Chayanne
Encyclopedia
Elmer Figueroa Arce best known under the stage name Chayanne, is a Puerto Rican
Latin pop
singer and actor. As a solo artist, Chayanne has released 21 solo-albums and sold over 20 million albums worldwide.
on 29 June 1968. He was the third of five siblings. After the birth of two more siblings the family moved to San Lorenzo in the southeast part of the island (called El Pueblo de los Samaritanos - The Town of Samaritans - or La Tierra de las Leyendas - The Land of Legends). This is his home, where he frequently returns to visit his family. Elmer Figueroa became Chayanne while still a child; a nickname that was given to him by his mother after a favorite television series of the 1960s, Cheyenne.
, but he was told at the time that he was too young to be in the group. He became part of another group, Los Chicos
, who made several #4 hits, including "Puerto Rico Son Los Chicos" and Ave María.
and released his first album, Chayanne es mi Nombre, that year. His second album with RCA, Sangre Latina was released in 1986.
After three years with RCA, Chayanne switched labels to Sony Music and broke out with his first self-titled album in 1987. This album would feature a blend of ballads and dance tracks, a formula Chayanne would be famous for. It featured two #4 hits on the Hot Latin Songs
, the ballad "Peligro de Amor" written by Michael Sullivan and Paulo Massadas and a song that would cement him as an overall performer, the upbeat dance track "Fiesta en America" written by Honorio Herrero.
In 1988, Chayanne released the eponymous second self-titled album, Chayanne
. This album included several hit singles such as Honorio Herrero's "Tu Pirata Soy Yo", José María Cano's "Fuiste un Trozo de Hielo en la Escarcha" and "Este Ritmo Se Baila Así", composed by Pierre-Edouard Decimus, Jacob Desvarieux and Roberto Livi. At the same time, Chayanne became a spokesperson for Pepsi
, with the airing of the first Spanish speaking advertising spot broadcasted on national television coast to coast during the 1989 Grammy Awards telecast.
In 1990 he released the album Tiempo de Vals, featuring some of his best-selling singles such as the title track, composed by José María Cano, "Completamente Enamorados", composed by Piero Cassano, Adelio Cogliati and Eros Ramazzotti
and "Daría Cualquier Cosa", composed by Luis Gómez Escolar and Julio Seijas. He followed it with the album whose title track would eventually become Chayanne's signature song
, Provocame (1992). That album also featured the hit El Centro de mi Corazon (#1 U.S. Hot Latin, 1992). Two years later, he released the album Influencias (1994), which was a tribute to some of his musical influences. In 1996, he released Volver a Nacer.
In 1998, he received his second Grammy nomination with the album Atado a Tu Amor, which featured his first #1 hit since 1992, "Dejaria Todo" as well as a long-lasting hit in the title track. The hot streak continued in 2000 when Chayanne released Simplemente
with the top-ten hit "Candela" and the number-one hit "Yo Te Amo." In 2002, he released "Grandes Exitos," a greatest hits album with a few new tracks. One of those new tracks, "Y Tu Te Vas," was the number-one song of the summer in 2002. The next year, Chayanne released Sincero
which featured two number-one songs, "Un Siglo Sin Ti" and "Cuidarte el Alma". In 2005, he did a tour along with Mexican
Alejandro Fernández
and fellow Puerto Rican
Marc Anthony
. That same year, he released two albums. First, a second greatest hits album, "Desde Siempre" with the new song "Contra Vientos y Mareas," followed by Cautivo
with hits such as "No Se Por Que", "Te Echo de Menos" and "No Te Preocupes Por Mi."
Chayanne’s 13th album Mi Tiempo
was released on April 2007. The album debuted at No. 2 on the Top Latin Album chart selling 17,000 copies in its first week of release. The first single off the album "Si Nos Quedará Poco Tiempo" reached No. 1 on the Hot Latin Tracks chart.
