Pepe Jaramillo

Pepé Jaramillo (born José Jaramillo García; October 27, 1921, Lerdo - April 30, 2001, Andalucia) was a notable Méxican pianist, composer, arranger, and recording artist. He was most active in London as an EMI recording artist in the 1960s and 1970s. Born in Lerdo, Durango, he began his professional music career playing in night clubs in México City. Relocating to London in the late 1950s, his many recordings and world-wide concert appearances brought him international fame. He died in his sleep of anemia at his villa in Spain.[1] (On the internet, his activity has often been confused with the Ecuadorean singer of the same name.)

Biography

Early life and career in Mexico

Both of Pepé's parents were originally from the state of Chihuahua, but they moved to Lerdo, Durango in 1908. Pepé's father was Vicente Baca Jaramillo, and his mother was Doña Enriqueta García. Pepé had a sister and three brothers. His sister's piano playing inspired the four-year-old Pepé to teach himself to play the piano by ear. His family arranged for private lessons with a local teacher, and Pepé later continued his private lessons with a Director of the Méxican Conservatory of Music. In spite of his musical gifts, his family urged him to prepare for a success in a more stable profession. After studying dentistry for a frustrating two years, Pepé completed his higher education at the Milton Business Academy in México City, and he also devoted himself to learning English, French, Portuguese and Italian.[1] Pepé then worked for several years for a British mining company in the state of Chihuahua. While visiting the bar at the fashionable Ritz hotel in México City, Pepé played their piano for the amusement of his friends and, consequently, was offered a job performing in the hotel's night club. This was the beginning of Pepé's lifelong career as a musician who specialized in Latin American rhythms (rumba, bolero, cha cha, samba, etc.) [2]

After a successful three-year stint at the Ritz, Pepé was next employed by friends who had built the "Quid Grill" restaurant and bar. Hollywood friends of the owners were successful in introducing Pepé to radio and television in México City, and he also became highly in demand as an accompanist for visiting singers.[1][3] "(He has worked with a great many of the most famous Latin-American and Spanish artists.)"[2]

As the result of a 1957 visit to Paris with his cousin (who was employed at the Méxican embassy), Pepé Jaramillo fell in love with Europe, decided to settle there, and soon moved to London. He appeared on a radio series with the BBC called "Stairway to the Stars." After hearing an appeal on TV for new artists, Pepé sent a sample of some of his Méxican releases to Norman Newell. Shortly thereafter his 20-year history (1959-1979) as an EMI recording artist was launched.[3]

International fame and concert appearances

As a seasoned professional performer in Mexico, at age 38 Pepé Jaramillo was well prepared to move to the international stage. Through his nightclub and theater performances in some of the world's major cities, he became known as the "Ambassador of México." His performance venues in the Americas included Los Angeles, Harlem, New York City, Miami, Colombia, and Buenos Aires (at Teatro Colón). European performances included (of course) London, Paris (at the Louvre), Madrid at (Plaza Mayor), Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Yugoslavia. During a world tour he performed in many theaters across Japan, (recording several releases there), and also performed in Tangier, Hong Kong (at the Mandarin Hotel), Thailand, and China. During his concert tour in Australia and New Zealand, he also performed with The Seekers. By popular demand, Pepé visited Durban (the Hotel Edward) and Johannesburg (the Dawson Hotel) for three tours of South Africa.[1][3]

In London, Pepé gave a private performance for the family of the Duchess of Kent. "Also during a visit to London of [the] former President of México, Luis Echeverría, [Pepé was] invited to play at the reception hosted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and the Royal Family.."[1]

Pepé Jaramillo rose to musical prominence during the mid 20th-Century's world-wide interest in Ballroom and Latin American dancing. In 1966, music critic Nigel Hunter explained Pepé Paramillo's popularity and achievements thusly: "A large part of Pepé's popularity and achievement undoubtedly lies in the utterly unpretentious simplicity of his style...[His approach] has been vindicated again and again by the impressive sales of his records, and the triumphs of his appearances...Being Mexican, Pepé has the Latin touch innately."[4] Not to be overlooked is the fact that Pepé Jaramillo expanded his repertoire from traditional Latin American songs to one which included Broadway showtunes, music from movie soundtracks, and other popular songs of the day (all arranged to reflect authentic Latin American rhythms). In regard to the popularity of Pepé's authentic dance rhythms among dancers, "Peggy Spencer, the well known British dance teacher and formation team coach, [said] 'You haven't lived if you haven't danced to Pepé Jaramillo.'"[5]

Personal life and recognition

When he was not working or staying in London, Pepé Jaramillo spent his free time at his villa Las higueras (The Fig Trees) on the Costa del Sol in Spain. He enjoyed swimming, tennis, and painting.[3] Pepé's charitable benefits and sponsorships included organizations in his homeland like the Red Cross and the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.[1]

José Jaramillo García was recognized in September 1991 by Lerdo as "Distinguished Citizen." In November 1996, Pepé made another[6] return visit to his hometown, gave several concerts, and donated a piano to the local Casa de la Cultura.[1]

