Alvaro José Arroyo González, best known as
Joe Arroyo, died this morning aged 55. He was one of the most prominent singers/songwriters from Colombia, first as a Salsa singer with the also iconic band
Fruko y sus Tesos, and then as a band leader singing and writing not only Salsa songs, but folkloric music from Colombia's northern coast and even creating his own rhythm, the
Joesón.
Unfortunately, his raise to fame (starting at 17 years old) also led to a life of excesses which, combined with several health problems like ischemia, renal failure and diabetes, finally took its toll on him. R.I.P. Joe.
Here are some of my favorite recordings from him,
In Memoriam:
El Ausente - His first hit with Fruko y sus Tesos, recorded in 1973.
Tania - His first composition, also a smash hit with Fruko. Dedicated to his about-to-be-born daughter. BTW, Tania Arroyo died at 26 in 2001.
Tumbatecho - His first smash hit as a solo artist. Also an early example of a
Joesón.
Rebelión - Perhaps his most famous composition.
A Mi Dios Todo Le Debo - His most famous folkloric composition.
La Noche - Another famous
Joesón, which has been sampled and recorded in different versions.
And some live videos:
El Cocinero Mayor - With Fruko y sus Tesos, around 1979.
Catalina Del Mar - From the same TV broadcast.
Son Del Tren - With Fruko, around 1981.
Yamulemau - A song from a Senegalese artist which he successfully covered singing the lyrics phonetically. Live video from around 1989.
Echao Pa' lante - Another famous
Joesón. Video from the same gig.
Rebelión - At the Salsa's World Day celebration in Barranquilla, Colombia. Fairly recent video.
