Erika Ender Inducted Into the Latin Song Writers Hall of Fame

Posted on October 22, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

She’s the woman behind the song of the summer… And, now Erika Ender has earned her place in Latin music history.

At the fifth annual La Musa Awards gala last week — hosted by Jane the Virgin‘s Jaime Camil – the Panamanian-Brazilian singer/songwriter was inducted into the prestigious Latin Song Writers Hall of Fame, the youngest inductee in the hall’s history.

Along with Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee, Ender is co-writer of the biggest hit of the year, “Despacito,” featuring Justin Bieber, which spent 16 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100.

Born in Panama to a Brazilian mother and a U.S.-born father of German ancestry, Ender speaks fluent Portuguese and Spanish, and moves easily between cultures.

Before “Despacito,” she had written hits for Chayanne, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Gloria Trevi, Ednita Nazario and Los Tigres del Norte. She also is a TV personality in Latin America, where she has been a judge for a Latin version of American Idol.

Along with Ender, Ana Gabriel, Roberto Livi, Martin Urieta, Carlos Vives and Camilo Sesto were also inducted into hall of fame.

Each was presented at the James L. Knight Center with the coveted hand-crafted trophy, originally inspired by “the muse” of the late Cuban songwriter and poet, Elena Casals.

Additionally, Vives was presented with the Icon Award, while Wisin, the late Julio Jaramillo and “La Bamba” garnered the Victory Award, Legacy Award and Song of All Time, respectively.

Amid a political climate currently riddled with anti-immigrant rhetoric, as well as the devastating aftermaths of hurricanes Irma and Maria throughout the Caribbean, Urieta offered words and sentiments in support of immigrants, while Nazario performed a brilliant tribute to the island of Puerto Rico.

The Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame is dedicated to educating, preserving, honoring and celebrating “the lives and music of the world’s greatest Latin songwriters, composers and lyricists in every genre while developing and inspiring new generations of music creators through master classes, workshops, scholarships and digital initiatives.”

Los Lobos to Receive BMI Icon Award

Posted on January 27, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

The members of Los Lobos are reuniting for a special honor…

The multiple Grammy-winning rock band from East Los Angeles, best known for their hit version of “La Bamba,” will receive the BMI Icon Award during the organization’s 24th annual Latin Awards.

The event, to be hosted by BMI president & CEO Mike O’Neill and Delia Orjuela, BMI VP of Latin Writer/Publisher Relations, will be held March 21 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills.

Formed in 1973 by David Hidalgo, Cesar Rosas, Louie Perez and Conrad Lozano — fellow students at Garfield High School in East L.A. — Los Lobos (the group also includes Steve Berlin and Enrique Gonzalez), have been doing Latin music long before Latin music was cool, blending rock ‘n roll with Chicano roots.

The group, bilingual and bicultural before the concept became a buzzword, rose to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1987 with their cover of Ritchie Valens’ “La Bamba,” the same year they won a Grammy in the-then newly instated category of Best Mexican American Performance for the song “Anselma.”

Los Lobos’ exploration of the musical landscape has continued unabated, spanning Latin, folk, rock and even R&B. They’ve collected three Grammy awards along the way, plus Billboard’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001.

The BMI Icon Award, whose past recipients include Gloria Estefan, Paul Simon, Dolly Parton and Carlos Santana, is presented to songwriters who have had unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers.

“Los Lobos have been musical ambassadors to the Mexican-American community,” said BMI’s Orjuela in a statement. “Their music reflects the diversity and musical heritage of America, weaving together blues, rock, norteño, and cumbia.”

During the March 21 ceremony, BMI will also honor the Latin songwriter, song and publisher of the year plus the writers and publishers of BMI’s most-performed songs of the past year.

This will also mark the first time ever that BMI expands its criteria for determining winners; in addition to terrestrial radio performances, data will also include streaming and satellite radio.

Valens the Subject of a New Licensing & Merchandising deal with C3 Entertainment

Posted on August 27, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Ritchie Valens is making a posthumous comeback…

The late Mexican American “La Bamba” singer’s popularity may increase in the coming months with products like La Bamba Cola, on-line video games and limited-edition guitars.

