Frankie Ruiz - Musical Career

Musical Career

In Puerto Rico, Ruiz became a fan of a salsa band called La Solucion, directed by Roberto Rivera and learned all of their songs. He attended every concert and show. On one occasion, Ruiz's mother asked Rivera to give her son an opportunity to sing in the band, but to no avail. However, as fate would have it, in 1977, Ruiz was present at one of their shows where the lead singer did not show up. Rivera felt that he had no other choice but to give Ruiz a try. He was a success and was hired by Rivera. With La Solucion, Ruiz re-recorded a new version of Salsa Buena. He performed with the band for three years and recorded his first hit single La Rueda.

In 1980, Ruiz joined Tommy Olivencia and his Primerisima Orchestra. His youth and style known as Sensual Salsa helped to bring in a new generation of salsa followers. His first major hit was with the band Lo Dudo which was previously covered by José José. In 1983, Ruiz decided to go solo and had hits with Puerto Rico, Tú Con El, Mirandote, Desnudate Mujer, Deseandote, La Cura, Bailando, Mi Libertad and many more. He traveled extensively throughout Latin America, Europe and the United States performing and always used the phrases "Vaya, Mi China" (Go, My Baby)- China was his wife and mother of his son Frankie Ruiz Jr. -, and "¿Que que?" (What, What?) as his trademarks. He was then called "El Papa de la Salsa" (The Father of Salsa).