Enrique "Ricky" Martin is a highly versatile Puerto Rican singer, songwriter, and actor known for his dynamic blend of musical genres including Latin pop, dance, reggaeton, salsa, and more. Born in San Juan, his career began early with television commercials at age nine, followed by joining the popular boy band Menudo at twelve. His solo career launched in 1991 under Sony Music Mexico, achieving Latin American success with his first two ballad-focused albums, "Ricky Martin" and "Me Amaras."
December 24, 1971: Birth of Ricky Martin
On December 24, 1971, Enrique Martín Morales, widely known as Ricky Martin, was born. He would become a highly successful Puerto Rican singer, songwriter, and actor, known for his musical versatility and contributions to Latin pop music.
1977: Formation of Menudo
Menudo, the Puerto Rican boy band that would launch Ricky Martin's career, was formed in 1977. The group became known for its catchy pop songs and rotating lineup, with members being replaced as they got older.
September 16, 1984: Debut Performance with Menudo
A significant moment in Ricky Martin's early career occurred on September 16, 1984, when he made his debut performance as a member of the popular boy band Menudo at the Luis A. Ferré Performing Arts Center in San Juan.
1984: Release of "Evolución" and Debut Single
Menudo released the Grammy-nominated album "Evolución" in 1984, which featured Ricky Martin's debut single "Rayo de Luna." This marked the beginning of his recorded music career.
1985: Release of "Menudo" and Hit Single "Hold Me"
Menudo's self-titled album "Menudo" was released in 1985, featuring the hit single "Hold Me." The song became the group's only entry on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at number 62 and solidifying their international appeal.
July 1989: Departure from Menudo
In July 1989, at the age of 17, Ricky Martin made the decision to leave Menudo after five years with the group. He sought a break from the demanding schedule and to explore his own artistic path.
1990: Move to Mexico City and Acting Debut in "Mama Ama el Rock"
In 1990, Ricky Martin's career took a turn towards acting when he moved to Mexico City and accepted a role in the musical comedy play "Mama Ama el Rock."
November 26, 1991: Ricky Martin Debut Album Release
On November 26, 1991, Ricky Martin released his debut solo album, "Ricky Martin," marking the start of his phenomenal solo career. The album achieved significant success, peaking at number five on the US Billboard Latin Pop Albums chart and selling over 500,000 copies worldwide.
1991: Television Debut in "Alcanzar una estrella"
Ricky Martin's television debut came in 1991 when he was cast in the Mexican telenovela "Alcanzar una estrella." His performance in the show, and its subsequent season, helped to raise his profile as an actor.
1992: Film Debut and El Heraldo Award for "Más que alcanzar una estrella"
In 1992, Ricky Martin made his film debut in "Más que alcanzar una estrella," which was based on the telenovela he had starred in. His performance earned him an El Heraldo Award, recognizing his rising talent in the industry.
1993: Release of "Me Amaras" Album
In 1993, Ricky Martin released his second studio album, "Me Amaras," in collaboration with musician Juan Carlos Calderón. The album achieved commercial success, selling over one million copies worldwide and achieving triple-platinum certification in Chile.
1994: Acting Debut in "Getting By" and "General Hospital" Role
Ricky Martin ventured into American television in 1994, starring in the sitcom "Getting By" and later taking on the role of Miguel Morez in the soap opera "General Hospital." His portrayal of Morez brought him significant recognition and popularity.
September 1995: Release of Breakthrough Album "A Medio Vivir"
September 1995 marked the release of Ricky Martin's third studio album, "A Medio Vivir." The album, featuring a mix of Latin music genres, became a global phenomenon, selling over three million copies worldwide and achieving platinum status in France and 4× platinum in Spain.
1995: Selena's Dreaming of You
This date is a reference to the release of Selena's album "Dreaming of You," which Ricky Martin's album "Música + Alma + Sexo" surpassed in the Billboard charts.
1995: Critical Acclaim for Vocal Skills
In 1995, various music critics praised Ricky Martin's improved vocal skills on his album "A Medio Vivir."
1996: Broadway Debut in "Les Misérables"
Ricky Martin fulfilled his Broadway aspirations in 1996, taking on the role of Marius Pontmercy in the renowned play "Les Misérables." His performance received critical acclaim and further expanded his artistic horizons.
1997: Begins Recording "Vuelve" Album
While on his "A Medio Vivir Tour" in 1997, Ricky Martin commenced recording his fourth studio album, "Vuelve." Juggling touring and recording proved to be a demanding yet rewarding experience for the artist.
