I first heard José in 1967.   My future father-in-law called my attention to the TV and suggested I might like to watch.  Well he certainly startedsomething.

I collected all the material I could and joined the fan club.

In 1982 I spotted the gig at the Dominion Theatre advertised but it was on that very day and boy did I have trouble getting baby sitters at short notice.  It was a filthy night with snow falling and I had a slow drive, 60 miles to London.

The performance was as usual the very best and I hadn’t had enough when it was over.  So I told my husband, sister and sister-in-law that I was going to wait at the stage door!!!  They were not impressed as it was winter and cold and raining.  But I stood my ground and eventually some kind hearted stage hand said that I could go in and speak to José for just a minute.

Imagine my excitement; I was struck dumb, almost.  I remember shaking José’s hand and him saying to me, “ Your hand is frozen, you need a hot bath” Oh no I didn’t, José, I had a rosy glow for ages after!!!

Then we were next blessed by the Jazz Café performances.  I loved that venue.  So personal and José looked as if he was really enjoying it.  I managed to shake José’s hand again outside the Jazz Club.  I spotted him entering the stage entrance and ran over to say Hello.

It never ceases to amaze me how much energy he has.   He certainly has matured in voice, like a good wine.  I can think of other performers who couldn’t last out a set as long as he does.