Ricky Martin

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 his magnetic performance ability began to entice audiences well-beyond the era’s perceived limitations for a Latin music artist. With the continuously escalating success of landmark singles such as 1995’s “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 equally dedicated to extensive charitable work 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 and Microsoft on the development of an online safety program for children in Latin America and personal visits to several international shelters for trafficked children. Recently, The RMF has also deepened Martin’s long-standing support of Habitat for Humanity by becoming a principal partner in their rebuilding efforts following the devastating earthquakes in Haiti and Chile.

Having taken the last 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 is once again returning to his natural place in the artistic spotlight, now with an even deeper understanding of his personal and musical journey. After recently making his debut on the New York Times Bestseller list with the release of his highly-praised autobiography ME, Ricky Martin’s eagerly-awaited twelfth album is set for release in February of 2011. Soon after, Martin will once again take to the stage of arenas and stadiums with an extensive world tour set to run through the year.