February 12, 1998: Release of "Vuelve" Album
On February 12, 1998, Ricky Martin released his highly anticipated album "Vuelve." The album became an international sensation, selling over eight million copies worldwide and earning the title of best-selling Spanish-language album in history.
February 1998: Previous Number One Debut
This date is mentioned as a reference point, indicating the last time a song debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot Latin Tracks chart before Ricky Martin's "Tal Vez" achieved this feat in April 2003.
July 12, 1998: Performance at the 1998 FIFA World Cup Final
On July 12, 1998, Ricky Martin delivered a historic performance of "La Copa de la Vida" at the 1998 FIFA World Cup Final in France. The performance captivated a global audience of over a billion viewers, solidifying his status as a global icon.
October 1998: Confirmation of Work on English Album
In October 1998, CNN reported that Ricky Martin was working on his first English-language album following the success of "Vuelve."
1998: FIFA World Cup Anthem Request
In 1998, FIFA approached Ricky Martin with the prestigious opportunity to create the anthem for the 1998 FIFA World Cup. Recognizing the immense global reach of the event, Martin embraced the challenge.
1998: "María" Tops Charts and Achieves Platinum Status
In 1998, Ricky Martin's single "María" dominated the charts in Australia, spending six weeks at number one and achieving platinum certification. The song's success extended to France, where it also reached number one and achieved diamond certification.
February 24, 1999: Grammy Awards Performance and Win
On February 24, 1999, Ricky Martin delivered a memorable bilingual performance of "La Copa de La Vida" at the 41st Annual Grammy Awards. The performance, featuring a 15-piece band, dancers, and percussionists, received a standing ovation. The same night, Martin's album "Vuelve" won the Grammy for Best Latin Pop Performance.
May 11, 1999: Release of Debut English Album "Ricky Martin"
On May 11, 1999, Ricky Martin released his self-titled debut English album, "Ricky Martin." The album, released two weeks early due to high anticipation following Martin's Grammy Awards performance, debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, setting sales records for a Latin artist.
June 1999: Release of "She's All I Ever Had"
In June 1999, Ricky Martin released "She's All I Ever Had," the second single from his self-titled English album. The song, along with its Spanish version "Bella," achieved chart success in multiple countries.
July 1999: Appearance on The Advocate Cover
In July 1999, Ricky Martin was featured on the cover of The Advocate, a prominent American magazine catering to the LGBT community. This appearance further solidified his status as a gay icon, despite not publicly coming out at that time.
1999: "Livin' la Vida Loca" Makes History at the VMAs
Ricky Martin's "Livin' la Vida Loca" was nominated for Video of the Year at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards, the first such nomination for a Latin artist.
1999: "María" Recognized as Biggest Latin Hit
In 1999, Ricky Martin's hit single "María" was featured in "The Guinness Book of Records" as the biggest Latin hit, solidifying its status as an international sensation.
1999: Latin Pop Breakthrough
Following the success of his album "Ricky Martin" (1999), and songs "Livin' la Vida Loca" and "The Cup of Life", Ricky Martin is known as a pioneer of Latin pop music for bringing it mainstream recognition.
1999: Release of "Livin' la Vida Loca" and "Ricky Martin"
In 1999, Ricky Martin released his first English album, "Ricky Martin", which became his first album to hit number one on the US Billboard 200 chart. The album's lead single, "Livin' la Vida Loca," became a global phenomenon, topping charts worldwide, including the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart.
November 14, 2000: Release of "Sound Loaded"
On November 14, 2000, Ricky Martin released his sixth studio album, "Sound Loaded." The album, featuring hits like "She Bangs" and "Nobody Wants to Be Lonely," achieved commercial success and received Grammy nominations.
2000: Barbara Walters Interview
In 2000, Barbara Walters questioned Ricky Martin about his sexuality on national television, which he later said made him feel "violated."
2000: Livin' la Vida Loca Tour
Ricky Martin's "Livin' la Vida Loca Tour" in 2000 became the highest-grossing tour by a Latin artist in the US that year.
January 20, 2001: Performance at George W. Bush's Inauguration
On January 20, 2001, Ricky Martin performed "The Cup of Life" and shared a dance with George W. Bush during his first inauguration. However, Martin's initially positive view of Bush shifted with the onset of the Iraq War.
February 2001: Release of Spanish Compilation Album "La Historia"
In February 2001, Ricky Martin released "La Historia," a Spanish compilation album. The album achieved chart-topping success and received certifications.
March 2001: Purchase of Miami Beach House
Ricky Martin bought a house in Miami Beach for $6.4 million in March 2001.
