Both a GRAMMY and Multiple LATIN GRAMMY winner, Ricky Martin is the leading Latin Music figure of his generation – beloved by fans worldwide for his instinctive understanding of rhythm, passion for performing, and equal compassion for giving.
Already accustomed to the spotlight from the five years he spent in Menudo, Ricky Martin set-off on his own musical path with the 1991 release of his self-titled debut solo album. With his first two albums quickly establishing Martin as a superstar throughout the Spanish-speaking world, it did not take long before magnetic acting appearances in General Hospital and a Broadway run in Les Miserables also enticed wider audiences far-beyond the era’s perceived limitations of a Latin music artist. With the continuously escalating success of landmark singles such as “Maria” and his globally embraced 1998 World Cup Anthem “La Copa de la Vida” (“The Cup of Life”), Martin vaulted to the level of bona fide global superstar and the natural performer to lead an oncoming cultural revolution.
In a definitive example of stealing the show, Ricky Martin burst in the consciousness of American music fans with a historic performance of “The Cup of Life” at the 41st Annual GRAMMY Awards on the evening of February 24, 1999. The New York Times said the famed GRAMMY moment “put a match to the tinder of the pop-music world” and instantly established Martin as “the symbol of Latin culture’s new mainstream status in the United States.”
Declared “an international pop icon and Latin Music’s Global Ambassador” by Billboard and recognized by the Latin Recording Academy as it’s youngest-ever “Person of the Year” honoree, Ricky Martin has now sold over 60 million albums and continues to perform to sold-out stadium and arena audiences throughout the world. Martin has been the recipient of dozens of prestigious international awards saluting both his career achievements and far-reaching philanthropic efforts.
As essential a part of his persona as his love of music, Martin is an equally dedicated global advocate for tolerance and the well-being of children. Martin’s extensive charitable work is spearheaded through the programs of the Ricky Martin Foundation – which advocates for the well-being of children around the globe in critical areas such as social justice, education and health. Martin’s many efforts in this area have included speaking engagements before Congress and other world policy gatherings on the horrors of child trafficking, acting as a global ambassador for UNICEF, work with Bill Gates/ Microsoft to develop an online safety program for children in Latin America and personal visits to several international shelters for trafficked children. The RMF also has long-standing ties with Habitat for Humanity, working as a principal partner in rebuilding efforts following the devastating Indian Ocean Tsunami and recent earthquakes in Haiti and Chile.
After taking two and a half years off from the music industry in order to devote time to raising his twin sons Matteo and Valentino, Ricky Martin returned to his natural place in the artistic spotlight with an even deeper understanding of his personal and musical journey. This latest chapter in Martin’s storied career began with his debut on the New York Times Bestseller list with the Fall 2010 release of his highly praised autobiography “ME,” and continued with the chart-topping success of his twelfth album “Musica+Alma+Sexo” in the spring of 2011. Wanting to share his latest music first-hand with fans around the world, Martin then launched the extensive and fiercely energetic “M.A.S. Tour” – performing in sold-out arena and stadium concerts across The United States, Europe, Latin America and more.
With the start of 2012, Ricky Martin is now fusing his love of musical performance with an expansion of his capability as an actor. His year began with a critically heralded guest appearance as Spanish teacher David Martinez on the hit television series GLEE – which E! praised as the show’s “hottest number ever” and “[deserving of] an Emmy nomination.” Now, Martin has embarked on his long-awaited return to Broadway, where he will appear throughout the year as “the voice of the people” in his new role as Che in the highly anticipated Broadway revival of EVITA. Critics have already declared Martin as a “Supernova of charisma… bringing a great big touch of star quality to the seductive revival… He sings beautifully, dances gracefully …& plays Che with an irresistible swagger… it’s time for Broadway to have a new rule: Put Ricky Martin in everything!”
– Rogers & Cowan
Ricky Martin Photo: Omar Cruz