Valens — who died with Buddy Holly in a 1959 plane crash — will be promoted through an official licensing and merchandising deal with Southern California-based C3 Entertainment.

It marks the first time that the image of the teenage Latino rock pioneer will be promoted through an official licensing initiative sanctioned by Valens’ family.

“More than a retro endeavor, the multicultural aspect of Valens’ licensing program is pivotal,” Ani Khachoian, C3 Entertainment’s Executive Vice President of Licensing, Merchandising and Distribution, told Billboard via email. “We want to make sure every fan has the opportunity to rediscover this rock ’n’ roll icon, and that we introduce Valens to new audiences. He was a talented, positive young man, who worked hard. It’s a wonderful legacy for young people.”

C3 also represents the legacy of The Big Bopper, who died in the snowy crash with Valens and Holly while on their Winter Dance Party tour.

Valens, best known for his hit “La Bamba,” signed to Del-Fi Records in 1958 and recorded two albums, releasing singles that included “Donna,” which reached no. 2 on the Billboard pop chart.

The 1978 movie La Bamba, starring Lou Diamond Phillips with music performed by Los Lobos, brought Valens’ story to new audiences; the soundtrack album sold 2 million copies in the United States.

C3’s Khachoian says that a La Bamba Cola beverage is set to be manufactured and distributed by the Rocket Fizz Soda Pop & Candy Shops chain. Online games, clothing and collectibles are also in the works.

“We’re passionate about securing limited-edition guitars – Valens played several different models of guitars,” Khachoian adds. “We are also positioning him for advertising and live events.”

Morales Releases Video Message About His Run for SAG-AFTRA National President

Posted on July 22, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

Esai Morales is giving his state of the union address, of sorts.

The 50-year-old Puerto Rican actor and Magic City star is the running for SAG-AFTRA’s first sole position of National President. And, he’s speaking out about his candidacy.

To drum up support, the La Bamba actor shared a video statement with Deadline.com about his candidacy.

“I served on the National Board alongside Esai and I know him to be a caring and dedicated person. I believe the SAG-AFTRA membership will be well served with Esai as our National President,” said Ed Harris about Morales’ candidacy.

SAG-AFTRA is an American labor union representing more than 160,000 film and television principal and background performers throughout the world. The national position carries a two-year term.

Morales Running for SAG-AFTRA National President

Posted on July 14, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

Esai Morales next role could be quite presidential…

SAG-AFTRA has released the official roster of candidates for its upcoming elections, with the 50-year-old Puerto Rican actor and Magic City star in the running for the top position.

Morales is running for national president of SAG-AFTRA against Paul Edney, Ken Howard and Marilyn Monrovia.

“As an experienced ‘actorvist,’ I will refine how this merged union can benefit all members,” says the La Bamba star in his statement. “The current delay in residuals is unacceptable. I will hasten the unions promise of merging the pension and health plans. I will ensure that our readiness for the 2014 TV/Theatrical contract negotiations is unparalleled. SAG-AFTRA can no longer operate in the red. I will establish worldwide recognition, branding and proper industry respect for SAG-AFTRA. For our background performers I will lead the vetting of the costly and questionable hiring practices.”

The national position carries a two-year term.

National officer ballots will be mailed to all eligible SAG-AFTRA members nationwide on July16, with a return deadline and tabulation on August 15. Election results are expected to be announced that evening. The same schedule will apply to the Los Angeles and New York Local elections. Schedules vary for other local elections.

SAG-AFTRA is an American labor union representing more than 160,000 film and television principal and background performers throughout the world.

For more details Morales’ platform, visit www.membership1st.org.

Morales Cast in CBS’ “The Advocates” Pilot

Posted on February 22, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

Esai Morales has landed his next project…

The 50-year-old Puerto Rican actor has been cast in CBS’ legal drama pilot The Advocates.

