Tito Rojas: June 14, 1955 – December 26, 2020
It is with much sadness and shock that I found out that Tito Rojas “El Gallo Salsero” passed away today December 26, 2020. The shock was more pronounced because just 24 hours prior, we had seen him perform in the “Canta Gallo, Canta en Navidad” Christmas special released on YouTube for all to enjoy.
Even though I have never met him personally, Tito had an influence on my life as if I had. You see, Tito was part of my father’s circle of friends when he was growing up in the town of Humacao, Puerto Rico. On many occasions, he would fondly remember all his “loqueras” (crazy stuff he did). My father grew up with many musician friends in his town and always remembered how music affected Tito both good and bad.
Personal photo provided by Chiqui Sanabria
“He was trying to date your mother’s younger sister,” my father would say. When I heard this story Tito was already was famous and I just chalked it up to another one of my father’s eccentric exaggerations. As it turned out, I confirmed from my aunt this story was actually true. She recalls rejecting his advances because she did not want to have anything to do with his party lifestyle. She shut him down cold and despite his attempts, she wouldn’t give him the time of day when he would try to talk to her.
Don’t think from this story that they thought less of Tito. Even though my family wasn’t really into the party scene that came with his fame, they remember him fondly for his joviality and for being a genuinely good person. I will not only remember him for these family anecdotes but for contributing to my life’s soundtrack. As a child, teen, or adult, during my time living in Puerto Rico, the United States, Europe, or Korea, Tito Rojas was and will continue to be a great influence on what it means to be from Humacao and what it is to be Boricua.
May you Rest in Power Tito. Dale pa’ arriba y vete pa’ tu casa en el cielo.
This is Tito Rojas’ last performance released on his YouTube channel for all his fans on Christmas Eve. Let’s all enjoy it while it is still posted on YouTube and pay homage to his life by remembering his music.