Take a walk down memory lane and listen to these old school classics by Ricky Martin

Ricky Martin can do anything and everything. You ‘ve got the Gods of Olympus, and you’ve got Ricky Martin – they’re kind of at the same level. As the supreme ruler of contemporary pop, Ricky Martin is an artist with an astounding list of achievements. The former ’80s boy band teen sensation has become one of the most important pop culture figures in his lifetime — from an award-winning career, to being a father and activist, and recently becoming engaged to art curator, Jwan Yosef. You get the idea — he can do it all.

Now, let’s backtrack.

It was 1998. Devoted soccer fans across the world gathered for the FIFA World Cup — an important event for Ricky Martin, as well. His song “Cup of Life” became the official song of the games, captivating a global audience. Ricky Martin was heard in every corner of the world, and that same year, he gave a widely remembered performance at the 41st Grammy Awards. He also took home the Grammy for Best Latin Pop Performance for Vuelve.

It was official; Ricky Martin had catapulted to a new level of fame.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIga_AgIJ24?feature=oembed

However, Ricky Martin was a already a household name in Latin America. He started his career in the Puerto Rican boy band Menudo, a massive sensation decades before similar formulas were emulated with Backstreet Boys, One Direction, and the Jonas Brothers. After Ricky left Menudo, he began his successful solo career.

“Cup of Life” — featured on his fourth album, Vuelve — placed Latinx in the forefront of pop culture. The success of the song created the framework for Ricky Martin’s first English album in 1999.

Now, join us for a quick walk down memory lane as we remember Ricky Martin’s pre-Cup of Life gems. Before leather pants and livin la vida loca, Ricky Martin had already achieved huge success in Latin America. Here some of his best songs and videos!

1 Fuego de Noche, Nieve de Día 

Ricky Martin singing about the uncertainty of love, and the struggle of on-and-off relationships. Also, Ricky sporting a sunkissed layered hairdo.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0Ey7nVhdrU?feature=oembed

2Vuelve 

“Vuelve” became Ricky Martin’s first song to reach number one on US Latin charts. Also, fun fact: the video was filmed in the iconic Ennis House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7QYo-9SlP0?feature=oembed

3Volverás

Ricky’s distinguished melancholic voice shines in the seventh single  — yes SEVENTH! — from A Medio Vivir, one of Ricky Martin’s most iconic albums.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JP7hQ10lGo?feature=oembed

4Me Amarás 

Ricky Martin set many fashion trends, and this video is a dive into his early ’90s look. He’s got long hair, large hoop earrings, and an oversized suit with exaggerated shoulder pads. Classic!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pj8L3vQniPA?feature=oembed

5Dime Que Me Quieres

There’s a lot to analyze in this video — from the hypnotizing dance moves, to Ricky’s long curls beautifully falling onto his shoulders. The song features a dosage of synth-pop looped into an uptempo beat, parallel to the sounds of the early decade – a true synergy of music and culture.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltjr8Bc1Q68?feature=oembed

Ricky Martin has gracefully showcased his talent throughout the years, and there is no stopping him – and we are very happy about that!  He continues to inspire and succeed while strongly advocating for equality. ¡Viva, Ricky!