José Alfredo Jiménez
José Alfredo Jiménez Sandoval was a Mexican singer-songwriter of rancheras, whose songs are considered the basis of modern Mexican music.
“El Rey” (English: “The King”) is a song by José Alfredo Jiménez recorded in 1971. It is one of his best known songs and a Latin Grammy Hall of Fame Award recipient.
Like many of his contemporary stars, such as Jorge Negrete, Pedro Infante, and Javier Solís, Jiménez died young. He was only forty-seven years old when he died in Mexico City.
One of his last appearances on television occurred in 1973, just months prior to his death, where he introduced his last song, “Gracias,” accompanied by his wife, singer Alicia Juarez. It was his way of thanking the public for all of the affection they had shown him throughout his career as one of the most prolific and highly regarded composers and singers Mexico has ever produced.
José Alfredo Jiménez and His Banda
Growing up, throughout my childhood, I would remember listening to these songs with my grandparents. The emotion and power behind the singers in this genre really sell the stories they are telling in their pieces. Also, a fond memory from my childhood are the moments that I would work on my “grito” with my grandparents. In Mexican culture a cathartic, joyous yell is called a grito.
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