Issue date: July 25, 1999
Writer David Bischoff has the job to die for in the eyes
of many a young woman. A fiction writer most of the time, Bischoff's
lately been writing biographies (under the pen name Kristin Sparks)
of some of the hottest men in music -- 98 Degrees and Ricky Martin.
Who's News editor Lorrie Lynch asked him to explain why it is that
27-year-old Latin singer Martin is the man of the moment.
LL: When we last spoke, about 98 Degrees, you told me you were
finishing up a work on Ricky Martin.
DB: Yes. It's called RICKY MARTIN: LIVIN' LA VIDA LOCA
and it's from Berkley Books. It's out this July.
LL: You've immersed yourself in the culture of Ricky Martin
so I could use your insight again. What do you think of his chances
for long-term musical success?
DB: Actually, he's already had long-term musical success, singing
professionally for over fifteen years, since he was selected to
be in Menudo at the age of 12. He's sung on Broadway, he's got the
kind of personality and looks that will weather well ... and he
is actually, mostly, a ballad singer. Plus, he's constantly taking
singing lessons. So I think he'll be around forever. The fact that
he'll soon have a movie career will make him a kind of Bing Crosby
or Dean Martin.
LL: Yes, I know he's very interested in acting too, but is
that realistic?
DB: Well, he's been acting since he was 17. After Menudo, he spent
some time in New York City taking stock of his life. He took lessons,
then got jobs in theater and TV in Mexico, where he became very
popular and won acting awards. He spent some time acting onGeneral
Hospital . He's been in a TV-movie pilot and did at least one
movie in Mexico. Of course, his major acting was in Les Miserables
on Broadway for three months. So yes, he can act. Of course, he
needs the right vehicle.
LL: Ever since his Grammy performance he's been untouchably
hot! On magazine covers everywhere. Will all this go to his head
and turn him into a prima donna or is he grounded enough by family,
friends and Puerto Rico?
DB: Ricky has been a star since he was 12. He's had lots of ups
and downs since then, but actually it's been his family that has
righted him. His parents divorced when he was 2, but they were very
good to him. But when he got into Menudo, they barely saw him and
they fought over the little amount of time with him. Ricky got so
upset with his father that he didn't speak to him for years. However,
they've reconciled and now all the family is very close. From all
reports, Ricky thrives on his relationships and indeed uses them
to keep grounded. But he also is very spiritual. He spends time
alone and meditates to keep himself grounded. He is also devoted
to Puerto Rico and works for the tourism board for free, to help
his home country.
LL: So why do YOU think he's such a hit? And such a hit just
now?
DB: Well, he's incredibly exciting live. He has a gift, but he also
is a smart performer and knows what to do with an audience. He's
attractive and strikingly well-groomed and muscled with a big mouth
that's perfect for expression. His music is emotional and exciting.
He's personable and likeable. And he creates a real connection with
people, one to one -- and also when he performs. Lots of performers
today have forgotten how to create that connection with an audience.
Ricky can do it. He dances well, but from the waist down, making
it very erotic and sensual. But he looks the audience straight in
the eye. He's a hit now because Latin artists have that power, and
the music is rich and deep. Latin music has waxed and waned in popularity
and he's riding the crest of a new wave. There was a vacuum for
a sexy male singer-performer. Ricky is filling it.
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