Is Raoul A. Cortez Alive? Who was Raoul A. Cortez?

May 2024 · 5 minute read
Raoul A. Cortez is not alive; he passed away in 1971. He was a Mexican-American media executive known for founding KCOR, the first full-time Spanish-language radio station in the contiguous United States in 1946, and for advocating Latino rights.

Is Raoul A. Cortez Alive?

No, Raoul A. Cortez is not alive. He passed away on December 17, 1971, in San Antonio, Texas, and he would be 118 years old if he were alive today. Raoul A. Cortez was a Mexican-American media executive known for his significant contributions to Spanish-language media and Latino rights activism in the United States.

Although he is no longer with us, his legacy lives on through the impact he had on Spanish-language radio and television in the U.S. and his advocacy for the rights of Mexican Americans.

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Who was Raoul A. Cortez?

Raoul A. Cortez was a Mexican-American media executive known for his important work in Spanish-language media and his advocacy for Latino rights. He is best known for founding KCOR, which was the first full-time Spanish-language radio station in the contiguous United States in 1946. He was born in Mexico in 1905, and after his family moved to the United States during the Mexican Revolution, he settled in San Antonio, Texas, where he started his career as a reporter for a Spanish-language newspaper.

Cortez's vision and determination led to the establishment of KCOR radio and later a television station, making significant contributions to Hispanic broadcasting in the U.S. He was also actively involved in civil rights efforts for Mexican Americans, working with organizations like the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).

Name

Raoul A. Cortez

Born

October 17, 1905

Place of Birth

Jalapa, Veracruz, Mexico

Died

December 17, 1971

Age at Death

66

Place of Death

San Antonio, Texas, United States

Occupation(s)

Spanish-language radio and

television station owner and developer

Spouse

Genoveva Valdés Cortez

Children

3

Raoul A. Cortez Early life

Raoul A. Cortez had a humble early life. He was born in Jalapa, Veracruz, Mexico, in 1905 and was one of nine siblings. His family moved to the United States during the Mexican Revolution, and they eventually settled in San Antonio, Texas. In his youth, Cortez had to find creative ways to support himself and his family.

He started by selling eggs on the streets to earn money for airtime on local radio stations, where he produced his own radio shows and sold advertising. This early experience in radio and media set the foundation for his later career in the industry.

Raoul A. Cortez Career

Cortez's career in media and broadcasting was marked by determination and innovation. He began as a reporter for the Spanish-language newspaper La Prensa in San Antonio. His dream was to create a full-time Spanish-language radio station, which he realized with the founding of KCOR in 1946. This radio station became the first of its kind in the contiguous United States, providing Spanish-language programming throughout the day.

Cortez was a pioneer in overcoming challenges during World War II when broadcasting licenses for non-English programming were restricted. He successfully obtained a license by emphasizing the station's support for the Mexican-American community's contribution to the war effort. Over time, KCOR expanded its reach and influence, fostering a network of Spanish-language radio stations and contributing to the promotion of Latino and Black artists.

Raoul A. Cortez Personal Life

In his personal life, Raoul A. Cortez was a family man. He was married to Genoveva Valdés Cortez, and they had three children: a son named Raoul Cortez Jr. and two daughters named Rosamaria Cortez (Toscano) and Irma Cortez (Nicolas). His family supported him in his endeavors in the media and broadcasting industry.

Cortez's legacy extended beyond his career, as he was actively involved in community service and civil rights efforts. He was known for raising funds to help victims of natural disasters and for his work with organizations like the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), where he played a significant role in ending segregation against Mexican Americans in Texas public schools.

Raoul A. Cortez Death

Raoul A. Cortez passed away on December 17, 1971, in San Antonio, Texas. His contributions to Spanish-language media and Latino rights activism have continued to be recognized and celebrated after his death. His legacy lives on through various awards and honors, including the naming of the Raoul A.

Cortez Branch Library in San Antonio and recognition at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. Despite his passing, the impact of his pioneering work in Hispanic broadcasting and advocacy for the Latino community endures. On his 118th birthday in 2023, Google even honored him with a special Google Doodle to commemorate his achievements.



Is Raoul A. Cortez Alive - FAQs

1. Is Raoul A. Cortez alive?

No, Raoul A. Cortez passed away on December 17, 1971.

2. Who was Raoul A. Cortez?

Raoul A. Cortez was a Mexican-American media executive known for founding KCOR, the first full-time Spanish-language radio station in the contiguous United States.

3. What was Raoul A. Cortez's early life like?

Born in Jalapa, Veracruz, Mexico, in 1905, he moved to the United States during the Mexican Revolution, eventually settling in San Antonio, Texas.

4. What about Raoul A. Cortez's career?

Raoul A. Cortez was a pioneer in Hispanic broadcasting, establishing KCOR radio and advocating for Mexican American civil rights.

5. What was Raoul A. Cortez's personal life like?

Raoul A. Cortez was a family man, married to Genoveva Valdés Cortez, with three children, and his family supported his work in media and civil rights.

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