Ricky Martin

Background

Ricky Martin is an exceptional artist; his talents and versatility have set him apart, earning him global recognition and success. He was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and is of Basque and Canarian descent. Martin began singing at age six, and by nine, he was appearing in T.V. commercials.

In 1984, 12-year-old Martin became a member of the band Menudo, making his debut performance in San Juan. He soon became a key member as they released 11 albums, including the Grammy-nominated “Evolucion,” which featured his debut single ‘Rayo de Luna.’ Martin left the band in 1989 after turning 17, and in 1991, he released his debut studio album, “Ricky Martin.” The L.P. spent 41 weeks on the U.S. Billboard Latin Pop Albums charts. Soon after, Martin received a role in “General Hospital,” and by 1995, his third album, “Medio Vivir,” was launched. The record sold close to seven million copies worldwide, and its single, ‘Maria,’ reached five million purchases to top the charts in 20 countries. In 1999, the track was added to The “Guinness Book of Records” as the ‘Biggest Latin Hit.’ That same year, he won his career’s first Grammy Award for ‘Best Latin Pop Performance’ and released his first album in English, “Ricky Martin.”

Martin has won two Grammy Awards and five Latin Grammys, and has been nominated for an Emmy Award. As someone so famously successful, he has had his share of public relationships, and among the women he has dated are Alejandra Guzman, Gabriela Sabatini, and Rebecca de Alba. In 2008, Martin welcomed twin boys via gestational surrogacy with his then-partner and future husband, Jwan Yosef. The couple confirmed their relationship in 2016 and married in January 2018. Today, Martin has four children and shares his success with friends and family.