Draco Rosa to Receive The Latin Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award

Posted on July 18, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Draco Rosa will receive a special honor for his storied career…

The 55-year-old Puerto Rican singer, musician, songwriter and entrepreneur will be one of the recipients of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award from The Latin Recording Academy, as part of its annual Special Awards presentation.

Draco is among a roster of honorees that include Albita, Lolita Flores, Alejandro Lerner, Los Angeles Azules and Lulu Santos.

Additionally, Puerto Rican composer Ángel “Cucco” Peña and Mexican guitarist Chucho Rincón will receive the Trustees Award.

“It is with great pride that we honor these musical legends who continue redefining our Latin music and heritage, said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy, in a statement. “We look forward to celebrating them as part of our Latin GRAMMY 25th anniversary festivities in November.”

According to the Latin Academy, the Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to performers who have made creative contributions of outstanding artistic significance to Latin music and its communities.

Meanwhile, the Trustees Award is given to artists who’ve made “significant contributions to Latin music during their careers in ways other than performance.”

Both are voted on by the Latin Recording Academy’s Board of Trustees.

Draco has evolved from boy band stardom to becoming a rock en español icon and global hitmaker.

He originally garnered fame as a member of boy band Menudo in the 1980s, singing lead on the band’s biggest stateside hit, “Hold Me” and featuring prominently in the accompanying music video.

After leaving the band he moved to Brazil where he released two albums, achieving mainstream success.

Following a brief subsequent stint in California, he returned to New York and joined the band Maggie’s Dream, which split after only one album, allowing him to resume his solo career.

The singer and composer has released numerous albums and has composed multiple songs for Ednita Nazario, Julio Iglesias and former Menudo band-mate, Ricky Martin.

He has also been featured on VH1‘s Behind the Music.

Renowned for her fiery vocal delivery, Albita has been championing Cuban music and tradition since the late ’80s.

Her career in the U.S. has produced success, including multiple Grammy and Emmy nominations and wins.

In 2005, Albita was cast for a major role in the Broadway-produced musical play The Mambo Kings, where she worked for six months to rave reviews.

Daughter of Spanish legends Lola Flores and Antonio “El Pescaílla” González, Lolita Flores has made significant contributions to modern flamenco with her stunning voice and diverse repertoire.

Flores started her career in the early 1970s and with the release of the album Amor, amor and a single of the same name in 1975 she achieved success in her native Spain, as well as in countries in Latin America.

Her songs “Sarandonga,” “Lo voy a divider” and “Si la vida son dos días,” among others, have become staples in Spanish radio.

In 2002, she won a Goya Award for Best New Actress for her performance in the movie Rencor. Flores has also appeared in several television programs such as Directísimo and Hostal Royal Manzanares. In February 2019, she received the Medalla de Oro al Mérito en las Bellas Artes.

Hailing from Buenos Aires, Alejandro Federico Lerner was a trailblazer in Argentine rock during the ’70s and is celebrated as a seminal figure in the genre.

From Iztapalapa to the world, Los Ángeles Azules have been instrumental in propelling Mexican cumbia to international acclaim since the ’70s, continually infusing the genre with a Latin alternative twist that keeps it vibrant and relevant.

Lastly, Lulu Santos, a gifted Brazilian guitarist, singer and composer, has enchanted audiences for over five decades with his distinctive contributions to Brazilian music.

The honorees will be celebrated at a private event on Sunday, November 10, in Miami during Latin Grammy Week. As in previous years, Latin Grammy Week will include the Latin Grammy Person of the Year gala, which this year honors Colombian sensation Carlos Vives, the Special Awards ceremony and a Leading Ladies of Entertainment luncheon, among other events.

Nominations for the 2024 Latin Grammys will be announced on September 17, and the awards ceremony will take place on November 14 at the Kaseya Center in Miami.

Ricky Martin to Appear at CAA’s Seventh Annual Amplify Summit

Posted on June 9, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Ricky Martin is amplifying his voice…

CAA’s seventh annual Amplify summit, a day dedicated to convening artists, brands and leaders of color, has set its lineup of speakers and attendees, with the 52-year-old Puerto Rican superstar among the participants.

