Jon Secada

Juan Francisco Secada Ramírez (born October 4, 1961), better known as Jon Secada, is a Cuban-American making him one of the best-selling Latin music artists. His music fuses funk, soul music, pop, and Latin percussion.

Secada has written songs for Gloria Estefan, Ricky Martin, and Jennifer Lopez. He has toured with Luciano Pavarotti and recorded duets with Jim Brickman, Olivia Newton-John, and Frank Sinatra.

Secada has performed several times at A Capitol Fourth, an annual Independence Day concert from the United States Capitol.

Early life Secada was born in 1961 in Havana, Cuba. Secada's father, José, was incarcerated for three years as a political prisoner by the communist Cuban government. In 1971, the Secadas received permission to emigrate and moved to Miami. His parents opened a coffee shop. Secada was raised in Hialeah, Florida.

Education In 1979, Secada graduated from Hialeah Senior High School in Hialeah, Florida. During his performance of A Christmas Carol in 11th grade, he says he realized his musical potential and was encouraged by teachers to pursue music as a career. He graduated cum laude and was later inducted into the Iron Arrow Honor Society, the highest honor bestowed by the University of Miami.

Career

From 1986 to 1991, Secada was a teacher at Miami Dade College.

In 1986, Secada's University of Miami acquaintances introduced him to Emilio Estefan, a musician in Miami Sound Machine and husband of Gloria Estefan. Estefan listened to one of Secada's demos and then became Secada's mentor and manager. This led to Secada becoming a backup singer for Miami Sound Machine. In 1992, he released his self-titled debut album, which sold 7 million copies.

In 2003, he performed in Cabaret. In 2007, he co-wrote three songs, and performed in one, on Lilian Garcia's album ¡Quiero Vivir!.

In 2017, he released a tribute album with cover versions of songs by Benny Moré.

In January 2025, Secada began teaching at the Wertheim School of Music of Florida International University.

Personal life From 1988 to 1993, Secada was married to Jo Pat Cafro. In February 1997, he married Maritere Vilar. The couple has two children.

Secada resides close to the University of Miami, his alma mater, in Coral Gables, Florida.

Secada has created the Jon Secada Music Scholarship at the University of Miami, raised funds for The Recording Academy's effort "Keeping Music in Schools", and supports many initiatives including the Pediatric AIDS Unit at Jackson Memorial Hospital, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Discography

Jon Secada (1992) Otro Día Más Sin Verte (1992) Heart, Soul & a Voice (1994) Si Te Vas (1994) Amor (1995) Secada (1997) Better Part of Me (2000) The Gift (2001) Amanecer (2002) Same Dream (2005) A Christmas Fiesta/Una Fiesta Navideña (2007) Expressions (2009) Classics/Clasicos (2010) Otra Vez (2011) To Beny Moré with Love (2017)

Awards and nominations

2000 "Bella" Most Performed Song

1992 "Coming Out of the Dark"

"Angel"

"Do You Believe in Us" "Just Another Day" 1995 "I'm Free"

1993 Himself Favorite Adult Contemporary New Artist

1993 "Otro Día Más Sin Verte" Song of the Year 2001 "Bella" Award-Winning Song

"Just Another Day"

"Do You Believe in Us" "Angel" "I'm Free"

"Mental Picture"

"If You Go" 1998 "Too Late Too Soon"

2001 "She's All I Ever Had"

1993 Himself Top Adult Contemporary Artist

2001 "Así" Latin Dance Club Play Track

1994 "If You Go" Top Pop Album

Himself Best New Artist

Otro Día Más Sin Verte Best Latin Pop Album 1996 Amor Best Latin Pop Performance

1993 Himself Top Male Artist

2017 To Beny Moré With Love Best Traditional Tropical Album New Pop Artist of the Year Jon Secada Pop Album of the Year "Angel" Pop Song of the Year "Otro Día Más Sin Verte" Video of the Year 1994 Himself Male Artist of the Year, Pop 1995 "Si Te Vas" Video of the Year

Television series Alice's Wonderland Bakery as King of Hearts