Sunday, December 27, 2020

Music mourns the loss of renown salsa artist Tito Rojas el gallo salsero

The music industry is mourning the loss of one of its salsa music classic artists, Julio Cesar Rojas Lopez, who is known in the entertainment world as el gallo salsero Tito Rojas. No, he doesn't sing like a gallo (rooster) but it's more so due to his imitation of a rooster during his performances. The Puerto Rican artist died at the age of 65 at a family residence in Humacao, Puerto Rico due to health complications.

Tito Rojas' passing was confirmed by the director of Criminal Investigations of Humacao, Teddy Morales in indicating that the call to the police was registered at around 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 26, 2020. The cause of the artist death was due to health complications - a heart attack.

A police officer indicated Tito Rojas had just left from a family gathering at the Tejas neighborhood in Humacao.

“When the activity ended, he left for his residency, but a little while after leaving, he stopped at one of his cousin's house at the Mariana neighborhood and tells him he doesn't feel well,” Morales said. “He asks him to take him to the hospital. When they are about to get in the family member's vehicle, he collapsed,” he added. “A little while after the paramedics arrive and certify he died. There were no signs of violence, but everything seemed to be due to a health situation.”

Tito Rojas' followers were able to enjoy his last presentation on Christmas Eve, a virtual Christmas special titled “Canta Gallo canta” (sing rooster sing) that was transmitted on YouTube. “I want you to enjoy to the max this Christmas special that I prepared for all of you. Dale pa’ bajo,” he wrote. Dale pa’ bajo was a common phrase Tito used in his performances as well in which I'd translate as hit it downward. 

Among all his recordings in his four decades as an artist - albums, singles..., Tito recorded his last album in 2019, Un gallo para la historia, that includes “Vivo feliz,” “Los años no pasan en vano” and “Maldito amor bendito amor,” among others. 

After knowing of Tito Rojas death, the Mayor of Humacao, Luis Raul Sanchez Hernandez, declared five days of mourning and made available the Marcel Trujillo Coliseum to the family for the wake. “If something distinguished Tito Rojas in addition to his voice, it was his humility and commitment to the Humacaeña community,” said the municipal executive.


Source Primera Hora, Facebook, Instagram

A few photos of Tito Rojas in Tampa, FL a few years ago.
Photo credits Doris Irizarry

Our deepest condolences to Tito Rojas family and friends. Rest in peace gallo salsero.

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