The Grammy-winning artist, actor and activist most recently starred on Apple TV+’s Palm Royale.

Martin appears on a roster that includes former First Lady of the United State Michelle Obama; Oscar and Emmy-winning actor, producer and director Regina King; and NBA Hall of Famer, activist and entrepreneur Dwyane Wade (who returns after sitting for a keynote conversation with his fellow NBA legend Chris Paul in 2023.

The invitation-only event kicks off on June 10th, in Ojai, Calif. and is organized by a diverse cross-section of CAA agents and executives to discuss ways to “accelerate transformational change in rooms of leadership and popular culture” via business opportunities, social justice initiatives and other various forms of collaboration.

“Our super power is connecting luminaries across business, philanthropy, entertainment, technology, politics, and beyond to inform, strategize, and take action to create a more optimistic future,” said CAA’s Natalie Tran, who has helped organize the event since it launched in 2017. “Now, more than ever, as commitments to impact become less visible, the collective expertise and collaboration within the CAA Amplify network are essential to driving meaningful opportunities for those that help shape culture, storytellers, and global brands.”

The full lineup of speakers and attendees also includes entertainment notables like this year’s best adapted screenplay Oscar winner Cord Jefferson (American Fiction); Emmy-winner Lee Sung Jin (Beef); and Emmy, Golden Globe, Grammy, and Academy Award-winning singer and songwriter Jon Batiste, as well as Emmy nominee Padma Lakshmi; Ego Nwodim (Saturday Night Live); Ashley Park (Emily in Paris), Emmy-nominated producer and principal dancer for the American Ballet Theater Misty Copeland; Roy Wood Jr. (former The Daily Show correspondent); Oscar nominee Demián Bichir; and Peabody winner Mo Amer (“Mo”).

Also among the group will be athlete and civil rights activist Colin Kaepernick; news anchor and chief legal analyst Laura Coates (Laura Coates Lives); Errin Haines (editor-at-large at the 19th and MSNBC analyst); ACLU executive director Anthony D. Romero; National Women’s Law Center Action Fund president and CEO Fatima Goss Graves; Human Rights Campaign (HRC) president Kelley Robinson; and Center for Countering Digital Hate CEO Imran Ahmed.

Ricky Martin to Headline LA Pride in the Park

Posted on April 28, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Ricky Martin is taking great pride in his next performance…

The 52-year-old Puerto Rican superstar will headline LA Pride in the Park, which will return to the Los Angeles State Historic Park on Saturday, June 8.

This marks Martin’s first-ever headlining Pride performance.

Moreover, Martin will be the first openly gay Latin artist to take center stage at the popular Pride event.

The theme for this year’s Pride season is “Power in Pride,” which celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community’s ability to live authentically.

“I am thrilled to be headlining LA Pride in the Park because it’s an incredible opportunity to celebrate love, diversity, and equality,” Martin said in a statement. “LA Pride is a testament to the power of community, the power of visibility, and the power of standing up for our rights. Being part of this vibrant community fills me with pride and purpose.”

“With his electrifying stage presence and chart-topping hits, Ricky Martin has long been an inspiration to millions around the world,” said Gerald Garth, board president of CSW/LA Pride. “His participation in LA Pride in the Park goes beyond mere entertainment; it symbolizes a powerful affirmation of queer Latin identity and a celebration of diversity within the LGBTQ+ community. We cannot wait to be ‘Livin’ La Vida Loca’ while beaming with Pride!”

Across 20 acres and with a capacity of 25,000, LA Pride in the Park is one of the largest official Pride concerts in the country.

The nonprofit Christopher Street West Association has produced the LA Pride celebration for more than 50 years. General admission and VIP passes are now available to purchase at lapride.org.

Throughout his nearly four-decade career, Martin has brought Latin music and culture to the mainstream, paving the way for an explosion of crossover talent.

