News of his condition drew fans and the media to the hospital. The announcement of his performance drew a sizable crowd. [112] There, Ruiz's final wake was held at the Minchin Funeral Home, attended by a similar numbers of public individuals and friends who lived in the area. A compilation album titled Historia Musical de Frankie Ruiz also reached the top of the Billboard list. Frankie Ruiz was born on 10 March, 1958 in Paterson, New Jersey, United States, is an American salsa singer, songwriter. He was a major figure in the salsa romntica subgenre that was popular in the 1980s and early 1990s. His coffin was covered by the flag of Puerto Rico, which became an ubiquitous gift brought by the masses visiting the funeral house. As his career centered around music studios, Ruiz moved to Florida with Judith Ruiz and their son Frankie Ruiz, Jr. (born in 1984), whom he encouraged to become a musician by collaborating in hip hop songs. Urrutia was among those involved in its production, and the cover features an image of Cruz standing near Ruiz's grave and a note addressed to the late singer. Frankie Ruiz Profiles | Facebook Untold Truth Of Clint Eastwood's Daughter - Morgan Eastwood [24], Following the performance of this production, Ruiz became one of several soloists who popularized the subgenre known as salsa romntica, including Eddie Santiago, Lalo Rodrguez, Tony Vega, Gilberto Santa Rosa and Tito Nieves. His tracks have been described as reminiscent of a hybrid between popular music and modern salsa, with the percussion being prominently featured. Like its predecessor, it would reach the top of the Billboard list three times, this time alternating with Eddie Santiago's Atrevido y Diferente. The impromptu wedding was planned to take place in his hospital room on August 7, but his condition forced it to be rescheduled for three days later. [11][14] By his early teens, Ruiz had begun performing at nightclubs. [114], A compilation containing "Vuelvo a Nacer" named Nacimiento y Recuerdos was released on August 25, 1998. Frankie Ruiz Albums and Discography | AllMusic Ruiz completed a hectic schedule during the remainder of February and March, which was further complimented by a number of impromptu presentations. Jerry Rivera, who met Ruiz when he was 13 years old, and whom he considered his idol, recorded a tribute album titled Canto a mi IdoloFrankie Ruiz in 2003 with Ruiz's songs. [123] Jerry Rivera, who met Ruiz when he was 13 years old, and whom he considered his idol, recorded a tribute album titled Canto a mi IdoloFrankie Ruiz in 2003 with Ruiz's songs. Despite being hand-selected, Cruz acknowledged that Ruiz had a unique style and that he had no interest in copying it, or replacing him, or becoming a contemporary version of Ruiz. Eventually, he convinced PolyGram that he could continue and recorded a version of "Vuelvo a Nacer" that satisfied him. As salsa moved closer to pop music, and toned down the eroticism in its lyrics during the 1990s, Ruiz was challenged, along with other salsa romntica performers, but he managed to record a number of hits during his late career. During his final days, Ruiz was bedridden and immobilized and began making final arrangements. [133], While performing, Ruiz was a tenor, and his voice was described as decidedly juvenile sounding despite his physical age, something that he employed to execute a style that was regarded as "dazzling" and "passionate". In 1989, Ruiz was involved in an altercation with a flight attendant for which he was sentenced to three years at a federal prison in Tallahassee, Florida. He suffered from years of drug and alcohol abuse. During his youth, he developed a passion for percussion, later confessing that this would have been his second choice after singing. The song's length was extended by repeating its soneos and choruses and was remastered to improve its sound. [94], On July 17, 1998, he was admitted to University Hospital and required assistance to do basic chores. At the age of 5, Ruiz played percussion instruments at the Roberto Clemente Park in Trenton and at other city venues. The success of this group led to a general resurgence of salsa which had been struggling before the expansion of merengue music in the tropical categories. [4][100] In August, Ruiz decided to propose as his last request, which was accepted. Led by singles "Desndate Mujer" and "Mujeres", the album sold over 300,000 copies and earned Ruiz the Latin Artist of the Year Billboard Music Award. [64][65] [115] Nacimiento y Recuerdos was certified platinum in the Latin field by the RIAA. The album debuted at number eight on Billboard's Hot Shot Debut and became Ruiz's biggest chart success. His body was placed in the Martnez Funeral Home, while the city mayor ordered flags to be flown at half mast out of respect. The album achieved platinum sales status and which were used to sustain his family. On September 20, 2003, Ruiz, Jr. made his debut as a musician in an homage to his father that was held in Tenerife called Va por ti, Frankie, singing the single Puerto Rico and joining several groups in recreating his father's repertoire.