The David Nutter-directed project, which was written by Bruno Heller, revolves around lawyer Shannon Carter and ex-con Henry Bird who join forces as “victim advocates,” going to the very edge of the law to right wrongs and fight for the underdog.

Morales, best known for portraying Ritchie Valens’ troubled brother in the 1987 biopic La Bamba, will play Rafael “Raffa” Cortez, an ambitious and somewhat Machiavellian district attorney.

Morales, who has a recurring role on the upcoming second season of Starz’s Magic City, has previously starred in Showtime’s Resurrection Blvd., NYPD Blue and the sci-fi series Caprica.

Peña to Guest Star on ABC’s “Modern Family”

Posted on November 2, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Elizabeth Peña is about to share screen time with Sofia Vergara…

The 51-year-old Cuban American actress has signed on to guest star as Gloria’s (Vergara) mother on ABC’s Modern Family.

Peña, whose film credits include La Bamba and Rush Hour, starred in the short-lived I Made Dora back in 1987-88.

Meanwhile, The Closer’s Stephanie Beatriz will portray Gloria’s sister, according to TVGuide.com.

Peña and Beatriz will appear in Episode 12, which is titled “Fulgencio.”

Modern Family airs Wednesdays at 9:00 pm ET on ABC.

Castillo Sings the Biebs to Victory on “The Voice”

Posted on October 31, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Julio Cesar Castillo lives to sing another day on The Voice…

During his Knockout Round battle against fellow Team Blake member MarissaAnn on Tuesday’s episode of NBC’s singing competition, the 21-year-old mariachi singer stepped up his game with a Biebs attack.

While MarissaAnn performed the Labelle’s “Lady Mar

malade,” a song which earned Christina Aguilera a Grammy in 2002, the Chicago mariachi singer performed Justin Bieber’s “Somebody to Love.”

“It’s out of my comfort zone,” acknowledged Castillo, who had previously wowed the judges with his renditions of Ritchie Valens’ “La Bamba” and Gloria Estefan’s “Conga,” “but it’s a side of my voice I definitely want to show the coaches.“

It’s a big risk that ultimately paid off… After two great performances that the other coaches called “dead even,” Blake Shelton ultimately named Castillo the winner of the clash, sending him to the next round.

“Right now I feel invincible,” professed Castillo. “I feel like my dream is finally coming true!”

Castillo will now compete in The Voice’s live rounds, which are set to begin next week.

Sheen to Star in 9/11-Themed Film “September Morn”

Posted on October 17, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Martin Sheen will be searching for 9/11-related answers soon…

The 72-year-old half-Spanish actor will star opposite Woody Harrelson in September Morn, a drama based on the events on 9/11.

September Morn, which is said to be similar to the film Twelve Angry Men, will be directed by B.J. Davis.

The film centers on a group that revisits and questions the independent investigation into the events of September 11, 2001, when terrorists used commercial airliners to attack the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

The film’s co-stars include La Bamba’s Esai Morales, Ed Asner, John Heard, Daniel Sunjata and Judd Nelson.

Sheen is best known for his starring role on the presidency- and White House centric series The West Wing.

Morales to Appear on Starz’s “Magic City”

Posted on September 19, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Esai Morales is about to feel the magic…

The 49-year-old Puerto Rican actor has signed to star in Starz‘s Miami-set period drama Magic City.

Set in 1959 Miami just after the Cuban Revolution, Magic City tells the story of Ike Evans (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), the owner of Miami’s glitzy Miramar Playa hotel, who is forced to make a deal with local mob boss Ben Diamond (Danny Huston).

Morales, an NYPD Blue alum, will play Carlos Ruiz, a former rebel who once fought beside Castro but now works to free Cuba from the man he once considered a brother.

Morales—who rose to acclaim for his role as Ritchie Valens’ troubled brother in the 1987 biopic La Bamba—recently recurred on Fairly Legal and Caprica.

Filming on Season 2 of Magic City starts this week in Miami for a 2013 premiere.

Returning are creator/executive producer Mitch Glazer and cast members Morgan, Olga Kurylenko, Yul Vazquez, Dominik Garcia-Lorido and Elena Satine.

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