Anthony Cruz

Salsa vocalist Anthony Cruz entered the world in New Jersey, just steps from the bubbling New York salsa circuit. Already at five years old he stood out in talent shows and contests, marked early as a promising sonero. Professional work followed almost immediately when he supplied coro for Pedro Conga y Su Orquesta Internacional and contributed session vocals for Roberto Lugo, Pedro Arroyo, and Mario Ortiz. The Musical Productions label soon signed him, issuing his first solo album, Algo Nuevo, in 1990. That gold-certified effort spawned radio successes such as “Si Supieras” and “Tu Traicion.” His 1993 follow-up, Para Ti, received modest airplay yet fell short of its predecessor’s impact. After a six-year absence from the charts, Cruz’s third, self-titled album returned him to prominence through the popular track “Cuanto Te Amo.” Issued in 1998, Una Vez Mas again drew attention without matching prior sales figures. With limited Stateside support, he concentrated extensive touring throughout Latin America. Remaining loyal to a single label longer than most peers, Cruz delivered two further Musical Productions releases: Un Nuevo Amanecer in 2002 and Para Mi Gente in 2007. The former sustained radio presence across 2003 and 2004 with cuts including “Que Bombon” and “Ven.”