Joe Bravo | Photo credit: Bobby Villela
Tejano music legend Joe Bravo passed away on Monday (Feb. 21), his family confirms.
Bravo’s daughter, Lisa M. Dorantes, shared the sad news via social media, “My Dad has gained his wings and is singing with the Angels. I’m still in a fog and can’t believe this is happening! Thank you all for the phone calls, texts, and prayers. I don’t know how word got out so quickly but it did. At this time I ask that you all just keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we work out all the details. I know he was loved by many and will be missed by all but he is now able to rest in paradise. We love you Joe Bravo!”
Joe Bravo was able to give his fans one last dance and show last November during an all-star performance in San Antonio that featured the Latin Grammy-winning singer and many other legends including Freddie Martinez, Sunny Ozuna, and more.
Bravo spoke about his legendary career in an interview with the Mas Chingon Radio Podcast last year. He said, “I’ve been in the damn music business since 1959. I’ve had some good times. I’ve had a lot of people happy. I made a lot of dances. I’ve been to a lot of places that a lot of people have never been to.”
The crooner added it was time to slow down after health issues. He was admitted to the hospital a few times over the last few years due to kidney issues. Bravo received multiple bypass heart surgery in March 2018 and recovered well enough to record a single later that year.
“El Playboy” began his career with the success of his own group, Little Joe & the Harlems, which eventually led him to lead vocalist for The Sunglows, replacing Sunny Ozuna after his departure in 1963. Bravo’s voice was heard on huge lowrider classics like “It’s OK” and “I Apologize.” He eventually transitioned towards Chicano Rock and Tejano recording many successful albums with hit songs like “Que Casualidad” and “Patita de Conejo.”
In the interview with Mas Chingon Radio Podcast, Bravo spoke about retiring from music after a career of more than 60 years. “It feels good because I get to rest now. I did my part,” he said. “I’ve recorded so many damn songs, I’ve been in and out of the studio, I’ve been on the road so many years. I mean, I loved it, porque (because) that’s my passion, making people happy. I went out there to do my thing and tried to satisfy toda la gente (all the people) and I think I did a pretty good damn job of it and I’m proud of what I did.”
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