2001: "She Bangs" Video Garners Awards and Controversy
The music video for Ricky Martin's "She Bangs" won awards in 2001 but also faced criticism and bans for its sexual content.
2002: Ricky Martin's Beliefs
In 2002, Ricky Martin shared his belief in "love", "the power of healing", and "God".
2002: Release of "Quizás"
Ricky Martin's 2002 Spanish-language album "Quizás" achieved significant success, tying with "Almas del Silencio" for the highest Spanish-language debut on the Billboard 200 chart.
April 12, 2003: "Tal Vez" Hits Number One
On April 12, 2003, Ricky Martin's song "Tal Vez" debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot Latin Tracks chart. It was his sixth song to achieve this and became his longest-running number one single on that chart.
May 2003: Release of "Almas del Silencio"
In May 2003, Ricky Martin released "Almas del Silencio," his seventh studio album. The Spanish-language album marked a departure from his initial plan to release another English album. "Almas del Silencio" debuted atop the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart, setting a record for the largest first-week sales for a Spanish-language album in the US.
September 2004: Purchase of Los Angeles Villa
Ricky Martin bought an 11,000-square-foot Mediterranean-style villa in Los Angeles for $11.9 million in September 2004.
2004: Establishment of The Ricky Martin Foundation
Driven by his commitment to social justice, Ricky Martin founded The Ricky Martin Foundation in 2004. This non-profit organization is dedicated to combating human trafficking and raising awareness about this global issue.
2004: Establishment of the Ricky Martin Foundation
In 2004, Ricky Martin took a significant step in his commitment to social justice by establishing the Ricky Martin Foundation. This non-profit organization focuses on combating human trafficking, a cause he has championed throughout the years.
January 2005: Ricky Martin visits Thailand
Following the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami in January 2005, Ricky Martin traveled to Thailand to personally assess the situation and determine how best to help the young survivors, who were particularly at risk of falling prey to traffickers.
May 2005: Purchase of Another Miami Beach House
In May 2005, Ricky Martin bought a 9,491-square-foot house in Miami Beach for $10 million.
October 2005: Life Album Release and Tour
In October 2005, Ricky Martin released his third English album, "Life," an album reflecting diverse emotions he experienced. He also embarked on the worldwide "One Night Only with Ricky Martin" tour to promote it.
March 2006: Launch of "Llama y Vive" Campaign
March 2006 marked the launch of the "Llama y Vive" (Call and Live) campaign, a joint effort by the Ricky Martin Foundation and the International Organization for Migration. This campaign focused on preventing human trafficking, safeguarding young people vulnerable to exploitation, and prosecuting traffickers.
August 2006: MTV Unplugged and "Tu Recuerdo" Release
In August 2006, Ricky Martin taped his MTV Unplugged performance, where he debuted his new single "Tu Recuerdo." The performance was later released as a live album, reaching significant milestones and receiving multiple awards.
December 2006: Completion of Tsunami Relief Housing Project
In December 2006, the Ricky Martin Foundation, in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity, successfully completed the construction of 224 homes for families in Thailand impacted by the 2004 tsunami.
2006: Sale of Los Angeles Villa
Ricky Martin sold his Los Angeles villa for $15 million in 2006.
2007: Black and White Tour and "Non siamo soli" Release
During 2007, Ricky Martin went on his Black and White Tour and released his first Italian song, "Non siamo soli," a collaboration with Eros Ramazzotti which saw great success in Italy.
2007: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
In 2007, Ricky Martin's contributions to the entertainment industry were immortalized with a star on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame, located at 6901 Hollywood Blvd. This honor cemented his place as a global icon.
2007: Purchase of Golden Beach Mansion
Ricky Martin bought a mansion in Golden Beach for $16.2 million in 2007.
August 2008: Birth of Twins
Ricky Martin became a father in August 2008 to twin boys Matteo and Valentino, born via gestational surrogacy.
2008: International Ricky Martin Day in Puerto Rico
In 2008, Puerto Rico paid tribute to Ricky Martin by proclaiming August 31 as "International Ricky Martin Day." This gesture highlighted his profound connection to his homeland and his global influence.
2008: Purchase of Brazilian Island
Ricky Martin bought a 19.7-acre island in Brazil for $8 million in 2008.
March 2010: Coming Out
Ricky Martin publicly came out as gay in March 2010 via a message on his website.
August 19, 2010: Announcement of Memoir
Ricky Martin announced he was working on his memoir on August 19, 2010.
