Julio Jaramillo
| Julio Jaramillo | |
|---|---|
The Nightingale of America
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Julio Alfredo Jaramillo Laurido |
| Also known as | J. J. (Jota Jota) El Ruiseñor de América (The Nightingale of America) |
| Born | October 1, 1935 |
| Origin | Guayaquil, Ecuador |
| Died | February 9, 1978 (aged 42) |
| Genres | pasillo, bolero, corrido, valse, tango, ranchera |
| Instruments | Guitar |
| Years active | 1950–1978 |
| Labels | Ónix, Yoyo Music, Sonolux, Discos Peerless, Codiscos |
Julio Alfredo Jaramillo Laurido (October 1, 1935 – February 9, 1978) was a notable Ecuadorian singer and recording artist who performed throughout Latin America, achieving great fame for his renditions of boleros, valses, pasillos, tangos, and rancheras.
Having recorded more than 4,000 songs throughout his career, his most famous song was perhaps "Nuestro Juramento" written by Puerto Rican composer, Benito de Jesús.
Jaramillo recorded with many other noteworthy Latin American artists including Puerto Rican singer, Daniel Santos; fellow Ecuadorian singer, Olimpo Cárdenas; and Colombian singer, Alci Acosta.
Jaramillo was born on October 1, 1935, in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Son of Juan Pantaleón Jaramillo Erazo and Apolonia Laurido Cáceres. His parents moved to Guayaquil from the town of Machachi in search for a better life. He had two siblings, a sister who died at the age of 5 and a brother named Pepe. Their neighbor Ignacio Toapanta let the kids play with his musical instruments, and taught them to play the guitar. Julio later made his own guitar out of bamboo so that he could practice more. Attending the school led by Francisco García Avilés was probably the final push towards Julio's musical career.
By age 15, his brother Pepe had had some success as an artist, but later left music to study philosophy in Colombia. Julio wasn't as disciplined, but still wanted to be an artist, like his brother.
By the age of 17, Jaramillo was becoming famous for having a beautiful and warm voice, and participated in radio programs at "El Condor" radio station. In 1950 he joined with two friends to form a trio and got to visit the provinces of Esmeraldas and Manabi. On one occasion he was forced to return to his job as a shoemaker to survive. Despite the criticisms, penalties, tears and entreaties of his mother, he was unable to leave his bohemian lifestyle and revelers.
At 18, Julio left home, rented an apartment with Irene, with whom he had a baby. Sadly, the baby died after eight months. At this time he worked as a shoemaker, but still insisting unsuccessfully on pursuing a career as a musician. He was often seen at a place called "La Lagartera" serenading people for tips. At "La Lagartera" Julio met other musicians. It was during these years that he came to know Odalina Sánchez at the local Radio El Triunfo. He fell in love with Odalina and left Irene for her. Together they had a son named Francisco, born March 9, 1955. However, before the age of 20 he married María Eudocia Rivera, who was at the time four months pregnant with his child. Still, he kept an ongoing love affair with Odalina.
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