Ricky Martin
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Ricky Martin (born Enrique José Martín Morales in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico on December 24, 1971) is a popular music singer, who rose to fame, first as a member of the Latin boy band Menudo, then as a solo artist since 1984. He has sold over 40 million records since the start of his career.
Biography
Martin has achieved worldwide success, starting with his selection to substitute Ricky Melendez in Latin boy band Menudo from 1984 until 1989. His meteoric ascent to fame started in Menudo's homebase, Caguas, site of his first concert. He signed with Sony in 1990.
His career continued after he left Menudo. He participated in soap operas like Alcanzar Una Estrella II and performed in the music group Munecos De Papel. Later, in Hollywood he played Miguel Morez on General Hospital. It was in Mexico where he met Rebecca de Alba, a Mexican model turned TV presenter with whom he has had an on-and-off relationship for several years.
Ricky established himself in Miami and connected with music creator Desmond Child and Puerto Rican agent Angelo Medina. With these 2 in tow, Ricky created hits like "Maria," "The Cup Of Life," and "Livin' La Vida Loca." He sang "The Cup Of Life" during a World Cup broadcast that gave him worldwide exposure, but it was "Livin' La Vida Loca" which became a massive crossover summer hit, made him popular around the world and propelled him into the covers of Tiger Beat and many other major magazines worldwide.
One of Ricky's career high points was the recording of the Spanglish ballad "Cuidado Con Mi Corazon" with Madonna and William Orbit. The original version was written with Patrick Leonard and the first demo remains just one of many Unreleased Madonna Songs.
Ricky was chosen, along with Félix Trinidad in 1999, to lead Puerto Rico's worldwide tourism campaign, both exemplifying Puerto Rico's youthfulness, enthusiasm and never give up character.
Martin has also teamed up with former Menudo bandmate Robi Rosa, who wrote many of Ricky's hits. Martin recently adopted three little girls from India.
In 2003, Martin announced that he and his agent, Angelo Medina, have parted ways.
In February of 2004, Martin received a lifetime achievement award at the Premios Lo Nuestro in Miami. Also during the spring of that year, Martin's song "She Bangs" received a pathetic rendition from American Idol reject William Hung.
The Ricky Martin Foundation created a project called People For Children, which aims to eliminate the industry of sexual exploitation and trafficking of children worldwide.
Discography
- Discography (Albums, Singles, Maxis, Promo CDs, DVDs) (1991-2003)
- Ricky Martin (1991 version) - WW Sales: 500,000
- Me Amarás (1993) - WW Sales: 1,000,000
- A Medio Vivir (1995) - WW Sales: 7,000,000
- Vuelve (1997) - WW Sales: 8,000,000
- Ricky Martin (1999 version) - WW Sales: 17,000,000
- Sound Loaded (2000) - WW Sales: 7,000,000
- La Historia (2001) - WW Sales: 3,500,000
- The Best of (2001) - WW Sales: 1,000,000
- Almas del Silencio (2003) - WW Sales: 4,000,000
- Life (2005) - will be released on October 11, 2005.