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 Born Jose Romula Sosa Ortiz, the singer known for romantic
ballads that captivated Latin America for more than half a
century died last month in Miami at age 71.
Fans in Mexico, where the singer started on the road to stardom
as a child, poured into the streets of the capital to see the
hearse carrying Jose Jose's casket, escorted by a dozen
motorcycles and trailed by cars with family members.
Some fans arrived before dawn to claim a spot in line to watch
the memorial at the Palace of Fine Arts. Others followed the
hearse as it made its way from the airport, singing his songs
and taking photos of the motorcade.
"He's an exceptional singer. He sings stories through his
music," said Gilberto Martinez, watching the ceremony on a giant
video screen outside the palace.
"If you don't know him, you haven't understood what love is,
what falling out of love is, what Jose Jose wanted to show us
with each one of his songs - above all with his voice," he said.
Jose Jose received several Grammy nominations, sold more than
250 million albums and was once courted by music legend Frank
Sinatra, who wanted to sign him to his music label.
A symphony orchestra, mariachi band and other artists honored
Jose Jose's legacy by performing some of his hits, including
"The Sad One" and "The Ship of Oblivion."
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Fans filed past the casket with two red roses and a gold-hued
microphone placed on top, taking photos and throwing flowers on the
crimson carpet.
"I feel it in my soul, a wound that will never (heal), it will
always be there. He will leave, but he'll live on in our hearts,"
said Elsa Arias.
Broadcaster Televisa reported the singer died after complications
following treatment for pancreatic cancer. Jose Jose announced two
years ago that he had a tumor in his pancreas that was being treated
with chemotherapy.
After the ceremony, the family led a funeral procession through the
singer's former neighborhood before attending mass at the Basilica
of Guadalupe.
He was buried at the French Pantheon cemetery, where some former
presidents were also laid to rest.
(Reporting by Roberto Ramirez, Additional reporting by Diego Ore,
Writing by Daina Beth Solomon; Editing by Darren Schuettler)
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