José Alfredo Jiménez

by Craig HarrisJosé Alfredo (born José Alfredo Jiménez) was born to be a musician. Singing from earliest memory, he composed his first tunes at the age of nine. Within two years, he had begun recording. Although success was elusive, Alfredo eventually rose to the upper echelon of Mexican music. Beginning with his 1950 breakthrough hit Yo, recorded with conjunto group Los Costenos, Alfredo was a constant presence on the music charts of Mexico. His lengthy list of hits included such top-sellers as Cuatro Caminos, Sucedio En La Barranca, El Cobarde, Que Suerte La Mia, and Ella, which became a hit in both Mexico and the United States. His tunes were interpreted by Mexican pop singers, including Lola Beltrán, Lucas Villa, and Amalia La Toriacuri Mendoza; as well as international stars, including Vikki Carr and Paul Anka; and appeared in films sung by Pedro Infantino, Pedro Vargas, and Aceves Mejia. An album featuring songs that Alfredo recorded with mariachi/ranchera diva Mendoza (1923-2001), Cantando A Duo, was released in spring 2001. Alfredo succumbed to hepatitis on November 23, 1973.