#JERSEYCLASSIC FRANKIE RUIZ

This week #JerseyClassic is dedicated to our Hispanic people. Frankie Ruiz, born José Antonio Torresola Ruiz, was an American singer born in #Paterson, New Jersey. Frankie was known as “El papá de la Salsa (The Father of Salsa)”. He was a major figure in the salsa romántica subgenre that was popular in the 1980s and early 1990s. 

He initially favored percussion but found success as a vocalist. He was highly regarded within the #Latino community and among Puerto Ricans abroad, with his music evoking nostalgia. 

After his parents’ divorce, Frankie Ruiz moved to Puerto Rico where he began performing at nightclubs in his teens. He joined bands like La Solución and later Tommy Olivencia’s orchestra, achieving success with hit singles like “Fantasía de un carpintero” and “Como lo hacen.” 

Ruiz released his debut solo album, “Solista pero no Solo,” in 1985, which topped the Billboard Tropical Album chart and spawned hits like “Tú Con Él” and “La Cura.” He became a key figure in the salsa romántica subgenre, alongside artists like Eddie Santiago and Gilberto Santa Rosa. 

Despite struggles with addiction and legal issues, Ruiz continued to release successful albums and singles, including “Voy Pa’ Encima” and “Tranquilo”. 

He continued to produce hits but battled drug and alcohol abuse, which ultimately led to his death at University Hospital in #Newark on August 9, 1998 from a liver disease.

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