Julio Jaramillo

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Julio Jaramillo

Julio Alfredo Jaramillo Laurido, also known as J.J., (born October 1, 1935, died February 9, 1978) was one of the greatest "Pasillo" performers. He was well known throughout Latin America as well as in Spain, performing and recording boleros, valses, pasillos, tangos, rancheras. He recorded his most famous song Nuestro juramento in 1956, and some years later the song's composer Benito de Jesús thanked him for the fame of the song. He recorded with Daniel Santos, Olimpo Cárdenas, Alci Acosta, among others.

1 Biography
2 Legacy
3 References
4 External links

[edit] Biography

Julio Jaramillo was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, the son of Juan Jaramillo and Apolonia Laurido. Because of his humble origins, he had to work from young age in a shoemaker's shop. He grew up listening to artists such as Olimpo Cárdenas, Carlos Rubira Infante, and the Guayaquil and Villafuerte duets, which had influence in his calling towards singing.

Years later, after taking part on several amateur contests without success, he gained some fame after the recording of his first album, Pobre mi madre querida (1955), in duet with Fresia Saavedra. He then recorded the pasillo Esposa with his mentor Carlos Rubira Infante, and the next year the vals Fatalidad which was played in every radio station in Ecuador, and in some foreign stations as well. But he only achieved international recognition with his hit Nuestro Juramento, that lead him to numerous tours within Latin America.

He finally returned to Guayaquil in 1977, but in an ill condition that impeded him from performing until his death a year later.

He was honered by many of his listeners after he died.

[edit] Legacy

During his lifetime, his songs were deeply valued by his public, to such extent that after his death, nearly 200 000 people gathered to render him homage. In fact, his songs are still being listened nowadays. He is also regarded by some as a symbol of Ecuadorian national identity.