Following the album's release, Chayanne began an international tour to promote Mi Tiempo. Among the places visited early in the tour were Mexico, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru and the United States. On August 24, 2008, he began a series of presentations in Spain. When interviewed he noted that the concert would be fluid "like a musical", and "More Latin" than his previous presentations, being composed of "more pop, Brazilian, Caribbean and reggae rhythms" which he would use to "dance constantly".
He also gave a special performance in Miss Universe 2003 pageant.
On November 3, Chayanne released a new single titled "Me Enamoré de Ti", serving as the theme song for the 2009 soap opera "Corazon Salvaje". This single is featured in Chayanne's 2010 release, No Hay Imposibles
.
. More recently, he has received several offers for acting jobs, but he has declined most of them for conflicting with his musical career, which he considers his priority.
In 1998, Chayanne played the role of a young Cuban dancer in Dance with Me opposite Vanessa L. Williams. The film was directed by Randa Haines.
In 1994 he played himself in Volver a empezar
along with Yuri
. That same year, he also starred in Linda Sara
opposite former Miss Universe
, Dayanara Torres
. The film was written and directed by famous Puerto Rican Jacobo Morales
. More recently he has starred in other projects like the Argentine soap opera Provócame, for which he made the soundtrack of the same name.
In 2008, Chayanne played the title role in a television series titled Gabriel: Amor Inmortal, who is a vampire
. To familiarize himself with the concept he adopted a different daily schedule, sleeping during the day and working at night. He noted that the production wanted to "make things look as real as possible", but that the adaptation process was hard. The series debuted on September 28, 2008, on Mega TV.
in Dance with Me
. He also made a guest appearance on Ally McBeal
.
Puerto Rican people
A Puerto Rican is a person who was born in Puerto Rico.Puerto Ricans born and raised in the continental United States are also sometimes referred to as Puerto Ricans, although they were not born in Puerto Rico...
Latin pop
Latin pop
Latin pop generally refers to pop music that has what may be perceived a Latin American influence...
singer and actor. As a solo artist, Chayanne has released 21 solo-albums and sold over 20 million albums worldwide.
Early life
Elmer Figueroa Arce was born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, but moved with his family as a child to San LorenzoSan Lorenzo, Puerto Rico
San Lorenzo is a municipality of Puerto Rico located in the eastern central region, north of Patillas and Yabucoa; south of Gurabo; east of Caguas and Cayey; and west of Juncos and Las Piedras. San Lorenzo is spread over ten wards and San Lorenzo Pueblo...
on 29 June 1968. He was the third of five siblings. After the birth of two more siblings the family moved to San Lorenzo in the southeast part of the island (called El Pueblo de los Samaritanos - The Town of Samaritans - or La Tierra de las Leyendas - The Land of Legends). This is his home, where he frequently returns to visit his family. Elmer Figueroa became Chayanne while still a child; a nickname that was given to him by his mother after a favorite television series of the 1960s, Cheyenne.
Career with Los Chicos
In the late 70s, he auditioned for MenudoMenudo (band)
Menudo was a Puerto Rican boy band that was formed in the 1970s by producer Edgardo Díaz, releasing their first album in 1977. The band achieved much success, especially during the 1980s, becoming the most popular Latin American teen musical group of the era....
, but he was told at the time that he was too young to be in the group. He became part of another group, Los Chicos
Los Chicos
Los Chicos was a popular boy band in Puerto Rico, created to rival Menudo's success.The band was created by Eric Laboy in 1978 to 1985, with the name Encuentro. Due to a political campaign slogan, the name was changed to Los Chicos, which translates to The Kids. They enjoyed huge success during the...
, who made several #4 hits, including "Puerto Rico Son Los Chicos" and Ave María.