November 2, 2010: Release of Memoir
Ricky Martin's memoir, titled "Me", was released on November 2, 2010.
2010: Opposition to Arizona SB 1070 Bill
During the 2010 Billboard Latin Music Awards, Ricky Martin seized the opportunity to voice his opposition to Arizona's proposed SB 1070 bill, which sought to mandate police officers to request documentation from individuals suspected of being undocumented immigrants.
2010: Coming Out as Gay
In 2010, Ricky Martin made the momentous decision to publicly come out as gay, marking a significant turning point in his life and career. This brave act further solidified his status as a role model and advocate for the LGBT community.
January 2011: Música + Alma + Sexo Release
Ricky Martin released his ninth studio album, "Música + Alma + Sexo," in January 2011. The album achieved major success, breaking records for Latin music on the Billboard charts.
2011: Granted Spanish Nationality
In recognition of his artistic achievements and international acclaim, the Government of Spain granted Ricky Martin Spanish nationality in 2011.
February 2012: Glee Appearance
Ricky Martin appeared as Spanish teacher David Martinez in an episode of the musical television series "Glee" in February 2012.
March 2012: Evita Broadway Debut
Ricky Martin took on the role of Ché in the Broadway revival of "Evita," which opened in March 2012. The production was a huge success, breaking box-office records.
2012: Broadway Debut as Ché in "Evita"
In 2012, Ricky Martin took on the iconic role of Ché in the Broadway revival of the musical "Evita." His performance showcased his vocal talents and stage presence to a new audience.
2012: Collaboration on Child Protection Model Law
In 2012, the Ricky Martin Foundation played an active role in developing the Child Protection Model Law in conjunction with the International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children, demonstrating their dedication to safeguarding children's rights on a global scale.
2012: Sale of Miami Beach Houses and Purchase of New York Condo
Ricky Martin sold both of his Miami Beach houses and purchased a condo in New York City for $5.9 million in 2012.
January 2013: End of Run for Evita on Broadway
Ricky Martin's run in the Broadway revival of "Evita" concluded in January 2013. The production had been a critical and commercial success, garnering a Tony Award nomination.
October 2013: Ricky Martin Live Tour in Australia and Greatest Hits Album
Ricky Martin released a compilation album and kicked off his "Ricky Martin Live" tour in Australia in October 2013. This followed his successful coaching stint on "The Voice Australia."
November 2013: Release of Children's Book
Ricky Martin's first children's book, "Santiago the Dreamer in Land Among the Stars", was published in November 2013.
February 25, 2014: "Adrenalina" Release for World Cup
On February 25, 2014, Wisin released "Adrenalina" featuring Jennifer Lopez and Ricky Martin as the Univision's 2014 World Cup song.
2014: Rental of "Bronte Wave House"
Ricky Martin rented a mansion in Sydney, which later became known as "the Bronte Wave House", in 2014.
2014: End of Relationship with Carlos González Abella
Ricky Martin's relationship with Carlos González Abella ended in 2014.
February 2015: A Quien Quiera Escuchar Release
Ricky Martin released his tenth studio album, "A Quien Quiera Escuchar," in February 2015. It topped Billboard's Top Latin Albums chart and won a Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album.
May 2015: Sale of "Bronte Wave House"
A Sydney mansion rented by Ricky Martin, known as "the Bronte Wave House", was sold for $16 million in May 2015.
2015: Continued Success on The Voice Australia
Ricky Martin continued his role as a coach on the fourth season of "The Voice Australia" in 2015, further solidifying his strong presence in the Australian music scene.
March 30, 2016: Relationship with Jwan Yosef
Jwan Yosef shared a photo of himself and Ricky Martin on Instagram on March 30, 2016, marking the beginning of their public relationship.
September 23, 2016: Release of "Vente Pa' Ca"
On September 23, 2016, Ricky Martin released the hit song "Vente Pa' Ca" with Colombian singer Maluma.
December 2016: Purchase of Beverly Hills Mansion
Ricky Martin bought an 11,300-square-foot mansion in Beverly Hills in December 2016.
2016: La Banda and CNCO
Ricky Martin served as an executive producer and judge on the singing competition "La Banda" in 2015 and 2016. He then went on to manage and produce the debut album of the winning band, CNCO.
2017: Conclusion of One World Tour
Ricky Martin's One World Tour, launched in 2015 to support his album "A Quien Quiera Escuchar," concluded in 2017.
2017: Sale of New York Condo
Ricky Martin sold his condo in New York City for $7.1 million in 2017.
