Frankie Ruiz Memorial and Tribute

Born Jose Antonio Torresola Ruiz, he was born and raised in 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.

In 1971 at the age of 12, he recorded his first song with Charlie Lopez Y La Orquesta Nueva
titled "Salsa Buena" released as a single. "Salsa Buena (Good Salsa)" an unpopular song but yet
many Latin fans claim it was Ruiz best swinging salsa tune for those who remembered it.

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.

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 Lo Dudo (I doubt it) which was previously covered by José José. In 1983, Ruiz
decided to go "solo" and had hits with No Que No, Mi Libertad (My Liberty) and Desnudate
Mujer (Get Undressed Woman). He traveled extensively throughout Latin America, Europe and
the United States performing and always used the phrase "Vaya, mi China" (Go, Baby) as his
trademark. He was then called "El Papa de Salsa" (The Father of Salsa)

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. His drug use also affected his voice greatly. Many fans
can attest this by comparing his older songs to "Vuelvo A Nacer" (his last hit before his death).

Frankie Ruiz became ill and was hospitalized on July 11, 1998, after performing at Madison
Square Garden in New York City. Shortly afterwards, on August 9, 1998, Ruiz died from
complications from AIDS.

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 Mayaguez later renamed an auditorium next to the "Palacio Municipal de
Recreación y Deportes" (the local sports arena) in Ruiz's honor.

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 (I sing to my Idol...
Frankie Ruiz) 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 a picture of.

Article by Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org