Solo artist
After Los Chicos separated in 1984, Chayanne began his career as a solo artist. He signed with RCA AriolaRCA
RCA Corporation, founded as the Radio Corporation of America, was an American electronics company in existence from 1919 to 1986. The RCA trademark is currently owned by the French conglomerate Technicolor SA through RCA Trademark Management S.A., a company owned by Technicolor...
and released his first album, Chayanne es mi Nombre, that year. His second album with RCA, Sangre Latina was released in 1986.
Hot Latin Songs
Hot Latin Songs is a record chart published by Billboard magazine. It is often recognized as the most important music chart for Spanish language Latin music in the American music market. It was established by the magazine on September 6, 1986 with La Guirnalda by Rocío Dúrcal being the first song...
, the ballad "Peligro de Amor" written by Michael Sullivan and Paulo Massadas and a song that would cement him as an overall performer, the upbeat dance track "Fiesta en America" written by Honorio Herrero.
In 1988, Chayanne released the eponymous second self-titled album, Chayanne
Chayanne (1988 album)
- Album :- Singles :...
. This album included several hit singles such as Honorio Herrero's "Tu Pirata Soy Yo", José María Cano's "Fuiste un Trozo de Hielo en la Escarcha" and "Este Ritmo Se Baila Así", composed by Pierre-Edouard Decimus, Jacob Desvarieux and Roberto Livi. At the same time, Chayanne became a spokesperson for Pepsi
Pepsi
Pepsi is a carbonated soft drink that is produced and manufactured by PepsiCo...
, with the airing of the first Spanish speaking advertising spot broadcasted on national television coast to coast during the 1989 Grammy Awards telecast.
In 1990 he released the album Tiempo de Vals, featuring some of his best-selling singles such as the title track, composed by José María Cano, "Completamente Enamorados", composed by Piero Cassano, Adelio Cogliati and Eros Ramazzotti
Eros Ramazzotti
Eros Luciano Walter Ramazzotti , known simply as Eros Ramazzotti, is an Italian singer and songwriter. Ramazzotti is enormously popular in Italy, and is well known in most non-English-speaking European countries and in the Spanish-speaking world, as he has released most of his albums in both...
and "Daría Cualquier Cosa", composed by Luis Gómez Escolar and Julio Seijas. He followed it with the album whose title track would eventually become Chayanne's signature song
Signature song
A signature song is the one song that a popular and well-established singer or band is most closely identified with or best known for, even if they have had success with a variety of songs...
, Provocame (1992). That album also featured the hit El Centro de mi Corazon (#1 U.S. Hot Latin, 1992). Two years later, he released the album Influencias (1994), which was a tribute to some of his musical influences. In 1996, he released Volver a Nacer.
In 1998, he received his second Grammy nomination with the album Atado a Tu Amor, which featured his first #1 hit since 1992, "Dejaria Todo" as well as a long-lasting hit in the title track. The hot streak continued in 2000 when Chayanne released Simplemente
Simplemente (Chayanne album)
Simplemente is the tenth album by Puerto Rican singer Chayanne. It was released by Sony on October 3, 2000 .On February 6, 2001, this album was released with two bonus tracks....
with the top-ten hit "Candela" and the number-one hit "Yo Te Amo." In 2002, he released "Grandes Exitos," a greatest hits album with a few new tracks. One of those new tracks, "Y Tu Te Vas," was the number-one song of the summer in 2002. The next year, Chayanne released Sincero
Sincero
-Credits:The information form Allmusic.*Estéfano — Producer*Rey Sanchez — Producer*Rene Toledo — Producer*Luis Fernando Ochoa — Producer*Patty Bolívar — Executive producer*Mauricio Gasca — Arranger, Programming, Engineer*Vlado Meller — Mastering...
which featured two number-one songs, "Un Siglo Sin Ti" and "Cuidarte el Alma". In 2005, he did a tour along with Mexican
Mexican people
Mexican people refers to all persons from Mexico, a multiethnic country in North America, and/or who identify with the Mexican cultural and/or national identity....
