It peaked at #1 on the Billboard 200 in 1999 and major hit “Livin’ La Vida Loca” helped him crossover into the English-speaking music industry. The album has been certified platinum seven times and has sold more than 22 million copies worldwide. Ricky Martin’s streak continued with his first Spanglish album “Ricky Martin” which was released in 1999. His album “Vuelve” won Best Latin Pop Album at the 41st Grammy Awards and he was praised by his idols Sting and Madonna. The World Cup in 1998 was a turning point for Martin, as his song “La Copa De La Vida” was featured during the sporting event and garnered the attention of its international viewership. He continued with Spanish albums throughout the early 90’s and his single “Maria” from album “A Medio Vivir” received overwhelming praise in Europe. His single “Fuego Contra Fuego” was the most popular of the album, becoming certified gold in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Ricky Martin’s first self-titled album came out in 1991 to much success in Latin America and the U.S. After returning home in 1989 to graduate high school, Martin was signed as a solo artist in 1990 to Sony Discos, the Latin branch of Sony Music Entertainment.

The experience allowed Martin to travel worldwide and further develop his performance skills. The years 1984-1989 he spent as one fifth of the Puerto Rican boy band Menudo. He would perform for his family and was encouraged to pursue music and acting.

Songkick tickets