Born in Puerto Rico in 1971, Martin gained fame as a member of Menudo before embarking on a highly successful solo career, which has brought him two Grammy Awards and four Latin Grammy Awards.

Martin’s 1999 smash “Livin’ La Vida Loca” topped the Billboard Hot 100 for five consecutive weeks and received Grammy nods for record and song of the year. It was also nominated for record of the year at the inaugural Latin Grammys in 2000 – a show that became a reality because of the undeniable crossover success of artists like Martin, Santana and Marc Anthony, among others.

In May 1999, Martin appeared on the cover of Time in a story headlined “Latin Music Goes Pop!”

In November 2006, at age 34, he became the youngest-ever person of the year recipient at the annual gala put on by the Latin Recording Academy.

Martin is also an accomplished actor, earning a Primetime Emmy nod for his role in FX’s The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story and displaying his talent on Broadway. He starred in Jingle Jangle for Netflix, opposite Forest Whitaker and Anika Noni Rose and can now be seen in the Apple TV series Palm Royale alongside Laura Dern, Kristen Wiig, Allison Janney and Carol Burnett.

New Trailer for Apple TV+’s “Palm Royale” Showcases Ricky Martin’s Character

Posted on February 5, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Ricky Martin is bracing for a royale experience…

The 52-year-old Puerto Rican singer-songwriter and actor enters high society in the new trailer for the upcoming Apple TV+ series, Palm Royale.

Martin is set to play Robert in the comedy series that stars Kristen Wiig, Alison Janney, Laura Dern, Kaia Gerber, Bruce Dern and Carol Burnett, who will be making “extra special guest” appearances.

Loosely based on the novel Mr. and Mrs. American Pie by Juliet McDaniel, Palm Royale marks Martin’s first television project since Ryan Murphy’s drama The Assassination of Gianni Versace on FX, in which he played Antonio D’Amico.

In the trailer, Martin is seen as a server at an exclusive club serving up martinis.

Later, he’s show swimming in a pool where he asks Wiig’s character, Maxine, who’s assimilating into the wealthy class, “Do you know anything about rich people?”

According to an official description of the television series, Palm Royale follows Maxine as she “attempts to cross that impermeable line between the haves and the have-nots … ‘Palm Royale’ asks the same question that still baffles us today: ‘How much of yourself are you willing to sacrifice to get what someone else has?’ Set during the powder keg year of 1969, ‘Palm Royale’ is a testament to every outsider fighting for their chance to truly belong.”

The series is written, executive produced, and showrun by Abe Sylvia for Aunt Sylvia’s Moving Picture Company. The first three episodes of Palm Royale premiere March 20 on Apple TV+, followed by new episodes every Wednesday through May 8.

Apple TV+ Releases First Look Images of Ricky Martin’s New Series “Palm Royale”

Posted on December 13, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Ricky Martin has entered Palm Beach’s elite circles…

Apple TV+ has released first look images of Kristen Wiig’s Palm Beach-set comedy series Palm Royale, starring the 51-year-old Puerto Rican Grammy-winning singer and Emmy-nominated actor.

The series is set to premiere on March 20 on Apple TV+.

In addition to Wiig and Martin, the stellar ensemble cast includes Laura Dern, Allison Janney, Josh Lucas, Leslie Bibb, Amber Chardae Robinson, Mindy Cohn, Julia Duffy and Kaia Gerber.

Bruce Dern and Carol Burnett will guest star.

Loosely based on Juliet McDaniel’s novel Mr. and Mrs. American Pie and produced by Apple Studios, Palm Royale is a true underdog story that follows Maxine Simmons (Wiig) as she endeavors to break into Palm Beach high society. As Maxine attempts to cross that impermeable line between the haves and the have-nots, Palm Royale asks the same question that still baffles us today: “How much of yourself are you willing to sacrifice to get what someone else has?” Set during the powder keg year of 1969, Palm Royale is a testament to every outsider fighting for their chance to truly belong.

