.com/en/articles/JoseJose120903.asp|title=Latin Music Internet Radio|publisher=Music.batanga.com|access-date=14 October 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307005717/http://music.batanga.com/en/articles/JoseJose120903.asp|archive-date=7 March 2012}}</ref> Many artists have acknowledged José as an influence, including [[Cristian Castro]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kodaktheatertickets.com/cristian-castro-tickets.php|title=Cristian Castro Kodak Theater – Cristian Castro -- Kodak Theater Hollywood Tickets|publisher=Kodaktheatertickets.com|access-date=14 October 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130127114553/http://www.kodaktheatertickets.com/cristian-castro-tickets.php|archive-date=27 January 2013}}</ref> [[Vicente Fernández]],<ref>{{cite web|author=El Siglo de Torreón|url=http://www.elsiglodetorreon.com.mx/noticia/89253.vicente-fernandez-abre-su-corazon.html|title=Vicente Fernández abre su corazón/Espectáculos|publisher=Elsiglodetorreon.com.mx|date=19 May 2004|access-date=14 October 2012}}</ref> [[Alejandro Fernández]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://alejandrofernandez.yaia.com/frases.html|title=Alejandro Fernandez – Frases, dichos, pensamientos, hechos, galeria de fotos, discos, letras de canciones|publisher=Alejandrofernandez.yaia.com|access-date=14 October 2012}}</ref> [[Nelson Ned]], [[Pepe Aguilar]], [[Kalimba (singer)|Kalimba]], [[Erik Rubin]], [[Manuel Mijares]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.eluniversal.com.mx/pls/impreso/noticia.html?id_nota=59127&tabla=espectaculos|title=Espectáculos – Mijares honra al 'Príncipe'|publisher=El Universal|access-date=14 October 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120215234850/http://www2.eluniversal.com.mx/pls/impreso/noticia.html?id_nota=59127&tabla=espectaculos|archive-date=15 February 2012}}</ref> [[Lupita D'Alessio]], [[Diego Verdaguer]], [[Reyli]], [[Chayanne]], [[Luis Fonsi]] and [[Marc Anthony]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Marc Anthony|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/958205/exclusive-marc-anthony-iconos-album-premiere|title=Exclusive: Marc Anthony 'Iconos' Album Premiere|publisher=Billboard|date=14 September 2009|access-date=14 October 2012}}</ref>

In 1997, José was inducted into [[Billboard Latin Music Hall of Fame|''Billboard'' Latin Music Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Lannert|first=John|date=3 May 1997|title=Balladeer José José Enters Billboard's Latin Music Hall of Fame|magazine=Billboard|volume=109|issue=18|page=26|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IQ8EAAAAMBAJ&q=intitle:billboard+latin+music+hall+of+fame+pop&pg=PA45|access-date=11 April 2014}}</ref> He received the [[Billboard Latin Music Lifetime Achievement Award]] in 2013.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Maná, José José To Receive Special Honors at 2013 Billboard Latin Music Awards|url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/global/1559117/mana-jose-jose-to-receive-special-honors-at-2013-billboard-latin|magazine=Billboard|access-date=7 December 2017|date=23 April 2013}}</ref>

In 2002, José José was awarded the [[Lo Nuestro Excellence Award|Excellence Award]] at the [[Premio Lo Nuestro 2002|14th Annual Lo Nuestro Awards]] and was inducted into the [[International Latin Music Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{cite web|author1=Tota|title=Olga Tañon ganadora de los Premio a Lo Nuestro|url=https://www.tropicanafm.com/bogota/2002/olga-tanon-ganadora-de-los-premio-a-lo-nuestro-153423-166525.html|website=Tropicana Bogotá|access-date=6 February 2019|language=es|date=11 February 2002}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=International Latin Music Hall of Fame Announces Inductees for 2002|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/international-latin-music-hall-of-fame-announces-inductees-for-2002-76803217.html|access-date=31 October 2015|date=5 April 2002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924150330/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/international-latin-music-hall-of-fame-announces-inductees-for-2002-76803217.html|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2004, he received the [[Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award]].<ref name="2004recipients">{{cite news|title=Les dan el Grammy por su trayectoria|url=http://archivo.eluniversal.com.mx/espectaculos/55479.html|access-date=29 December 2015|date=29 August 2004|publisher=[[El Universal (Mexico City)|El Universal]]|language=es}}</ref> A [[Latin Grammy Awards of 2005|year later]] he received the Personalidad del Año ([[Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year|Person of the Year]]) by the [[Latin Recording Academy]].<ref name="José">{{cite news|title=Latin Grammys to air in Spanish|url=http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/people/2005/11/3/6701/Latin-Grammys-to-air-in-Spanish|access-date=8 November 2010|newspaper=[[Dominican Today]]|date=3 November 2005|location=Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307231845/http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/people/2005/11/3/6701/Latin-Grammys-to-air-in-Spanish|archive-date=7 March 2012}}</ref>

