Manny Manuel facts for kids

Manny Manuel is a famous singer from Puerto Rico. His real name is Cruz Manuel Hernández Santiago, and he was born on December 1, 1972. He sings different kinds of music like merengue, bolero, and tropical music. Manny Manuel first became well-known with the group Los Sabrosos del Merengue. Later, in 1994, he started his own successful solo career.

Early Life and Music Beginnings

Manny Manuel grew up in Orocovis, Puerto Rico, a town in the mountains. He went to elementary and high school there. From a young age, he loved music. He often performed in talent shows and other musical events.

He joined a group called Tempo Merenguero. After that, he became a vocalist (singer) and choreographer (someone who creates dance moves) for the merengue duo Mayra y Celinés.

Musical Journey

After working with Mayra y Celinés, Manny Manuel joined the group Los Sabrosos del Merengue. His first big hit with them was a song called "Fiera Callada." This song was very popular.

The group then released their first album, Sin Fronteras. Manny Manuel sang a lot on this album. It even had a cover version of "Te Amo" by Rocío Dúrcal. Their second album was called Haciendo Historia. It featured popular songs like "Colegiala" and "Frente a Frente."

Starting a Solo Career

After two albums with Los Sabrosos del Merengue, Manny Manuel decided to sing on his own. He left the group in June 1994. On October 1 of the same year, he performed his first show as a solo artist.

A few months later, he released his first solo album, Rey de Corazones. This album was a huge success. It quickly became platinum, meaning it sold many copies. Because of this success, Manny Manuel performed six sold-out shows in November 1995 at the Luis A. Ferré Performing Arts Center.

In 1996, he released his second album, Auténtico. He performed concerts for this album at the Guaynabo Performing Arts Center and the Roberto Clemente Coliseum. The next year, he worked with many other artists on different projects:

• He sang with Trío Los Condes, including the song "Querube."
• He worked with Antonio Cabán Vale "El Topo" on an album called Lo que mi Pueblo Atesora.
• He recorded a Salsa song called "Payaso" by Raphy Leavitt.
• He released an album called Manuel y el Trío Borínquen, which had traditional boleros.
• He recorded "Dame la mano y ven," a Spanish version of The Beatles' song "I Want to Hold Your Hand" for the album Tropical Tribute to the Beatles.
• He sang several hits by Bobby Capó for the album Siempre Piel Canela, released by Banco Popular.

Music from 2000 to Today

Manny Manuel released his album Es Mi Tiempo in 1998. It included popular songs like "Como duele," "Margarita," and a cover of Alejandro Sanz's "Corazón partío." This album led to a tour in Spain, where it also became a gold record.

His next album, Lleno de Vida, came out before his second show at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum. This concert was recorded and later released as a CD.

In 2003, Manny Manuel moved to the United States and released the album Serenata. This album featured covers of classic romantic songs. It sold over 100,000 copies. He performed again at the Coliseum in 2004. For Serenata, he was also nominated for a Latin Grammy award.

In 2007, he released Tengo Tanto. This album mixed merengue with other Caribbean styles like vallenato. Manny Manuel was chosen to perform at the "KQ Live Concert" on September 27, 2008. This event was organized by KQ 105 FM and featured many famous artists from Puerto Rico and Latin America.

Discography

• Especialmente Para Ti! (1994)
• Rey de Corazones (1995)
• Auténtico (1996)
• Es Mi Tiempo (1998)
• Lleno de Vida (1999)
• Manny Manuel (2002)
• Serenata (2003)
• Nostalgia (2004)
• Tengo Tanto (2007)
• Rayando el Sol (2010)
• Serenata Vol. 2 (2014)

See also

In Spanish: Manny Manuel para niños

• List of Puerto Ricans