Ricky Martin is one of the most successful pop artists in America credited with bringing Latin roots and culture into mainstream American pop music. Some of his greatest hits in both Spanish and English include his debut album titled Ricky Martin and solo hits like Livin La Vida loca, She Bangs and La Copa de la Vida, the latter from his fourth album Vuelve. Ricky`s tryst with fame began as early as he was 6 when he started acting in commercials. He made his debut in the music scene after joining the teen band Menudo. After leaving the band as per the contract on attaining 18 years, he got back to stage and television and worked on his solo music career. His debut album was released in the year 1988 by Sony Discos for which he even undertook a Latin American tour as part of the promotional activities. Eventually, Ricky Martin also won the 1999 Grammy Award in the Best Latin Pop Performance category for his album Vuelve. His acting career saw him in several stage and TV productions like Alcanzar una Estrella, NBC sitcom Getting By, ABC`s General hospital, Broadway production of Les Miserables etc. Apart from his musical career, Ricky Martin has also published his autobiography `Me` in 2010 and has also authored some children`s books. He is also known widely for his philanthropic work that began when his group became UNICEF ambassadors. He is the founder of the Ricky Martin Foundation that fights child exploitation. He is the recipient of a number of humanitarian awards like the 2005 International Humanitarian Award by the International Center for Missing and Exploited Children, ALMA Award, Spirit of Hope Award and so on.