Ricky Martin is a Latin American pop idol who rose to prominence in the 1990s following the release of the hit song "Livin La Vida Loca". He started his music career at an early age and at one time, in the early 1980s, was the lead singer of the teen pop supergroup Menudo.
On March 29, 2010, Martin published a blog post in which he came out of the closet publicly as a homosexual for the first time. He referred to himself on his website as a "fortunate homosexual man" and added that he feels "blessed."http://voices.washingtonpost.com/reliable-source/2010/03/ricky_martin_says_he_is_a_very.html Gay rumors had circulated around Martin for years but he had never previously spoken about his sexual orientation. He said on his website that his years of public silence on the issue has given him strength.http://www.tmz.com/2010/03/29/ricky-martin-comes-out-gay/
"She Bangs"
Martin's 2000 mega-hit "She Bangs" was the first single off his sophomore release, and follow up to his self-titled 1999 breakthrough record. The song went on to become one of Martin's most popular, and inspired a memorable cover by American Idol hopeful William Hung.
Father of Twins
Martin has twin sons whom he fathered through a surrogate. Their names are Matteo and Valentino Martin. The first photographs of the twins were published by People Magazine in December of 2008. He discussed with People his decision to father the twins via gestational surrogacy rather than using the adoption system, because it was "intriguing" and "faster." He called it the most spiritual moment of his life.http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20245143,00.html
Humanitarian Efforts
Ricky Martin is an advocate for the welfare of children. In 2004 he founded the Ricky Martin Foundation and People for Children which raises awareness and campaigns against human trafficking. In 2005, the U.S. State Department named him as one of the "Heroes in Ending Modern-day Slavery". Martin is a also Goodwill Ambassador to UNICEF.
Discography
"Llvin La Vida Loca"
The song that made Ricky Martin an international star, "Livin La Vida Loca" was one of the most popular songs of 1999 and helped to usher in a craze with Latin pop that would boost the careers of Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez and Shakira.
*WireImage: [http://www.wireimage.com/gallerylisting.asp?navtyp=gls270228&source=rss&nbc=1 Ricky Martin on Tour]
References
Fast Facts
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Real Name
Enrique Martin Morales
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Born
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Record label
Columbia Records
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Origin
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Fact:
Martin was lead singer of boy-band Menudo before going solo
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Fact:
Listed as one of People Magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People in the World
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Fact:
Martin adopted twin boys
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Fact:
