Felipe de La Rosa Remembered As A Visionary
With A Diverse Musical Legacy
NASHVILLE, TN — It is with heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of Checo Records owner Felipe de La Rosa. His courageous two year battle with cancer ended on February 28, 2018 at 1:30 pm. During his career as a Flamenco dancer and choreographer, he brought a vast amount of Spanish and Mexican dance to the American audiences. At the age of 14, Felipe was already dancing in Mexico and bringing the dance style to San Antonio, Texas. Charo (the cuchi-cuchi girl) contacted Felipe to work with her which led to Felipe’s work gracing stages from Las Vegas to Hawaii to Australia and Japan, as well as across The United States. His work was admired by many and showcased on such famous stages as The Tonight Show, Merv Griffin and numerous television appearances.
All-the-while, Felipe’s love for country music was evident. In 2005, Felipe decided to open the first bi-lingual record label in Nashville, Checo Records. Knowing the value of the hispanic market, Felipe continued to pursue his passion for the bi-lingual sound. As a result, Checo Records has produced four #1 records in the United States and eleven #1 records internationally.
Just one year ago, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum bestowed a prestigious honor upon Checo Records, archiving their bilingual recordings as part of music history. Those Checo Records recordings featuring bilingual singer, Cerrito are now available for researchers and fans through the museum’s archived collection to provide useful information in the evolution of a unique branch of country music.
Felipe de La Rosa shared at the time, “I was very honored when The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum asked that Checo Records be placed in the archives of it’s vast musical history of country music. From the days of Gene Autry and Roy Rogers there was always Mexican music in their films combined with country. It gives me great pleasure knowing that Nashville is recognizing the value of the Hispanic market and it’s future in country music. And Cerrito has found his place in country music.”
Felipe leaves behind his wife Laura (Toi) de La Rosa, daughter Gisela Maribel Moss, children thru marriage Kim and Gregg Moritomo, grandsons Antoine and Philip Armstrong and great-grandsons Atticus and Deacon Armstrong.
A private service will be held in Nashville, and Felipe will be taken home to San Antonio.
A Memorial Service will take place in Nashville following Felipe’s internment.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: The Johnny Lo Bello Friendship Fund (51 Tartaglia Street, Johnston, RI 02919)