Ricky Martin
One of the major stars of the Latin world, Ricky Martin paved the way for other Latin singers by introducing his sound to the world. With over thirty hit singles since his signature sound hit the airwaves, it’s hard to believe Ricky would have time for much else. He is, however, a committed humanitarian who has been awarded numerous honors to recognize his contribution to various efforts.
Enrique Martin Morales, better known as Ricky Martin, was born on December 24th, 1971 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Ricky discovered his talent for singing at an early age as a member of the school choir. After taking voice lessons to develop his craft, Martin joined Menudo, Puerto Rico’s premiere boy band, in 1984. After five years with the biggest teen act of the country, Ricky signed on with Sony in 1990, beginning his climb to stardom. One year later, he released the self named album 'Ricky Martin', his first solo attempt. The album, including the hit Fuego Contra Fuego, sold half a million copies worldwide and featured Madonna. Then 'Me Amaras' was released three years after Ricky’s debut, it doubled sales of his first album, reaching more than a million. Now hoping for a wider fanbase, Martin moved to Los Angeles and worked with several individuals, including songwriter Desmond Child who has penned songs for rock legends Jon Bon Jovi, Aerosmith and Alice Cooper, to produce the 1995 A Medio Vivit. The single Maria, despite its being recorded in Spanish, was a worldwide hit, and the album sold an incredible seven million copies, shattering previous sales. After another Spanish album, Ricky recorded his first English album, again enlisting the help of Desmond Child. The self-titled album made him a worldwide sensation. It sold seventeen million copies, topped the US charts for weeks and was certified seven times platinum.
The single Livin’ La Vida Loca was a massive hit, climbing the charts in all parts of the world including the UK, Greece, Brazil, and South Africa. Sound Loaded, Ricky’s second English album, contained the chart toppers She Bangs as well as Nobody Wants to be Lonely, a duet with Christina Aguilera. It sold nine million copies, but could not achieve the success of his previous recordings. In 2001, Ricky released two greatest hits albums, one Spanish and one English. The former, La Historia, stayed at number one on the Latin Charts for five weeks, while the latter, The Best of Ricky Martin, sold only one million copies worldwide. After a five year stint of recording only Spanish albums, he released the English Sound Loaded in 2005. The album performed well in several countries, but not in North America. He has since performed at the Turin Olympics and performed to sell-out concert crowds. It’s not clear whether another album is in the works but a show titled MTV Diary: Ricky Martin, can be seen on the popular music network. His musical efforts resulted in a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004, and Martin was honored in 2006 as the Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year. In 2005 martin released his first English Language album since his 2000 "Sound Loaded' album. On this new album he had a guest appearances by Amerie.
Aside from music, humanitarian work is probably what Ricky is best-known for. He is a Goodwill Ambassador to Unicef, and has established the Ricky Martin Foundation, aimed at supporting child welfare. His efforts have been recognized with the Leadership In the Arts Award, the Alma Award, and the International Humanitarian Award among others.
Despite rumors and speculation that Ricky is gay, he has had publicized relationships with several women. Among these was a brief fling with actress Lilly Melgar, as well as a ten year off and on relationship with Rebecca de Alba, a popular Mexican television personality. |
