Councilwoman Quetcy Lozada, who represents the city’s 7th District, introduced a resolution on June 5 that was adopted by City Council to rename North 5th Street, between Huntingdon and Somerset Streets, as “Jesse Malpica Bermudez Way”. The renaming honors the life and legacy of this tireless and visionary cultural leader who spent over four decades empowering Philadelphia’s musicians.
During the Feria del Barrio on September 7, Councilwoman Lozada took the stage at the corner of Lehigh Avenue and North 5th Street, joined by Jesse’s family and Rev. Bonnie Camarda, to announce the unveiling of the street name to the delight of musicians and attendees. Jesse had deep cultural roots, which he expressed through his mission to elevate Latin music and empower the community.
In the 1970s and 1980s, he produced major concerts, including his iconic “Salsa con Salsa” series featuring legendary artists such as Celia Cruz, Willie Colón, and Héctor Lavoe. In 1982, he co-founded the Association of Latin American Musicians (AMLA) to advocate for better working conditions and fair compensation for its members. In 2006, he partnered with Rev. Luis Cortés to bring AMLA to Esperanza in North Philadelphia. He also founded the Latin School for the Performing Arts, providing education, mentorship, and career opportunities for young students.
In recognition of his cultural contributions, a resolution introduced by then-Councilwoman María Quiñones-Sánchez in 2015 established “Jesse Bermudez Day” on July 8.
The legendary musician also co-founded the renowned “Siempre Salsa Philly” series in 2015 with Carlos Sánchez and Rob Bernberg.
An educator, musician, mentor, friend, collaborator, and family man, Jesse was remembered with great emotion by his youngest daughter Sara Bermudez Evans, his family, Rob Bernberg, Councilwoman Quetcy Lozada, Marangeli Mejía Rabell, Erikka Goslin, Rev. Bonnie Camarda, and others before the unveiling of the street in his name.
Jesse passed away in September 2022, but his legacy will live on for generations.