In 2006, Televisa produced a TV homage to José José in [[Acapulco]], where singers such as [[Manoella Torres]], [[Francisco Céspedes]], and [[Gualberto Castro]] performed several of his greatest hits live. {{Quote box|width=35%|align=left|quote=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.|source=Cristian Castro<br/>''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'', 2003<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Rg8EAAAAMBAJ&q=cristian+castro+jose+jose+like+an+angel+billboard&pg=PA30|title=Billboard – Google Libros|date=29 November 2003|access-date=14 October 2012}}</ref>}}

In July 2008, [[Univision]] and the Latin Grammy recorded a special TV tribute in Miami to José José, called ''Latin Grammy Celebra: José José'' (Latin Grammy Celebrates: José José) at the [[Watsco Center|BankUnited Center]]. Stars such as [[Marco Antonio Solís]], [[Ana Bárbara]], [[Alicia Villarreal]], [[Olga Tañon]], [[Luis Fonsi]], [[David Bisbal]], and [[Aventura (band)|Aventura]] performed some of his greatest hits live. Stars such as [[Plácido Domingo]], [[Ricky Martin]], [[Enrique Iglesias]], [[Pepe Aguilar]], [[Pedro Fernández (singer)|Pedro Fernández]], and [[RBD]], showed their admiration with messages and greetings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.univision.com/content/channel.jhtml?chid=10383&schid=25336|title=Ultimas Noticias de Música Latina e Internaciona|publisher=Univision.com|date=1 January 1970|access-date=14 October 2012}}</ref> Univision described José José as "One of the most beloved singers in Latin music."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.univision.com/content/content.jhtml|title=LatinGrammy celebra Jose Jose – Univision 23|publisher=Univision.com|date=15 September 2008|access-date=14 October 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081016231359/http://www.univision.com/content/content.jhtml?cid=1608198|archive-date=16 October 2008}}</ref>

In 2007, a [[bronze statue]] was unveiled in his honor in the Azcapotzalco area in Mexico City, where he grew up.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.terra.com/entretenimiento/tv/noticias/homenajean_a_jose_jose_con_una_estatua_en_el_barrio_donde_se_crio/oci174820|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130203192803/http://www.terra.com/entretenimiento/tv/noticias/homenajean_a_jose_jose_con_una_estatua_en_el_barrio_donde_se_crio/oci174820|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 February 2013|title=Homenajean a José José con una estatua en el barrio donde se crió|publisher=Terra|date=19 May 2007|access-date=14 October 2012}}</ref> He was honored by the [[Las Vegas Walk of Stars]] with a celebrity star and a book signing at [[Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino|the Rio]] in Las Vegas on 20 November 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.netglimse.com/celeb_event/20081121/Set2/402127_35_68.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120909143402/http://www.netglimse.com/celeb_event/20081121/Set2/402127_35_68.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 September 2012|title=José Jose' Honored by the Las Vegas Walk of Stars With a Celebrity Star and Book Signing at the Rio in Las Vegas|publisher=Netglimse.com|date=20 November 2008|access-date=14 October 2012}}</ref>
[[File:Hollywood Walk of Fame stars - José José.jpg|thumb|José Jose's star in the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]]]]
In February 2004, for his contribution to the recording industry, José José received a star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]] at 7036 Hollywood Blvd.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.terra.com/ocio/articulo/html/oci52221.htm|title=Baladista mexicano José José recibe estrella en Hollywood|publisher=Terra|access-date=14 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2004-02-11-jose-jose_x.htm|work=USA Today|title=Mexican singer Jose Jose gets star on walk|date=11 February 2004}}</ref> He was posthumously given the Living Legend Award by the [[Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame]] in 2019.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Cobo|first1=Leila|title=Ivy Queen, Luis Fonsi, Elvis Crespo, Willie Colon, Kany Garcia and More at 2019 La Musa Awards|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/2019-la-musa-awards-highlights-8540595/|magazine=Billboard|access-date=31 October 2019|date=25 October 2019}}</ref>

===Tributes===
Latin [[rock music|rock]] and [[hip hop]] artists such as [[Molotov (band)|Molotov]], [[Jumbo (band)|Jumbo]], [[Julieta Venegas]], [[Beto Cuevas]], and [[Aleks Syntek]] recorded a tribute album in 1998 called ''[[Volcán: Tributo a José José]]'' (''Volcán: Tribute to José José''). Each 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. Fifteen years after 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]].{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}

On 30 November 2010, Mexican singer Cristian Castro released ''[[Viva el Principe]]'' (''Long Live the Prince'') which includes a virtual duet with José José on "Lo Pasado, Pasado" and a poem recited by him. In the poem, José conveys that the singer cannot live if he cannot sing ("Ya no podrá vivir, si ya no canta"); an allusion to losing his singing voice.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tabascohoy.com/noticia.php?id_nota=203437|title=Si Jose josé deja de cantar se muere|language=es|publisher=Tabasco Hoy|date=9 December 2010|access-date=23 June 2012}}</ref> Rafael Pérez-Botija was involved in the production of the album. The success of ''Viva el Principe'' helped revive Castro's career.<ref name="bbobituary"/> Castro released another tribute album to José José titled ''[[Mi Amigo El Príncipe]]'' (''My friend the Prince'').<ref>{{cite web|last=Jeffries|first=David|url=http://allmusic.com/album/mi-amigo-el-prncipe-r2302249|title=La Historia Continúa: Viva El Príncipe, Vol. 2 – Cristian Castro : Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards|publisher=AllMusic |date=1 November 2011|access-date=14 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Aguila|first=Justino|url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/backbeat/backbeat-cristian-castro-celebrates-jose-1005545782.story|title=Backbeat: Cristian Castro Celebrates Jose Jose Tribute Album, 'Mi Amigo el Príncipe', at Las Vegas Release Party|publisher=Billboard.biz|date=21 November 2011|access-date=14 October 2012|archive-date=17 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017104728/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/backbeat/backbeat-cristian-castro-celebrates-jose-1005545782.story|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2009, [[Kalimba (singer)|Kalimba]] recorded an album, ''Amar y Querer: Homenaje A Las Grandes Canciones'' (''Love and Desire: A Tribute to the Great Songs''), which featured some of the most iconic Latin ballads, among them: "Amar y querer", "Desesperado", "Volcán", and "El Triste".<ref>{{cite web|last=Birchmeier|first=Jason|url=http://allmusic.com/album/amar-y-querer-homenaje-a-las-grandes-canciones-r1732832|title=Amar y Querer: Homenaje a Las Grandes Canciones – Kalimba : Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=14 October 2012}}</ref>

On 25 October 2019, 100,000 people paid homage to José during a rainstorm in the [[Zócalo]] of Mexico City.<ref>{{citation|website=Univision|title=Unas 100,000 personas desafiaron la lluvia para rendir homenaje al 'Príncipe de la canción'|date=25 October 2019|language=es|access-date=27 October 2019|url=https://www.univision.com/shows/noticiero-univision/unas-100-000-personas-desafiaron-la-lluvia-para-rendir-homenaje-al-principe-de-la-cancion-video}}</ref>

== Filmography ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+Films and television
|-
! Year !! Title !! Role !! Notes
|-
| 1972 || ''[[Buscando Una Sonrisa]]'' || || Film
|-
| 1972 || ''Un sueño de amor'' || David Granados || Film
|-
| 1974 || ''La carrera del millón'' || || Film
|-
| 1977 || ''Variedades de media noche'' || Singer || Episode: "El príncipe de la canción"
|-
| 1983 || ''Los secretos de José José'' || Himself || Film
|-
| 1984 || ''Siempre en domingo'' || Himself || Film
|-
| 1985 || ''[[Gavilán o Paloma (film)|Gavilán o Paloma]]'' || José Sosa "José José" || Film
|-
| 1988 || ''Sabor a mí'' || Alvaro Carrillo || 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 || Voice, Episode: "Objeto 1"
|-
| 2009 || ''Melate el corazón'' || Himself || Film
|}