Death

On April 30, 2001, Pepé Jaramillo died of anemia during sleep at his residence located near the town of Mijas, Malaga province in (Andalusia) Spain. His ashes were returned to his family in Mexico.[1]

Discography

Pepé Jaramillo's biographer, José Jesús Vargas Garza,[7] states that Pepé Jaramillo recorded more than 30 LPs, mostly in the UK, but several in Japan, Colombia, and one [new release] in Mexico for Columbia Records...and that the EMI family of labels distributed his music worldwide.[1] The following discography includes his LPs, 45rpm Singles and EPs, and the newer CD releases that feed the continued demand for his music. The first LP section lists seven known albums recorded and released in México at unknown dates, but certainly previous to 1957. The next LP section chronicles Pepés Jaramillo's history with the EMI family of labels. Pepé Jaramillo is the primary artist with three exceptions, which are noted.

Because all of his recordings "contain only authentic Latin rhythms, they became popular for both listening and dancing,"[5] and he frequently recorded under variations of the name "Pepé Jaramillo & His Latin American Rhythms." Geoff Love was long associated with Pepé, and was the most frequent director of the musical accompaniment for Pepé's piano artistry. Geoff Love also arranged many of Pepé's recorded songs. There was a long association with Norman Newell, as the producer for Pepé Jaramillo's releases. With a few exceptions (in Japan and possibly Australia), all of Pepé's releases were recorded in the UK. Pepé Jaramillo composed a number of the songs he recorded on his many releases.

Studio albums (LP) México

Studio albums (LP) EMI

With a few exceptions, Pepé Jaramillo recorded in the UK with EMI's Parlophone label from 1959-1965. EMI then featured its Columbia Label with the "Studio 2 Stereo" series from 1966-1972. From 1972 -1979 Pepé's releases used the EMI label, still featuring the "Studio 2 Stereo" series. Releases in several countries featured the EMI Odeon label. It is interesting to note that eighteen of Pepe Jaramillo's LPs were also released in Australia.[10] In addition to the two Japanese LP recordings listed below, three of his UK releases were also published in Japan. At least nine compilation albums (two CDs) have been published in Japan.[11]

Compilation albums (LP)

Nine albums of Pepe Jaramillo's songs have been released on LP in Japan. No release dates are available... possibly due to translation problems.

Compilation albums (CD)

Although several CDs were released during Pepé's lifetime, all of the albums in this section are composed of previously recorded tracks. One 2011 release is digital version of 1959 EP.

Singles (45rpm)

The first release listed here was noted by Pepé Jaramillo's biographer as his "very first" recording. Certainly Mexico, prior to 1957, and possibly Disco Columbia de México.

Extended Play (EP)

See also

List of EMI artists

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Garza, José Jesús Vargas (October 20, 2013), "José (Pepé) Jaramillo García, a lerdense the world," El Siglo de Torreón, Comarca Lagunera (English translation of Spanish text)
  2. 1 2 Pepe Jaramillo, "South of the Border," Axis Records, 1960, LP, Liner Notes
  3. 1 2 3 4 Castle, Charles (1965), "Pepe at the Movies," Parlophone, LP, Liner Notes
  4. ↑ Hunter, Nigel (1966), "Carnival in Mexico," Columbia, LP, Liner Notes
  5. 1 2 Pepe Jaramillo, "Tequila Cocktail," Telemark Dance Records, 1971, LP, Liner Notes
  6. ↑ Mayer-Serra, Otto (June 5, 1961), "Mexico." Billboard (Magazine), New York
  7. ↑ José Jesús Vargas Garza, historian and chronicler for the city of Lerdo, Durango
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 Pepe Jaramillo releases on WorldCat.com
  9. 1 2 3 Pepe Jaramillo releases @ MercadoLibre.com
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Australian Record Releases by EMI
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Pepe Jaramillo in Japan at lp7080.com
  12. 1 2 Canadian Capitol Releases
  13. ↑ TaiShen Label on Discogs
  14. ↑ Shoji Yokoughi at Discogs.com
  15. ↑ Mr. Guitar & Friends, Releases on WorldCat
  16. ↑ Music for Dancers at WRD Music
  17. ↑ "Sudamericana" for sale on Ebay.com
  18. ↑ "Mexicana" at Discogs.com
  19. ↑ "Panamericana" for sale on Ebay.com
  20. ↑ Pepe Jaramillo release in Japan
  21. ↑ "Piano Latin Rhythm" at Discogs.com
  22. ↑ 1999 CD at AllMusic.com
  23. ↑ 2006 CD at AllMusic.com
  24. ↑ Cafe Bolero CD on Amazon.com
  25. ↑ Latin American Rhythm CD on Amazon.com
  26. ↑ Majia Mexicana CD on Amazon.com
  27. ↑ Mexico Tropical (EP) as CD on Amazon.com
  28. ↑ Salud Pepe CD on Amazon.com
  29. ↑ The Latin Piano CD on Amazon.com
  30. ↑ Piano & Coffee CD on Amazon.com
  31. ↑ Pepe Jaramillo releases on WorldCat

External links


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