Frankie Ruiz

All Music Guide:

On August 9, 1998, Salsa lost one of its greatest singers, Frankie Ruiz, to liver failure, which according to various resources, resulted from complications of the AIDS virus. One of the first to perform in the Salsa Sensual style, Ruiz had played a major role in the resurgence of salsa's popularity in the '70s. A native of Patterson, NJ, Ruiz began singing at a very young age. He was still a child when he made his recording debut with Charlie Lopez y Su Orquesta. Moving, with his mother, to Puerto Rico in 1965, he became enamored by the music of a popular salsa band, La Solucion. Attending as many of the group's performances as possible, he quickly learned the band's repertoire. Although his mother implored on music director Roberto Rivera to audition him, Ruiz was not taken seriously until the band's lead singer failed to show for a night club engagement. Asked to fill in for the evening, Ruiz impressed the band so much that he was invited to become a full-time member. He remained with the group for three years. Leaving La Solucion in the early '70s, Ruiz accepted an invitation to join Tommy Olivencia's orchestra. During the three years that he spent with the group, he scored a major hit, "La Duda." Ruiz launched his solo career in the mid-'80s. Despite his obvious talents as a vocalist, Ruiz was plagued by drug and alcohol dependency and a thirst for hard living.

Wikipedia:

Frankie Ruiz (March 10, 1958 - August 9, 1998) was a famous Puerto Rican salsa singer.

Early years

Born Jose Antonio Torresola Ruiz, he was born and raised in Paterson, New Jersey. His parents moved from Puerto Rico to the United States in search of a better way of life. In Paterson, Ruiz received his primary and secondary education. As a child he enjoyed singing to the tunes of salsa and as a young man joined a local band called The Charlie Lopez Orchestra. With this band he recorded his first song Salsa Buena. In 1976, Ruiz moved to Mayagüez, Puerto Rico with his mother after his parents divorced.

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).

Later years and death

Ruiz began to use illegal drugs and became an alcoholic. During a flight after one of his concerts he attacked a flight attendant. He was arrested and sentenced to three years at the federal prison in Jacksonville, Texas for the incident. Ruiz's last song was "Vuelvo a Nacer", where he describes his errors in life by taking the wrong way and that he declares himself born again. His voice was heard raspy compared to his earlier career due to the effects of his drug use. Frankie Ruiz became ill and was hospitalized on July 11, 1998, after performing at Madison Square Garden in New York City. On August 9, 1998, Frankie eventually died of complications from AIDS at the age of 40, a month after his final concert at Madison Square Garden . Before his burial, his remains were taken to Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, for a memorial service. He was later interred at Fair Lawn Memorial Cemetery in Bergen County, New Jersey.

The city government of Mayagüez later renamed an auditorium next to the "Palacio de Recreación y Deportes" in Ruiz's honor. He is survived by his son, Frankie Ruiz Jr, his two brothers, Viti and Nelson Ruiz, and his wife.

Recordings

With Orquesta La Solucion

With Tommy Olivencia y su Orquesta

Albums

Solo Career:

Legacy

Puerto Rican singer Jerry Rivera, who met Ruiz when he was 13 years old and whom he considered his idol, recorded an album titled Canto a mi Idolo...Frankie Ruiz in 2003 with Ruiz's songs as a tribute to Frankie Ruiz. The album cover contains a photo of Rivera and Ruiz that Rivera's father took of them. In 2004, another album tribute to Frankie Ruiz was released featuring various artists. The album was titled Va Por Ti, Frankie. Frankie Ruiz Jr is following his fathers footsteps as a Salsa Singer. He has released 3 singles. -La Despedida (urban) -Provocadora (urban) -Vete ya (salsa).