== Selected discography ==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Year
!Title
!Label
|-
| 1967
| ''Los PEG''
| RVV EP1 (México)
|-
| 1967
| ''Anina y Pepe Sosa''
| Orfeon (México)
|-
| 1969
| ''[[José José (album)|Cuidado]]''
| RCA (México)/Arcano Records (US)
|-
| 1970
| ''[[La Nave del Olvido]]''
| RCA (México)/Arcano Records (US)
|-
| 1970
| ''El triste''
| RCA (México)/Arcano Records (US)
|-
| 1971
| ''[[Buscando Una Sonrisa|Buscando una sonrisa]]''
| RCA (México)/Arcano Records (US)
|-
| 1972
| ''De pueblo en pueblo''
| RCA (México)/Arcano Records (US)
|-
| 1972
| ''[[Cuando tú me quieras]]''
| RCA (México)/Arcano Records (US)
|-
| 1973
| ''Hasta que vuelvas''
| RCA (México)/Arcano Records (US)
|-
| 1974
| ''[[Vive (José José album)|Vive]]''
| RCA (México)/Arcano Records (US)
|-
| 1975
| ''[[Tan Cerca...Tan Lejos|Tan cerca... Tan lejos]]''
| RCA (México)/Arcano Records (US)
|-
| 1976
| ''[[El Príncipe (José José album)|El príncipe]]''
| RCA (México)/Arcano Records (US)
|-
| 1977
| ''[[Reencuentro (José José album)|Reencuentro]]''
| Ariola (México)/Pronto Records (US)
|-
| 1978
| ''[[Volcán (album)|Volcán]]''
| Ariola (México)/Pronto Records (US)
|-
| 1978
| ''[[Lo Pasado, Pasado|Lo pasado, pasado]]''
| Ariola (México)/Pronto Records (US)
|-
| 1979
| ''[[Si Me Dejas Ahora|Si me dejas ahora]]''
| Ariola (México)/Pronto Records (US)
|-
| 1980
| ''[[Amor Amor (José José album)|Amor, amor]]''
| Ariola (México)/Pronto Records (US)
|-
| 1981
| ''[[Romántico (José José album)|Romántico]]''
| Ariola (México)/Pronto Records (US)
|-
| 1981
| ''[[Gracias (album)|Gracias]]''
| Ariola (México)/Pronto Records (US)
|-
| 1982
| ''[[Mi Vida (José José album)|Mi vida]]''
| Ariola (México)/Pronto Records (US)
|-
| 1983
| ''[[Secretos]]''
| Ariola (México/US)
|-
| 1984
| ''[[Reflexiones (José José album)|Reflexiones]]''
| Ariola (México/US)
|-
| 1985
| ''Gavilán o paloma''
| Ariola (México/US)
|-
| 1985
| ''[[Promesas]]''
| Ariola (México/US)
|-
| 1986
| ''[[Siempre Contigo (José José album)|Siempre contigo]]''
| Ariola (México/US)
|-
| 1987
| ''[[Soy Así|Soy así]]''
| Ariola (México/US)
|-
| 1988
| ''[[Sabor a mí]]''
| Ariola (México/US)
|-
| 1989
| ''¿Qué es el amor?''
| BMG Ariola (México/US)
|-
| 1990
| ''[[En las Buenas... y en las Malas]]''
| BMG Ariola (México/US)
|-
| 1992
| ''[[40 y 20 (album)|40 y 20]]''
| BMG Ariola (México/US)
|-
| 1994
| ''Grandeza mexicana''
| BMG (México/US)
|-
| 1995
| ''Mujeriego''
| BMG (México/US)
|-
| 1997
| ''Tesoros''
| BMG (México/US)
|-
| 1998
| ''Y algo más''
| BMG (México/US)
|-
| 1998
| ''[[Distancia (José José album)|Distancia]]''
| BMG (México/US)
|-
| 2001
| ''Tenampa''
| BMG (México/US)
|}

==See also==
*[[List of best-selling Latin music artists]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
{{wikiquote}}
*{{allMusic}}
* {{iMDb name|id=0430978|name=José José}}
* [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSPwNgHHyAtHanVaGN2LLWA José José] on [[YouTube]]
* [https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/jose-jose/16912 José José] on [[Grammy Award]]s

{{José José}}
{{Billboard Latin Music Lifetime Achievement Award}}
{{Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award}}
{{Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year}}
{{TVyNovelas Award for Best Co-lead Actor}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Portal bar|Biography|Latin music|Mexico|Music}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Jose, Jose}}
[[Category:1948 births]]
[[Category:2019 deaths]]
[[Category:20th-century Mexican male actors]]
[[Category:20th-century Mexican male singers]]
[[Category:21st-century Mexican male singers]]
[[Category:Mexican bossa nova musicians]]
[[Category:Bossa nova singers]]
[[Category:Deaths from pancreatic cancer in Florida]]
[[Category:Hispanic and Latino American male actors]]
[[Category:Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winners]]
[[Category:Latin pop singers]]
[[Category:Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year honorees]]
[[Category:Male actors from Mexico City]]
[[Category:Mexican male jazz musicians]]
[[Category:Mexican baritones]]
[[Category:Mexican jazz musicians]]
[[Category:Mexican male film actors]]
[[Category:Mexican people of Spanish descent]]
[[Category:Mexican Roman Catholics]]
[[Category:Singers from Mexico City]]
[[Category:Burials at the Panteón Francés de San Joaquín]]