Luis Enrique

Nicaraguan salsa vocalist Luis Enrique was one of Latin music's first pioneers of the romantic "salsa sensual" style. Approaching an otherwise aggressive and bright musical style with a smoother, more emotive sensibility, Enrique laid the groundwork for salsa and Latin pop artists to follow, such as Marc Anthony and Victor Manuelle. Enrique immigrated to the States in 1978, taking up residence in L.A. He applied the musical training and apprenticeship he'd received from his father wherever possible, including a variety of theatrical and musical endeavors throughout high school. When Enrique auditioned for a local salsa group, he made such a strong impression on the band's producers, Alex Cobos and Frank Miret, that they took the young talent directly into the studio to cut a demo. That demo led to a deal with Sony in 1987 for the release of Enrique's debut CD, Amor de Media Noche. Though many had held the title before him, his sensual, romantic approach earned Enrique the title of "Prince of Salsa." Enrique's sizable discography has earned him five Grammy nominations and five Lo Nuestro Awards, in addition to numerous gold and platinum records. He enjoyed a ten-year relationship with Sony, but in 2000 moved to WEA Records, who offered him not only the opportunity to record his own material but to write and publish for other artists as well. His 2007 release, Dentro y Fuera, marked a successful 20 years in the industry for the artist. Mi Mundo Musical followed on Sony BMG in 2008. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez