header-left
File #: 220791    Version: 0 Name:
Type: Resolution Status: ADOPTED
File created: 9/29/2022 In control: CITY COUNCIL
On agenda: Final action: 9/29/2022
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
Sponsors: Councilmember Oh, Councilmember Driscoll, Councilmember Johnson, Councilmember Squilla, Councilmember Gilmore Richardson, Councilmember Brooks, Councilmember Gym, Councilmember Gauthier, Councilmember Bass
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 Art?stas y M?sicos 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 Col?n, and H?ctor Lavoe; and

WHEREAS, In 1982, he co-founded Art?stas y M?sicos 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 Col?n, Ray Viera, Carlos S?nchez, 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 ...

Click here for full text