2024 Author: Steven Freeman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 08:15
This article was originally published on HelloGiggles.com.
Ricky Martin can do anything and everything. You've got the Gods of Olympus, and you've got Ricky Martin - they're kind of at the same level. As the supreme ruler of contemporary pop, Ricky Martin is an artist with an astounding list of achievements. The former '80s boy band teen sensation has become one of the most important pop culture figures in his lifetime - from an award-winning career, to being a father and activist, and recently becoming engaged to art curator, Jwan Yosef. You get the idea - he can do it all.
Now, let's backtrack.
It was 1998. Devoted soccer fans across the world gathered for the FIFA World Cup - an important event for Ricky Martin, as well. His song “Cup of Life” became the official song of the games, captivating a global audience. Ricky Martin was heard in every corner of the world, and that same year, I've given a widely remembered performance at the 41st Grammy Awards. He also took home the Grammy for Best Latin Pop Performance for Vuelve.
It was official; Ricky Martin had catapulted to a new level of fame.
However, Ricky Martin was a already a household name in Latin America. He started his career in the Puerto Rican boy band Menudo, a massive sensation decades before similar formulas were emulated with Backstreet Boys, One Direction, and the Jonas Brothers. After Ricky left Menudo, he began his successful solo career.
“Cup of Life” - featured on his fourth album, Vuelve - placed Latinx in the forefront of pop culture. The success of the song created the framework for Ricky Martin's first English album in 1999.
Now, join us for a quick walk down memory lane as we remember Ricky Martin's pre-Cup of Life gems. Before leather pants and livin la vida loca, Ricky Martin had already achieved huge success in Latin America. Here some of his best songs and videos!
Ricky Martin singing about the uncertainty of love, and the struggle of on-and-off relationships. Also, Ricky sporting a sunkissed layered hairdo.
“Vuelve” became Ricky Martin's first song to reach number one on US Latin charts. Also, fun fact: the video was filmed in the iconic Ennis House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Ricky's distinguished melancholic voice shines in the seventh single - yes SEVENTH! - from A Medio Vivir, one of Ricky Martin's most iconic albums.
Ricky Martin set many fashion trends, and this video is a dive into his early '90s look. He's got long hair, large hoop earrings, and an oversized suit with exaggerated shoulder pads. Classic!
There's a lot to analyze in this video - from the hypnotizing dance moves, to Ricky's long curls beautifully falling onto his shoulders. The song features a dosage of synth-pop looped into an uptempo beat, parallel to the sounds of the early decade - a true synergy of music and culture.
Ricky Martin has gracefully showcased his talent throughout the years, and there is no stopping him - and we are very happy about that! He continues to inspire and succeed while strongly advocating for equality. Long live Ricky!
Recommended:
Jennifer Lopez And Shakira Songs We Want To See At Super Bowl LIV
What songs will Jennifer Lopez and Shakira sing at Super Bowl LIV? Here our Top 10 songs that we want to see in the Halftime Show
Shakira Reveals Which Of Her Songs Is Milan's Favorite
Milan , the little son of Shakira and Gerard Piqué , has lived surrounded by music during his first year of life, which he just turned on January 22. No wonder, then, that the little boy is familiar with his mom's music, as he has accompanied her in the recording studio - even traveling the world with the Colombian - during the production of his newest album, Shakira.
Meet Jhay Cortez, The Hitmaker Behind All Your Favorite Songs
Jhay Cortez has been a songwriter for five years, but his debut album, Famouz, shows off his multifaceted talents
Cris Chil Is The Writer Behind Your Favorite Latin Songs
Cris Chil is the master writer behind J Balvin and Sean Paul's "Contra la Pared," and she may just be the next big singer-songwriter to hit Latin airwaves
8 Songs From The First Latin Music Explosion In The US
Ricky Martin and Enrique Iglesias among others led the Latin Explosion of 1999, a time period that changed the way the music industry viewed Latin America as a market