BIOGRAPHY - RICKY MARTIN

Ricky Martin is unquestionably the leading Latin Music figure of his generation.  His instinctive understanding of rhythm, passion for performing, willingness to take creative risks and natural charisma has led Martin down a musical path of artistry and superstardom.

Possessing an ability to completely captivate audiences with his stage presence, Martin is an artist fiercely proud of his Puerto Rican roots, but also capable of crossing artistic borders by fusing that cultural sound with universal music elements.

It is exactly that career-self portrait of Latin rhythmic roots and global popular music that Ricky Martin presents in his long awaited unplugged album. Recorded in the traditional acoustic format of the iconic MTV series, RICKY MARTIN: MTV UNPLUGGED boasts lush orchestration and arrangements, while still capturing Martin's entrancing performance energy. With the stripped down production applied to many of Martin's famed Spanish language hits and three enticing new tracks, listeners are able to fully appreciate Martin's ability as a vocalist and his enjoyment in guiding fans through the razor-sharp band's presentation of Latin rhythms.

This departure from elaborate production and joy in simpler music is immediately evident on the album's first single "Tu Recuerdo," a beautiful ballad where the Puerto Rican "cuatro" - an instrument indigenous to the island- takes the lead. In that unique aural environment, Ricky duets with the engaging Spanish flamenco singer María del Mar Rodríguez (better known as La Mari, from the popular group Chambao) and his producer and long-time friend Tommy Torres. The exploration of the island's native sounds continues with the standout jam session on "Pegate" where Martin and the band immerse themselves in the enjoyment of the of Puerto Rico's plena musical style.

When the sum parts of the album's diverse musical explorations are combined, RICKY MARTIN: MTV UNPLUGGED adds up to a career landmark album that both redefines Martin's musical range and reconfirm his role as a leading Latin music ambassador.

In an almost two decade career, Ricky Martin has received numerous international awards, including most recently, the prestigious "Person of the Year" recognition from the Latin recording Academy for both his artistic excellence and extensive philanthropic work. A sampling of his other awards include: GRAMMY and LATIN GRAMMY awards, MTV Asia Awards, the MTV European Music Award, a World Music Award, an American Music Award, and multiple Premio Lo Nuestro, Latin Billboard, Premios Alma and Blockbuster Awards, among others.

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