Pop Latin singer Ricky Martin was born Enrique José MartÃn Morales on December 24, 1971 in San Juan, Puerto Rico being the only child of psychologist Enrique MartÃn and accountant Nereida Morales, who had two children of her own from her first marriage.
Ricky Martin began his career singing in the school choir and performing in school plays previously to his debut acting in television commercials at age 6. When he turned 12 years old, he was recruited to sing with popular teen group Menudo that eventually would launch him to stardom.
With Menudo Ricky affecting the audience because of his nice looking face and great voice touring frequently to Mexico with the group to gain exposure. By then Menudo had already secured a rising position in the Latin markets, being often referred to as the contenders of Spain's band Parchis.
However, Ricky was a substituting member in need of integration after the lead singer Xavier outgrew the part. Overtime and after achieving success with Menudo, Ricky outgrew as well and left the band as per a requisite to keep the band's adolescent image.
Ricky Martin returned to Puerto Rico in 1989 and after graduation from high school, he moved to New York to take a break. After his vacation, he moved to Mexico where he participated in several telenovelas (soap operas) that achieved international success, making Ricky earn Mexico's equivalent of the Oscars, the Heraldo Award in 1993.
Ricky Martin signed with Discos Sony, the Latin division of Sony Records, releasing his self-titled Spanish-language debut album in 1991. Shortly after, the single "Fuego Contra Fuego" became a gold album in Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Puerto Rico, and the United States.
After touring South America with impressive crowds and sold-out concert dates, Ricky returned to the studio and recorded two new albums from which "Vuelve" gave him his breakthrough into the mainstream when he was chosen to sing "The Cup of Life"/"La Copa de la Vida" at the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
After hitting the top ten charts of 60 countries, Ricky Martin debuted in the English markets in 1999 with a self-titled English-language album from which "Livin' La Vida Loca" gave him the amazing popularity he has nowadays, with songs peaking at charts around the world.
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