Title
Recognizing and honoring the life and legacy of Jesse Bermudez who is remembered as a “local patriarch of Latin music” for his humility and commitment to uplifting marginalized, multicultural communities through the power of music
Body
WHEREAS, For over forty years, Jesse Bermudez, co-founder of Artístas y Músicos Latino Americanos (AMLA) and Siempre Salsa Philly, uplifted Latino musicians across Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, His musical endeavors began when he started his own doo-wop band in the 1960’s while serving in the Navy. He later shifted his attention toward Philadelphia’s Latin music industry both as a performer and concert promoter; and
WHEREAS, Bermudez performed at “Salsa con Salsa,” the former Philadelphia Civic Center in West Philadelphia which featured legendary artists such as Celia Cruz, Willie Colón, and Héctor Lavoe; and
WHEREAS, In 1982, he co-founded Artístas y Músicos Latino Americanos (AMLA) with 125 other Latino musicians in efforts to challenge negative stereotypes and fight for better working conditions for Latino musicians; and
WHEREAS, AMLA later formed the Latin School for Performing Arts (LSPA) to create a community school that expanded the accessibility of opportunities for youth to develop their musical skills. LSPA alumni include Edgar Joel, Anthony Colón, Ray Viera, Carlos Sánchez, Luis Figueroa, Elio Villafranca, Elvis Bonilla, Pablo Batista, and Foto Rodriguez; and
WHEREAS, In 2006, Bermudez partnered with Esperanza’s Reverend Luis Cortes to amplify AMLA’s reach in spreading Latin music and culture across the region; and
WHEREAS, Bermudez also co-founded Siempre Salsa Philly, an initiative that aims to expand the audience for salsa music in Philadelphia through hosting various educational and entertainment events culminating with the production of the City's annual celebration of Siempre Salsa Philly Week in the month of July; and
WHEREAS, City Council honored his work in 2015 with a resolution declaring July 8th annual “Jesse Bermudez Day” in Philadelphia. City Council also recognized July 6th - 12th, 2015 as “Siempre Salsa Philly Week”; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia salsa legend Jesse Bermudez passed away at 79 years old on September 14, 2022; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes and honors the life and legacy of Jesse Bermudez who is remembered as a “local patriarch of Latin music” for his humility and commitment to uplifting marginalized, multicultural communities through the power of music.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Jesse Bermudez, further evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.
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