Alejandro Fernández
Alejandro Fernández
Alejandro Fernández is a Mexican singer. Nicknamed as "El Potrillo" by the media and his fans, he has sold over 20 million albums worldwide. Alejandro is the son of the ranchera singer Vicente Fernández. He originally specialized in traditional, earthy forms of Mexican folk music, such as...
and fellow Puerto Rican
Puerto Rican people
A Puerto Rican is a person who was born in Puerto Rico.Puerto Ricans born and raised in the continental United States are also sometimes referred to as Puerto Ricans, although they were not born in Puerto Rico...
Marc Anthony
Marc Anthony
Marc Anthony is an American singer-songwriter, actor and producer. Anthony is the top selling tropical salsa artist of all time. The two-time Grammy and three-time Latin Grammy–winner has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide. He is best known for his Latin salsa numbers and ballads...
. That same year, he released two albums. First, a second greatest hits album, "Desde Siempre" with the new song "Contra Vientos y Mareas," followed by Cautivo
Cautivo
-Personnel:*Carlos Alvarez - Mezcla*Gustavo Arenas - Arranger, Keyboards, Producer, Programming*Carlos Bedoya - Engineer*Manny Benito - Vocal Director*Claudia Brant - Composer*Richard Bravo - Percussion*Ed Calle - Saxophone*Jorge Casas - Bajos...
with hits such as "No Se Por Que", "Te Echo de Menos" and "No Te Preocupes Por Mi."
Chayanne’s 13th album Mi Tiempo
Mi tiempo (album)
-Personnel:*Chayanne, Vocals*Sebastián de Peyrecave, Guitar , Percussion, Arranger, Drums, Guitar , Organ , Programming, Producer, Engineer, Mixing...
was released on April 2007. The album debuted at No. 2 on the Top Latin Album chart selling 17,000 copies in its first week of release. The first single off the album "Si Nos Quedará Poco Tiempo" reached No. 1 on the Hot Latin Tracks chart.
Following the album's release, Chayanne began an international tour to promote Mi Tiempo. Among the places visited early in the tour were Mexico, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru and the United States. On August 24, 2008, he began a series of presentations in Spain. When interviewed he noted that the concert would be fluid "like a musical", and "More Latin" than his previous presentations, being composed of "more pop, Brazilian, Caribbean and reggae rhythms" which he would use to "dance constantly".
He also gave a special performance in Miss Universe 2003 pageant.
On November 3, Chayanne released a new single titled "Me Enamoré de Ti", serving as the theme song for the 2009 soap opera "Corazon Salvaje". This single is featured in Chayanne's 2010 release, No Hay Imposibles
No Hay Imposibles
-Reception:David Jeffries of Allmusic gave the album a 3.5 out of 5 star rating who felt the album is "still filled with the enthusiasm and conviction" despite the lack of originality by the artist.-Charts:-Sales and certifications:-See also:...
.
Acting career
In the 1980s, Chayanne participated in several soap operas and starred in the comedy series "Generaciones" with Luis Antonio RiveraLuis Antonio Rivera
Luis Antonio Rivera a.k.a. "Yoyo Boing" is a comedian, actor and television show host, who was also one of the pioneers of Puerto Rican television.-Early years:...
. More recently, he has received several offers for acting jobs, but he has declined most of them for conflicting with his musical career, which he considers his priority.
In 1998, Chayanne played the role of a young Cuban dancer in Dance with Me opposite Vanessa L. Williams. The film was directed by Randa Haines.
In 1994 he played himself in Volver a empezar
Volver a empezar (television)
Volver A Empezar is a popular Mexican telenovela of the 1990s, filled with action, intrigue and light hearted moments....
along with Yuri
Yuri (Mexican singer)
Yuri is a famous Mexican singer, actress, and TV host. She has maintained a significant presence in the entertainment business in Mexico for the last three decades...
