Source Notes:
Marc Penfield quotes Kristen Sparks, "Ricky Martin, An
Unauthorized Biography," Berkley Boulevard Books, New York, a
pocketbook 1999, that quotes the B.C. on p.13. (Copy in hand)
Biography:
Puerto-Rican singer, a pro from age 13 who exploded into international
popularity in 1999 with his "Livin' la Vida Loca." Along with
the growing favor of salsa music, his Latin good looks, talent and
sensuality made such an impact that he soared onto the charts. Ricky
reports that his childhood was healthy and happy. His parents divorced
when he was two but he saw them both and played with a total of five
half-siblings. "Kiki" as he was called, loved performing and at
age seven did his first TV commercial. His goal was to be a member of the
musical group "Menudo," a boy-band that retired each musician
when their voice changed - 17 at the eldest. Ricky first auditioned for
them at 12 and was turned down. On his third try, he made it - on
7/10/1984.
Being a member of Menudo meant rehearsals and discipline. They toured
nine months a year and the rest of the time cut records, rehearsed and did
TV shows. In 1989, he left the group as a 17-year-old millionaire, more
worldly than his years. He moved to New York City and took six months to
mull over his life. He began to take dancing, singing and acting lessons.
Mexico was open to Ricky's talents and the young Latino played on
Mexican TV, sang in several bands and made his first movie. His success
was noticed by Sony Records which signed him to a recording contract.
"Ricky Martin" was released in 1991. The record did fairly well
but it was when he toured that the fans went wild. He won an award as Best
New Latin Artist that year, and other awards began to flood in, along with
acting jobs. With each album, his voice became richer and more polished
and his delivery, more sensational. His "Maria" became a hit in
Europe, the Far-East and Australia.
Making his home in Miami, Florida, Ricky practiced his English. Seen in
the company of different women, he steadily evades the question about his
sexual preference, saying that people may speculate if they have nothing
better to do with their time.
In late 2000, his new CD, "Sound Loaded," was released to
immediate raves. Handsome and bursting with vitality, Ricky was seen on
the covers of both People and Entertainment magazines in November.
For More Information:
|