The first three episodes will be released on March 20, followed by new episodes every Wednesday through May 8.

Martin earned a Primetime Emmy nod for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for his performance in American Crime Story.

Enrique Iglesias & Influence Media Partners Agree to Major Partnership Deal

Posted on December 6, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Enrique Iglesias has a new influence…

The 48-year-Spanish superstar and Influence Media Partners have agreed to a major partnership deal.

Influence and Iglesias have partnered on the rights management of his pre-2021 recorded music rights, according to a press release, including his independent masters and his Universal recorded music royalties, along with name, image and likeness (NIL) rights to expand future licensing opportunities for the singer.

This marks the first NIL deal for Influence Media, which last year partnered with Black Rock and Warner Music Group for funding and infrastructure.

“My songs hold immense significance for both my fans and me,” Iglesias said in a statement. “I’m excited to be working with the Influence Media team. I feel confident we will build an enduring partnership for my music and future projects.”

“Enrique is a global icon and having him as a part of our Influence Media family is a game-changing moment for us,” added Lylette Pizarro, Influence Media founder/co-managing partner. “For a quarter of a century, he has captivated fans globally with chart-topping and record-breaking hits. From ‘Experiencia Religiosa’ to ‘Hero’ and ‘Bailando’ to ‘I Like It’ and ‘Be With You,’ there are few artists who come close to accomplishing what Enrique has achieved commercially. He has played a pivotal role in introducing bilingual music to the masses. We couldn’t be more excited to partner with one of the most recognizable figures in modern music.”

“It has been an honor to be part of Enrique’s team for more than two decades,” said John Branca, partner/head of music at Ziffren Brittenham, who represented Iglesias in the deal. “As the most successful Latin artist of all time he is also one of the most accomplished and beloved artists of his generation. Enrique was highly selective in choosing a partner with whom he will enhance his already monumental legacy.”

With a career that spans over three decades, Iglesias is one of the first Spanish-language acts to successfully cross over into the English-language market. He has placed five top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including “I Like It,” “Tonight (I’m Lovin’ You)” and “Hero.” He’s also placed three top 10 albums on the Billboard 200 (Escape, Euphoria and Sex And Love) and 27 No. 1 hits on the Hot Latin Songs chart.

Currently on the U.S. Trilogy Tour with Pitbull and Ricky Martin, Iglesias most recently scored his eighth No. 1 on the Tropical Airplay chart with his bachata collab “Así Es La Vida” with Maria Becerra. He is set to drop his new album, Final Vol. 2, next year.

Influence Media previously acquired the commercially-released master recording catalog of Blake Shelton for his 2001-2019 output, Future’s song publishing catalog and Puerto Rican songwriter-producer Tainy’s song publishing catalog from 2005-2021, among other investments.

Ricky Martin Teams Up with Christian Nodal for Reimagined Version of “Fuego De Noche, Nieve De Día”

Posted on September 22, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Ricky Martin is reimagining a classic with a special assist…

The 51-year-old Puerto Rican superstar has joined voices with Christian Nodal to release a reimagined version of his hit single “Fuego De Noche, Nieve De Día.”

Martin delivers the reimagined version of his iconic and beautiful ballad added elements of mariachi.

Nodal adds a special assist to the 1995 anthem.

The new song starts off with Martin singing softly over a piano, much like he did in the original version. Then, at the minute-mark, melancholic mariachi trumpet notes come in to complement Nodal’s vocals as he joins Martin to sing about a person that’s come to turn their world upside down.

Marking the first collaborative effort between Martin and Nodal, the essence of the song — which will be discovered by a new generation of fans nearly 30 years later — remains untouched. “It’s a dream come true,” Nodal says about the duet in a statement. “This song is so special and so profound that it really tugs at your emotions.

Pitbull Rejoins William Morris Endeavor (WME) for Representation in All Areas Worldwide

Posted on September 6, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Pitbull is back in familiar territory…

The 42-year-old Cuban American rap superstar, whose real name is Armando Christian Pérez, has rejoined William Morris Endeavor (WME) for representation in all areas worldwide.

