Born Jose Antonio Torresola Ruiz, he was born and raised in Paterson, New J… Read Full Bio ↴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 (Good Salsa). In 1976, Ruiz moved to Mayagüez, Puerto Rico with his mother after his parents divorced.
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 la 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. Ruiz's last song was Vuelvo a Nacer (Born Again), 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. 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.
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 la 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. Ruiz's last song was Vuelvo a Nacer (Born Again), 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. 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.
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Frankie Ruiz La Leyenda
Frankie Ruiz Lyrics
(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction I can't get no satisfaction, I can't get no satisfaction. 'C…
Ahora Me Toca A Mi Primero fui yo Como se dieron a conocer aquella gente…
Bailando Vamos a seguir disfrutando Ahora sí, eh Era una noche de fi…
Como Una Estrella Como se ve desde la tierra una estrella así de pequeño…
Cosas Nativas Se oyen leyendas por el camino, bejucos y varadas De sueños…
Deseandote Te veo en la calle Nuestras miradas se tropiezan y…
Desnudate Mujer Yo no sé, por qué me engañas Si yo, si yo…
El Camionero Cada día por la carretera Noche y madrugada entera Y…
La Cura Si te dicen que yo me estoy curando es la…
La Rueda Eh, eh Eh, eh Tú eres la rueda, yo soy el camino…
La Rueda Vuelve A Rodar Tú eres la rueda, yo soy el camino Pasas encima de…
Lo Dudo Anda why ve, té esta esperando, anda why ve No lo…
Me Acostumbre Me acostumbré al perfume de tu piel A tu forma de…
Mi Libertad Una colilla de cigarro mas Un cenicero que va a reventar La…
Mujer Yo no sé, por qué me engañas Si yo, si yo…
Primero Fui Yo Si!!! primero fui yo! (Chorus) Primero fui yo (que tu) p…
Puerto Rico Puerto rico Cuando mis labios pronuncian tu nombre Mi corazó…
Quiero Llenarte Quiero hacerte el amor y tú te alejas Quiero besar tus…
Señora Señora, ahora cuando se vaya Señora, ahora cuando usted part…
Tu Con El Seguro mujer Que hoy eres feliz Que nada de ayer…
Tú Eres Tienes los ojos del amor y tu mirada Trae un…
Tu Me Vuelves Loco Y tú me vuelves loco, ah No me mires con esos…
Voy Pa' Encima Supe por casualidad Que te me estas divorciando Pues me…