This was written by brother from another mother AZ. Thank you for reminding me of how joe (papi) believed, sacrificed loved, & supported me in my younger years not that I had forgotten but after so many years is nice to read and be reminded love you joe I will see you soon.. Te extraño papi pero yo se que un dia pronto nos veremos otravez donde no abra mas sufrimiento ni dolor ! A todos los quiero mucho have a blessed day Reflecting on Joe Melendez Reflecting on life during this holiday season I’ve found myself often thinking of Joe Melendez. Mostly because this is the time that we celebrate the birth of Jesus and what subsequently he knew had to happen to him. The question I often ask is whether or not some events are preordained. The story of Joe Melendez as I remember it is an example of this question of Karma. I met Joe just prior to him undergoing triple by-pass surgery. For those of you who do not know Joe, he was a singer who sang with Ralphy Leveat y La Selecta back in the 70s during the salsa explosion. When that was over, like many other musicians of that era, he came to New York to improve himself financially initially having a difficult time, but finally able to find a job and pay his bills. He met Lucy (a very talented vocalist and devout Christian) whom he fell in love with. I was asked by Joe’s sister Susie, who I was in the military with, if I could photograph their wedding and I complied. During the ceremony, a very young singer and piano player was performing for the couple. He was a member of the church. I don’t really know how he got there but, he did and his performance was almost angelic. A few days later, Joe called me and asked if I could take headshots of this young man because he was going to be his co-manager. I remember it was pouring outside and the drive from Brooklyn to the Bronx turned out to be a long one. When I arrived Joe introduced me to the young man. His name was Kevin Ceballo. He looked like a child. He was also someone who was evidently raised properly and was still very much innocent. He was a kid any parent would be proud to say was theirs. Joe was so enthusiastic and about this kid’s talent and potential that he quit his job and dedicated all his efforts to managing Kevin’s career. This decision created a hardship on Joe’s family. Paying the bills became increasingly difficult but, Joe’s faith was undeterred. Joe promoted Kevin every opportunity he got and I remember Joe nursing a beer all night at some events because that was all he could afford. It wasn’t long before Kevin, through many of Joe’s contacts in Latin music, was singing coros for top acts such as La India, Ray Barretto, and even Celia Cruz. Kevin then was given the opportunity to not only sing lead vocals on several tracks of Isidro Infante’s “Licencia Para Engañar” but, also record one of his own songs.” Of course, Kevin became a person of interest of many a producer who wanted to sign this very gifted young man. Offers were made and Joe was there to insure that Kevin would not be taken advantage of. At one point, Sony Records was going to sign him but when they procured Marc Anthony, they retracted the offer. I remember Joe and Kevin both being devastated and I also remember telling Joe to have faith that “good things would come their way.” Finally, Kevin was signed by RMM Records and recorded his first CD. Kevin’s first performance as a solo artist was at the Central Park Summer Stage. I vividly remember how proud Joe was and what a great performance Kevin gave. Joe was also proud that all his work and sacrifice had finally come to fruition. A few days later Kevin and Joe went to Boston where Kevin sang the National Anthem. Joe called me from Boston and told me how wonderful they were being treated and how great the accommodations were and I congratulated him on his accomplishment. When Joe returned from Boston he told his wife he was tired and was going to take a nap. He never woke up. His heart gave out. The next morning Kevin performed at Orchard Beach. It was a heart wrenching performance and all of Joe’s friends were there to witness it. The photos I took that day will be cherished always. One can say that sometimes life just sucks or maybe there’s more to it. Joe could have died during his bypass surgery. Maybe Joe was given the extra time so he could guide and protect Kevin, a devout Christian himself. It is also because of Joe that I became a professional photographer and graphic designer, a lifelong dream. Had I not pursued this dream, I probably would not have retired from the Army in January 2001 and been deployed to Iraq like many of my friends and who knows what? I thank God I met Joe. Not that Joe was a saint because he was far from it. He had his ways and could sometimes be rough. What he was I could attest to, was a friend. Albert (AZ) Areizaga P.S. Thanks Joe; my brother from another mother.
Posted on: Fri, 30 Aug 2013 12:34:31 +0000
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