2017: All In Residency and "The Assassination of Gianni Versace"
Ricky Martin had a Las Vegas residency called All In during 2017 and 2018. He also played Antonio D'Amico in "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story."
January 2018: Marriage to Jwan Yosef
Ricky Martin confirmed his marriage to Jwan Yosef in January 2018.
February 2018: Release of "Fiebre"
In February 2018, Ricky Martin released "Fiebre," another commercially successful song featuring Wisin & Yandel.
2018: Emmy Nomination for "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story"
Ricky Martin received critical acclaim and a Primetime Emmy Award nomination in 2018 for his portrayal of Antonio D'Amico in the acclaimed television series "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story."
December 31, 2018: Birth of Daughter, Lucia
Ricky Martin and Jwan Yosef announced the birth of their daughter, Lucia Martin-Yosef, on December 31, 2018.
2018: Ricky Martin Day in New York City
In 2018, New York City honored Ricky Martin by designating June 7 as "Ricky Martin Day." This recognition celebrated his unwavering dedication to Puerto Rico, his philanthropic efforts in combating human trafficking, and his enduring commitment to the arts.
June 2019: Open Letter Against Religious Liberty Bill
In June 2019, Ricky Martin penned and published a powerful open letter denouncing a proposed religious liberty bill. He argued that the bill would portray Puerto Rico as backward and discriminatory, ultimately leading to its withdrawal.
July 2019: Announcement of "Subete a Mi Moto"
The production of "Subete a Mi Moto", a biographical series about Menudo, was announced in July 2019.
September 2019: Announcing Fourth Child
During an acceptance speech at the 23rd annual Human Rights Campaign (HRC) National Dinner in September 2019, Ricky Martin announced he was expecting his fourth child.
October 29, 2019: Birth of Son, Renn
Ricky Martin and Jwan Yosef welcomed their son, Renn Martin-Yosef, on October 29, 2019.
November 2019: Hosting the Latin Grammy Awards
Ricky Martin co-hosted the 20th Annual Latin Grammy Awards with Roselyn Sánchez and Paz Vega in November 2019.
May 2020: Release of "Pausa"
The first part of Ricky Martin's eleventh studio album, "Pausa," was released in May 2020.
October 9, 2020: Premiere of "Subete a Mi Moto"
The biographical web television series about Menudo, "Subete a Mi Moto", premiered on Amazon Prime Video in Mexico, Latin America, and Spain on October 9, 2020.
November 13, 2020: "Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey" Release
The film "Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey," in which Ricky Martin voiced the character Don Juan Diego, was released on November 13, 2020.
2020: Billboard Recognizes Martin's Video Legacy
In 2020, Billboard ranked Ricky Martin as the 79th Greatest Music Video Artist of All Time, acknowledging his impact on music videos.
February 14, 2021: US Premiere of "Subete a Mi Moto"
"Subete a Mi Moto" premiered in the United States on Estrella TV on February 14, 2021.
April 2021: Release of "Canción Bonita" and Tour with Enrique Iglesias
Ricky Martin and Carlos Vives released the single "Canción Bonita" in April 2021. Martin also began a co-headlining tour with Enrique Iglesias that year.
May 2021: Support for Ni una menos Movement
In May 2021, Ricky Martin publicly expressed his support for the Ni una menos movement, condemning femicides and violence targeting women in Puerto Rico. He urged authorities to prioritize the safety and protection of women.
2021: Martin Embraces Openness About Personal Life
By 2021, Ricky Martin adopted a more open approach to his personal life, stating that he was "a man with no secrets."
2021: Ricky Martin's Evolving Beliefs
In 2021, Ricky Martin stated he still believes in God and admires Buddhist philosophy, though he was raised Catholic.
2021: Variety Recognizes Martin's Impact
Variety called Ricky Martin "Puerto Rico's arguably most famous son" in 2021, acknowledging his cultural influence.
May 2022: Release of "Play"
The second part of Ricky Martin's eleventh studio album, "Play," was released in May 2022.
July 13, 2022: Release of "Play"
On July 13, 2022, Ricky Martin released "Play," an EP that included the singles "Otra Noche en L.A." and "A Veces Bien y a Veces Mal."
2022: Net Worth Estimation
La Nación estimated Ricky Martin's net worth to be US$130 million in 2022.
July 2023: Separation from Jwan Yosef
Ricky Martin and Jwan Yosef announced their separation in July 2023.
2023: Ranked Most Famous Latin Music Artist in the U.S.
YouGov surveys in 2023 ranked Ricky Martin as the most famous Latin music artist in the United States.