Ricky Martin
Biography
Enrique Martin Morales, known professionally as Ricky Martin, was born on December 24, 1971, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He began his career in the entertainment industry at a young age, appearing in television commercials by the age of nine. His musical journey officially started when he joined the all-boy pop group Menudo in 1984 at the age of twelve. During his five years with the group, Martin toured internationally and recorded 11 albums.
Solo Career and Global Stardom
In 1991, Martin launched his solo career with the release of his self-titled debut album, "Ricky Martin". This was followed by "Me Amarás" in 1993. His third album, "A Medio Vivir" (1995), featured the hit single "María," which brought him international recognition, particularly in Europe. His fourth album, "Vuelve" (1998), earned him his first Grammy Award and included the massive hit "La Copa de la Vida," the official song of the 1998 FIFA World Cup. A pivotal moment in his career was his electrifying performance of this song at the 41st Annual Grammy Awards, which is credited with bringing Latin pop to the forefront of the U.S. music scene.
The "Latin Explosion"
Following his Grammy performance, Martin released his first English-language album, "Ricky Martin," in 1999. The lead single, "Livin' la Vida Loca," became a global phenomenon, reaching number one in numerous countries and solidifying his status as a major international superstar. The song is widely considered to have ignited the "Latin explosion" in popular music, paving the way for other Latin artists to achieve mainstream success. The album sold over 15 million copies worldwide, becoming his best-selling album to date.
Acting and Other Ventures
Beyond music, Ricky Martin has also pursued an acting career. He appeared in the Mexican telenovela "Alcanzar una estrella II" in 1991 and later had roles in the American soap opera "General Hospital" and the Broadway production of "Les Misérables". In 2018, he received an Emmy nomination for his role in "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story". Martin is also a published author, having released his autobiography "Me" in 2010.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
In 2010, Ricky Martin publicly came out as gay. He is a father to four children, born via surrogacy. Martin is a dedicated philanthropist, having established the Ricky Martin Foundation in 2000. The foundation advocates for the well-being of children around the world, focusing on issues like education, health, and social justice, with a significant effort to combat child trafficking. He has also served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2003.