. That same year, he also starred in Linda Sara
Linda Sara
Linda Sara is a Puerto Rican film directed by Jacobo Morales and starring singer Chayanne and former Miss Universe Dayanara Torres. The film was released in 1994.-Cast:* Dayanara Torres - Young Sara* Chayanne - Young Alejandro* Daniel Lugo - Gustavo...
opposite former Miss Universe
Miss Universe
Miss Universe is an annual international beauty contest that is run by the Miss Universe Organization. The pageant is the most publicized beauty contest in the world with 600 million viewers....
, Dayanara Torres
Dayanara Torres
Dayanara Torres Delgado is a Puerto Rican actress, singer, model, and former Miss Universe.Torres was discovered at age 17 while walking through the Plaza de Toa Alta in her hometown, and was invited to represent Toa Alta in the annual Miss Puerto Rico pageant. She won the pageant and the right...
. The film was written and directed by famous Puerto Rican Jacobo Morales
Jacobo Morales
Jacobo Morales is an auteur, whom many consider to be the most influential film director in Puerto Rico's history.-Life and career:...
. More recently he has starred in other projects like the Argentine soap opera Provócame, for which he made the soundtrack of the same name.
In 2008, Chayanne played the title role in a television series titled Gabriel: Amor Inmortal, who is a vampire
Vampire
Vampires are mythological or folkloric beings who subsist by feeding on the life essence of living creatures, regardless of whether they are undead or a living person...
. To familiarize himself with the concept he adopted a different daily schedule, sleeping during the day and working at night. He noted that the production wanted to "make things look as real as possible", but that the adaptation process was hard. The series debuted on September 28, 2008, on Mega TV.
English-language roles
In 1998, he starred in his first Hollywood role, playing a Cuban dancer along with Vanessa L. WilliamsVanessa L. Williams
Vanessa Lynn Williams is an American pop-R&B recording artist, producer, dancer, model, actress and showgirl. In 1983, she became the first woman of African-American descent to be crowned Miss America, but a scandal generated by her having posed for nude photographs published in Penthouse magazine...
in Dance with Me
Dance with Me (film)
Dance with Me is a 1998 drama film on love and dance directed by Randa Haines and starring Vanessa L. Williams and Puerto Rican singer Chayanne.-Plot:...
. He also made a guest appearance on Ally McBeal
Ally McBeal
Ally McBeal is an American legal comedy-drama series which aired on the Fox network from 1997 to 2002. The series was created by David E. Kelley, who also served as the executive producer, along with Bill D'Elia...
.
Personal life
Chayanne lives in Miami and is married to a lawyer, attorney and former Venezuelan beauty queen Marilisa Maronesse. They have two children - Lorenzo Valentino and Isadora Sofia.Actor
- 2010: Tangled (Film) .... Flynn Rider (Voice in Spanish )
- 2008: Gabriel .... Gabriel Marquez (10 episodes, 2008)
- 2008: Premios Billboard de la música latina (TV)
- 2004: La niñera
- 2001: Provócame .... Pedro Balmaceda-Linares Duncan
- 2001: Ally McBealAlly McBealAlly McBeal is an American legal comedy-drama series which aired on the Fox network from 1997 to 2002. The series was created by David E. Kelley, who also served as the executive producer, along with Bill D'Elia...
.... Sam Adams (2 episodes) "Hats Off to Larry" "Mr. Bo" - 1998: Dance with MeDance with Me (film)Dance with Me is a 1998 drama film on love and dance directed by Randa Haines and starring Vanessa L. Williams and Puerto Rican singer Chayanne.-Plot:...
.... Rafael Infante - 1997: Siempre piel canela (TV) .... Singer
- 1996: Al compas de un sentimiento .... Singer
- 1994: Linda SaraLinda SaraLinda Sara is a Puerto Rican film directed by Jacobo Morales and starring singer Chayanne and former Miss Universe Dayanara Torres. The film was released in 1994.-Cast:* Dayanara Torres - Young Sara* Chayanne - Young Alejandro* Daniel Lugo - Gustavo...
