This young Puerto Rican artist, member of a juvenile singing group of international fame at the age of twelve, experienced the rigors of discipline and the stage at a very young age. After this initial experience, he settled in New York where he started to prepare for what has been one of the most outstanding trajectories in the world of entertainment.
Ricky Martin moved to Mexico at the beginning of the 90’s, and it is in this country that one of his great passions became a reality. He participated in the TV series “Alcanzar una estrella” (“To Reach a Star”) that catapulted him to success in Latin America. His first record titled simply “Ricky Martin” reached the first spots in radio broadcasting with the songs “Fuego contra fuego” (“Fire Against Fire”) and “El amor de mi vida” (“The Love of my Life”) reaching over half a million copies in sales. This marked the beginning of a musical phenomenon.

Afterwards he recorded his second album “Me Amaras” (“You Will Love Me”), written and produced by the maestro Juan Carlos Calderon. This musical production places him among the great singers in Latin America. His first tour included more than 100 presentations throughout the Continent attracting massive crowds. Mass media in Mexico, Puerto Rico, Argentina, and all of South America were starting to review and talk about the magic of Ricky Martin.

Ricky Martin surpassed all expectations. During his artistic journey and constant search, he is hired by the famous TV series General Hospital on channel ABC in the United States. This contract takes him to Los Angeles, a move that initiates his internationalization in non-Hispanic markets. During 1994, Ricky Martin’s characterization of Miguel becomes one of the favorites of the TV audience. In 1995, two Events occur that mark the artist’s history: he is selected to participate in the prestigious Broadway play Les Miserables, and, while in his new home, New York, he is reunited with his old companion Robi Draco Rosa who will produce, with KC Porter, the album “A medio vivir” (“Living Halfway”). This record will surpass all musical barriers achieving world success with the song “Maria” and sales of more than three million records. With this musical production, Martin began a two-year tour that would take him to more than 300 cities in 50 countries. Ricky Martin had changed the history of music. In 1998 he records “Vuelve” (“Return”), again produced by Robi Draco Rosa and KC Porter, a project that will strengthen his position worldwide. The song “La copa de la vida” (“The Cup of Life”) becomes the hymn of France’s 98 World Soccer Cup, reaching more than 2 billion people during the inauguration ceremony of these games.

First places in China, Australia, Mexico, Germany, among many other countries. The entire planet would witness Ricky Martin’s incomparable success. “Vuelve” breaks all records for the most sold album in Spanish, with sales surpassing 8 million copies. Ricky Martin was now acclaimed worldwide. Hundreds of awards, recognitions, more than 100 platinum and gold records, and thousands of spectators at his tours, were evidence of Ricky Martin’s greatness.

With “A medio vivir”, Ricky Martin strengthens his sound using the fusion of tropical and Caribbean rhythms that will give his music authenticity and a new dimension. Every minute of the day, somewhere in the world, a song by Ricky Martin could be heard. Together with his musical career, Ricky Martin had the mission of extolling his country, his roots, and Latin America. The mission was accomplished and his contribution to Latin music has left a mark of incalculable value. Near the end of 1998 he travels to India, an experience that has deep influence on his way of seeing life, and that strengthens him as a human being. Ricky Martin then settles in Miami to record his first album in English with the collaboration of Robi Draco Rosa and Desmond Child.

In 1999, due to his worldwide popularity, and his contribution and growth to Spanish music, he is invited to present a music number in the 44th edition of the Grammy’s. It is the first time an artist presents a Spanish number as part of the main program. And even more important is the fact that he has not released an all-English album. Without a doubt, the 1999 Grammy’s drastically changed Ricky Martin’s career and the history of music. His brilliant performance of “La copa de la vida” was one of the most memorable moments in Grammy history and in the entertainment industry. He was given a standing ovation, and the United States, along with every continent, was in the presence of the #1 artist in the world.

He has shared the spotlight with Pavarotti, Sting, Madonna, Carlos Santana, Christina Aguilera, Billy Joel, Placido Domingo, Elton John, and Paul McCartney, among others. Bill Clinton, the former President of the United States, received him when he supported the cause of the people of Vieques in Puerto Rico. The newly elected President, George W Bush, invited him to perform at his inauguration.

He has been active with many charity organizations, such as the Rainforest Foundation, the Carousel of Hope, and the American Heart Association. In his beloved Puerto Rico he is involved in many causes for children. He has always followed current Events closely. He recently donated more than a million dollars worth in musical instruments to the Department of Public Education of Puerto Rico. He made a donation to help open the Center for the Rehabilitation of Disabled Children. One of Ricky Martin’s dearest projects is his foundation for abused children.

In May 1999, his first English album, again simply titled “Ricky Martin” was released. This historical album revolutionized the music industry. In its first week of release, it established new sales records, becoming the #1 album on the Billboard charts (in English and Spanish). It broke not only the sales records, but also the broadcasting charts. “Livin’ La Vida Loca” (“Living the Crazy Life”) quickly became one of the world’s classical hits.

He has been awarded recognition by the Grammy’s, CBS Special (One Night Only), MTV Awards, Brit Awards, American Music Awards, and MTV Asia Awards. The famous magazines Time, Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair, People, TV Guide, and Entertainment Weekly, along with the most important publications in the world, have graced their covers with his presence. The “Livin’ La Vida Loca” Tour filled the most important concert arenas and succeeded in bringing to more than two million people a blockbuster show that set a new style of international presentations. Among the famous personalities who enjoyed his concerts are Madonna, Janet Jackson, Bette Midler, Barbara Walters, Larry King, and Steve Perry. Ricky Martin has honored the Latin race, his flag, and his Language. He is the driving force of a new era. His English album sold more than 18 million copies.

At the end of 2000, Ricky Martin records his second English album, Sound Loaded, and makes it to the top charts with the single “She Bangs”. By now, Ricky Martin has surpassed the 40 million mark in album sales, a fact that makes him a music icon at a very young age.

In 2003, Ricky Martin returned with a new album and a new dream. He recorded a Spanish album five years after his last all-Spanish project. This work is a new challenge with a new production staff, under the very talented Puerto Rican musician, Tommy Torres. Almas del Silencio (Souls of Silence) reveals a renovation and an evolution in Ricky Martin’s sound. To accomplish a new style, he infuses his roots with international rhythms. The romantic songs were written by the world’s most sought out Hispanic singers/songwriters, such as Alejandro Sanz, Ricardo Arjona, Juanes, and Franco de Vita. Also, the best musicians, writers, producers, and friends were involved in the project. Among them are Estefano, Juan Zambrano, Emilio Estefan, Luis Fernando Ochoa, and George Noriega.

Ricky Martin is a clear example of what can be achieved if one dreams, reaches high and works hard.

A prophet in his own country. Acknowledged the world over.