Frankie Ruiz (1958-1998) was a Puerto Rican salsa singer from New York City. Known as the “Papá de la Salsa,” he began his musical career in the 1970s, working with bands like La Solución and Tommy Olivencia y Su Orquesta. In 1984, he released his first solo album, Solista Pero No Solo, which included the hit song “La Rueda.” He went on to record several successful albums, including Mi Libertad (1987), Puerto Rico Soy Tuyo (1988), and Mirándote (1997). Ruiz’s distinctive voice and powerful stage presence made him one of the most beloved salsa singers of his generation. He died in 1998 at the age of 40 due to complications from a liver transplant. His legacy lives on through his music, which is still widely listened to and celebrated by fans of Latin music around the world.