.... Young Alejandro - 1994: Volver a Empezar.... Chayanne (Himself)
- 1986: Pobre juventud
Discography
- 2010: No Hay ImposiblesNo Hay Imposibles-Reception:David Jeffries of Allmusic gave the album a 3.5 out of 5 star rating who felt the album is "still filled with the enthusiasm and conviction" despite the lack of originality by the artist.-Charts:-Sales and certifications:-See also:...
- 2008: Chayanne: VivoChayanne: VivoChayanne: Vivo is the first live album by Puerto Rican singer Chayanne.The earliest songs from this album are from Provócame .- Track listing :#Y Tú Te Vas#Yo Te Amo #No Te Preocupes Por Mi#Caprichosa#Tengo Miedo...
(live) - 2007: Mi TiempoMi tiempo (album)-Personnel:*Chayanne, Vocals*Sebastián de Peyrecave, Guitar , Percussion, Arranger, Drums, Guitar , Organ , Programming, Producer, Engineer, Mixing...
- 2005: CautivoCautivo-Personnel:*Carlos Alvarez - Mezcla*Gustavo Arenas - Arranger, Keyboards, Producer, Programming*Carlos Bedoya - Engineer*Manny Benito - Vocal Director*Claudia Brant - Composer*Richard Bravo - Percussion*Ed Calle - Saxophone*Jorge Casas - Bajos...
- 2005: Desde SiempreDesde SiempreDesde Siempre is the second compilation album by Puerto Rican singer Chayanne, which was released on March 29, 2005.-Album information:Unlike of his previous compilation album Grandes Éxitos, this album is a collection of Chayanne ballads with a new song "Contra Vientos y Mareas" by Franco De...
- 2003: SinceroSincero-Credits:The information form Allmusic.*Estéfano — Producer*Rey Sanchez — Producer*Rene Toledo — Producer*Luis Fernando Ochoa — Producer*Patty Bolívar — Executive producer*Mauricio Gasca — Arranger, Programming, Engineer*Vlado Meller — Mastering...
- 2002: Grandes ÉxitosGrandes Éxitos (Chayanne album)Grandes Éxitos is the first greatest hits album by Puerto Rican singer Chayanne, which was released in 2002 . In this album Chayanne featured three new songs, "Y Tú Te Vas", "Torero" and "Quisiera Ser"...
(hits new and remix) - 2000: SimplementeSimplemente (Chayanne album)Simplemente is the tenth album by Puerto Rican singer Chayanne. It was released by Sony on October 3, 2000 .On February 6, 2001, this album was released with two bonus tracks....
- 1998: Atado a Tu AmorAtado a Tu AmorAtado a Tu Amor is the ninth album by Puerto Rican singer Chayanne released on September 28, 1998 . It received a nomination for a Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album.-Album history:...
- 1996: Volver a NacerVolver a Nacer-Charts:-Sales and certifications:...
- 1994: InfluenciasInfluenciasInfluencias is an album by Puerto Rican singer Chayanne released in 1994. The album is a tribute to several artists which have influenced Chayanne through his life.-Tracklisting:...
- 1992: ProvócameProvócame- Chart performance :...
- 1990: Tiempo de ValsTiempo de ValsTiempo de Vals is the fifth album by Chayanne released in 1990. The album was the third released on the Sony Music label, and featured successful singles four singles that reach on Billboards Hot Latin Tracks chart: "Completamente Enamorados" , "Daría Cualquier Cosa", "Simon Sez" Tiempo de Vals ...
- 1988: ChayanneChayanne (1988 album)- Album :- Singles :...
(II) - 1987: Chayanne (I)
- 1986: Sangre Latina
- 1984: Es Mi Nombre
External links
See also
- List of famous Puerto Ricans