You probably don’t know this, but José José (né José Rómulo Sosa Ortiz) was not only one of my favorite Mexican singers; he was pretty much responsible for a lot of crying during my yesteryears. So many of my memories from Mexico are intrinsically linked to a José José song: The first time I got drunk (on a disgusting bottle of Padre Kino white wine;) my first kiss; my first heart break…

I don’t exaggerate when I say José José was the soundtrack of my family life back in Mexico growing up. And, just like Juan Gabriel, another Mexican grande who left too soon, José José was already a staple in my home way before the hipsters or younger people discovered his beautiful voice. Awwww, the parties in San Pedro de los Pinos with us singing out loud to the tune of No me digas que te vas, El triste, Gavilán o paloma or Si me dejas ahora, my mom’s personal favorite.

I’m not sure heaven exists, but if it does my mom is in for a big fiesta with two giants who –just like her– left us way too soon.

Go serenade my mom, príncipe…