Pitbull is a Grammy-award winning independent international superstar, education advocate, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker.

With billions of audio streams and video views plus hundreds of gold and platinum certifications, Pitbull has one of the most impressive careers in music history along with being a force in brand partnerships.

Pitbull returned to the road in 2022 with the sold out North American Can’t Stop Us Now Tour along with his SiriusXM Globalization DJs packing amphitheaters and arenas coast-to-coast.

He has performed for millions worldwide and even joined forces with the No. 1 life and business strategist, Tony Robbins, for numerous speaking engagements around the globe.

This fall, Pitbull will release his next long-awaited Spanglish album titled Trackhouse and will join Enrique Iglesias and Ricky Martin on The Trilogy Tour.

Pitbull established Sports Leadership Arts and Management (SLAM!), tuition-free public charter schools across the country and is a co-owner of the NASCAR racing team Trackhouse.

Residente Teams Up with Ricky Martin for Epic Single “Quiero ser baladista”

Posted on July 28, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Residente is going the distance with Ricky Martin…

The 45-year-old Puerto Rican rapper, singer, songwriter and filmmaker. whose real name is René Pérez Joglar, and the 51-year-old Puerto Rican singer/actor have joined voices to release the new track “Quiero ser baladista.”

More than a song, Residente’s nine-minute, seven-second long single is being called a stream of consciousness on tiradera (diss tracks), music, lyrics, performance art and entertainment value, where the music video –a bona fide short film—is as important as the music.

The black and white flick kicks off with Residente being shot dead in an elevator, as what sounds like a tinkly “elevator music” version of Ricky Martin’s hit “Vuelve” plays in the background. From there, Residente revives, brings down his assailants, and, over sparse chords, delivers one of his signature raps centering on his lyrical prowess and the fact that he’s the best (“I’m the wolf who upsets the henhouse”).

Then, things take a turn. Residente reveals that his tied up captive is actually Sony Music Latin Iberia chairman Afo Verde, auditions as a balladeer, in Ricky Martin’s voice, then shoots Verde.

In turn, Martin shoots Residente and channels the rapper, in a recall of Justin Bieber playing Drake in “Pop Star.”

Chayanne to Perform at This Year’s “iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina”

Posted on July 18, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Chayanne is preparing for a fiesta…

iHeartMedia has announced that the 2023 iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina will return to Miami at Kaseya Center (formerly FTX Arena) on Saturday, October 21, with the 55-year-old Puerto Rican Latin pop singer and actor among the artists scheduled to perform.

In addition to Chayanne, the one-night event will feature performances featuring Ricardo Montaner, Fonseca, Servando y Florentino, Luis Figueroa, GALE and Menudo.

Enrique Santos, president and chief creative officer of iHeartLatino and on-air talent for iHeartRadio, will host the 10th annual edition.

“We’re honored to once again bring together incredible artists, electrifying music and a vibrant community,” Santos said in a statement. “Here’s to a decade of unforgettable moments, unity and the power of Latin music!”

Besides performing, Chayanne will also receive the iHeartRadio Corazón Latino Award which, according to iHeartMedia, honors an individual who “exemplifies their big heart through their selfless work enhancing the lives of the Latin community and beyond.”

The Puerto Rican icon — known for hits such as “Dejaría Todo” and “Torero” — has teamed up with and supported organizations such as Make-A-Wish Foundation, United Nations Human Rights for Climate Change, Women Refugees Commission and Heroes Por la Vida.

iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina will be broadcasted across iHeartRadio digital stations.

Additionally, Hulu will serve as the official streaming destination of the iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina with performances live-streamed exclusively to Hulu subscribers.

The event launched in 2014 in Los Angeles but has since been taking place in Miami.

Throughout the years, iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina has featured headliners such as Jennifer Lopez, Daddy Yankee, Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull, Ricky Martin and Ozuna.

Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday (July 21) at 10 a.m. ET via Ticketmaster.com.

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