Danny Rivera is one of the last political activists of his generation, his music style has influenced music style in Puerto Rico and beyond.
The national voice of Puerto Rico is a perfect description of his music career and political activism. he drew inspiration from rich Puerto Rican music and merged it to Latin pop even though it was not common.
Growing up in a neighborhood where music was most people’s daily bread, Danny chose to be different. He made his voice count in issues that affected his people and pushed for social justice.
Never shying away from the murky waters of speaking out, his legacy will always be timeless.
Danny Rivera Biography
Danny Rivera was born on 27 February 1945 in San Juan and has a music career that has spanned more than 5 decades. Born of humble origins he never stooped to the level of his humble background but sprang himself to national stardom. He is currently 79 years old.
He was once married to supermodel Alexandra Malagon, they married in 1988 but the marriage did not survive time and it ended in a divorce. It is not known whether the union produced children or not since he does not discuss it.
Danny remains one of the most successful Puerto Rican musicians. He has acquired a net worth of $18 million over the many decades he has spent in music.
1. He Began Singing At An Evangelical Choir
His singing experiences can be traced to his time in the evangelical choir with roles in the chorus. This deep love of music stems from his time in the choir which will later be the foundation of a lifelong musical career.
2. Danny Rivera And The Big Band
By the 1960s the Bigband was a thing of the day because Danny found his breakthrough singing in the big band in 1968.
In the spirit of the time, he was the revelation of the year in one of the televised Popularity Festival where he showcased his musical talent.
Danny has remained one of the popular televised artists.
3. From Debut Amor Amor To Popular Hits
His first debut record, Amor Amor was in 1968 with The Clean Cuts leading to the successful recording of many Hit songs.
He later went on to record songs like Porque yo te amo, and two of his career defining songs Tu pueblos es mi pueblo and Amada Amante. Among his popular hits are Mi Pueblo and Jesucristo Mi Viejo.
To date, he has recorded 70 albums over a period of 50 years.
In an interview on Latin Music Café, he considers his achievement a rehearsal period. He learns and keeps improving using his voice.
4. Danny Rivera And The Bolero Style Of Music
He stands out among other musical artists with a unique music style.
After years of hard work, he and Nelson Gonzalez finished work on the classical bolero.
The duo went on to get their names placed on the Latin American songbook with their song Obsesion, released on 25 March 2014.
Danny has explained that the Bolero is a music of the soul that tells the History of our most intimate feelings.
5. He Acquired Dominican Citizenship
Danny’s social activism does not end in Puerto Rico, it has gone beyond its shores to other countries like Cuba and the Dominican Republic.
In 2008, he was naturalized as a citizen of the Dominican Republic in recognition of his social activism with the people of Dajaos.
These people are found on both sides of the Dominican and Haitian border.
The ceremony for his naturalization was held at Santo Domingo in 2008.
It was a moment of remembrance for a lifetime of demanding social change.
6. Danny Rivera Is The Only Puerto Rican At Carnegie Hall
From 1979 to date Danny had recognition at Carnegie Hall for his musical works. In consecutive order, he featured in 1979, 1989,1999, and 2010.
7. Why Was He In Prison?
He trespassed on military grounds as a protest against the US Navy occupation of Vieques, a Puerto Rican Island.
In 2001 this led to his imprisonment at a Federal prison in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.
His month-long prison sentence was fruitful, it led to the publication of the book Enamorado de la Pas: Diario en la Carcel Federal.
The title translates as In Love With Peace: A Diary at the Federal prison in 2002
While in prison, he wrote a lot of songs and poems. He spent 30 days in prison.
8. Danny Rivera Had A Trademark Look
Danny Rivera was one of the first public figures to sport an earring in Puerto Rico. This trademark look was part of him for many years as he was recognizable with this.
9. His Other collaborations
From the beginning of his music career, he has collaborated with other public figures and music greats at different points in time.
He and Nelson Gonzales had one of the greatest collaborations by working over a period of 12 years to perfect a style.
Gonzales was the musical producer of the Obsesion album.
Danny has collaborated with Will Smith, Julio Iglesias, and Placido Domingo.
10. Peace Without Borders, A Concert To Showcase Cuba
He was part of the concert held in Cuba to show how far Cuba had come. It was a defining moment for him and other artists who participated, for instance, it showed another side of Cuba to the world.
Over a million Cubans came out en masse to support the movement, most wore white over white. It remains one of the biggest Latin music events ever.
Where Is Danny Rivera Now?
He is currently 76 years old and alive, his last album Romanza released in 2013. Danny Rivera still participates in concerts to spread the message of his music.
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