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RMM Records, also known as RMM Records & Video Corp, was an independent Latin music record label based in New York City. In 1972, a Fania Records promoter Ralph Mercado established RMM Management, an artist management and booking agency and soon after, in 1987, RMM Records was founded. Recording, promoting and touring artists recorded for the label throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, over 14 years of seasoned and new talented tropical music stars which included Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Oscar D'León, Eddie Palmieri, Cheo Feliciano, Ismael Miranda, José Alberto 'El Canario', Tony Vega, Tito Nieves, Johnny Rivera, Ray Sepúlveda, Domingo Quiñones, Miles Peña, Orquesta Guayacan, Conjunto Clasico, Manny Manuel, the New York Band, Marc Anthony, and Linda Caballero known as La India. The label also recorded the Fania All-Stars, a group of singers and studio musicians from the heyday of Fania Records, the powerhouse salsa label from the 1960s and 1970s. Other talented and famed artists were musical directors, pianists, producers, and arrangers Sergio George and Isidro Infante.

The firm focused on salsa, Latin jazz, and merengue music and re-inventing the New York sound of Latin music for nearly a decade and a half, generating an impressive rosters of artists for the record label during the its peak in the 1990s. And to manage all of it, RMM Records employed 55 staff members and had distribution deals in 42 cities around the world, and occupying 9,000 square feet in two floors at its SoHo headquarters.

Financial circumstances encountered, led RMM to file for bankruptcy in November 2000, and subsequently sold its assets to Universal Music Group, according to the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York^[1] -- and as noted on article by Mireya Navarro|NYTimes on June 7, 2001^[2] -- unpaid royalties, and a lawsuit settlement of $7.7 million by Glenn Monroig, singer-songwriter and the son of a well-known Puerto Rican balladeer, Gilberto Monroig—worth $11 million plus interest, causing the end of the great Ralph Mercado's RMM Records empire. On June 25, 2001, Universal Music Group^[3] (UMG) and RMM Records (RMM) jointly announced the acquisition by Universal of RMM’s assets which comprise one of the most well-respected tropical music catalogs in the industry as well as the future recordings by artists presently signed to the label. The transaction has been approved as part of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy sale subject to the entry of an order by the United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of New York. Ralph Mercado bounces back to promotions according to Billboard magazine^[4] dated September 1, 2001.

Founder[link]

Ralph Mercado Jr. (September 29, 1941 – March 10, 2009) was born in Brooklyn to a Puerto Rican mother and Dominican father, Mr. Mercado began in the music business as a teenager, organizing parties and dances as president of a neighborhood social club. In the 1960s, he promoted R & B and soul artists like James Brown and twinned them with Latin artists like Mongo Santamaria. In the 1980s-1990s, Mercado was a promoter of Latin American music — Latin Jazz, Latin rock, merengue and salsa — establishing a network of businesses that included promoting concerts, managing artists, Radio Mundo Musical (RMM) as gigantic as the Fania Records label.

National Director of Publicity[link]

Debra A. Mercado^[5], National Director of Publicity, beginning in the early 1990s, was in charge of public relations for five enterprises -- RMM (Management); RMM Records and Video Corp., Ralph Mercado Presents and two publishing companies - Caribbean Waves Music (ASCAP) and Crossing Borders Music Inc. (BMI) -- as well as overseeing international promotional generated by RMM International.

Promotions[link]

Nelson Rodríguez^[6] had been the General Manager of the Record Division followed by the National VP of Promotions & Marketing for RMM Records & Videos Corporation^[7] until 2000.

Nelson Rodríguez[1]

At RMM, Rodríguez multi-tasked helping to develop 32 international markets for sales distribution and promotional events, as well as spear headed all major national promotions for label artists, consulting and assisting Marketing, Sales & Publicity and efficiently organizing all night clubs and record pool promotions to maximize artist exposure. Rodríguez along with his well seasoned team managed to take the firm to another level, in part with his prior experience as North East Director of Promotions & Sales at TH Records, during the 1980s, later TH-Rodven Records (also known as Rodven Records), that was the #1 Salsa record label in the 1980s with Frankie Ruiz, Oscar D'León, Eddie Santiago, Lalo Rodriguez, Andy Montañez.

Rodríguez held this position at RMM for nine years representing superb acts such as Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Eddie Palmieri, Oscar D'León, Giovanni Hidalgo, Michel Camilo while breaking in new artists such as Marc Anthony, La India and Michael Stuart.

Familia RMM Recordings[link]

• Combinación Perfecta 1993
• Tropical Tribute to The Beatles 1996
• Recordando a Selena 1996
• En Vivo^{[disambiguation needed ]} 1994 (recorded at Miami Arena, July 1993)
• European Explosion 1996 (recorded at Cannes, February 1995)

Artists[link]

• Tony Vega
• Van Lester
• Ray Sepúlveda
• Jesús Enríquez
• Guianko (also known as Yanko)
• Louie Ramirez
• Ray De La Paz
• 3-2 Get Funky
• Tito Puente
• Humberto Ramírez
• Cheo Feliciano
• Miles Peña
• Vanessa
• Isidro Infante & La Elite
• José Alberto "El Canario"
• Tito Nieves
• Celia Cruz
• Giovanny Hidalgo
• Orquesta de la Luz (Co-Distributed by BMG Victor Japan)
• Pete "El Conde" Rodríguez
• Guayacán Orquesta
• Michael Stuart
• Ismael Miranda
• Antonio Cartagena
• Corinne
• Kevin Ceballo
• Johnny Rivera
• Oscar D'León
• Luis Perico Ortíz
• Marc Anthony
• Manny Manuel
• Frankie Morales
• La India
• Domingo Quiñones
• Los Hermanos Moreno
• Ray Perdomo
• Grupo Caneo
• Eddie Palmieri
• The New York Band
• Johnny Almendra & Los Jovenes del Barrio
• Robert Avellanet
• Lisandro Mesa
• Descarga Boricua
• Limi-T 21
• Matecaña Orquesta
• Fernando Echavarría y La familia André
• Sin Limite^{[disambiguation needed ]}
• Willy Rivera
• Charlie Sepulveda
• Rubén Sierra
• Yorman
• Yari Moré
• Jerry Galante
• Issac Delgado
• Dave Valentin
• Chamy Solano
• Grupo Raices
• Puerto Rico All Stars
• Aramis Camilo
• Marcos Caminero
• Monchy
• Ravel
• Cuco Valoy
• Mickey Perfecto
• Jandy Feliz
• Tres Equis
• Aníbal Bravo
• Vivanativa
• La Misma Gente
• Paymasi
• Cesar Flores
• July Mateo "Rasputín"
• Los Nietos y Sergio Hernández
• Aleo
• Wichy Camacho
• Angelito Villalona
• Grupo Heavy
• Alberto Barros
• Henry Rosario
• Michel Camilo
• Deddie Romero
• Jerry Medina
• Raul Paz
• Hilton Ruiz
• Fausto Rey
• Antonio Cabán Vale "El Topo"
• K´stalia y Los Salchichas
• He´Pepo
• Cali Alemán
• Aleo
• Checo Acosta
• Alto Voltaje
• Andrés Mercedes
• Azucarado
• Lucecita Benítez
• Celinés
• Cherito
• Chrissy
• Conexión Salsera
• El Combo Show
• Bobby Cruz
• Paquito D’Rivera
• DJ Karlos
• Freddie Gerardo
• Pancho Gómez
• Grupo ABC
• Grupo Mandarina
• José Octavio
• La Artillería
• La Orquesta Joven
• Latino Man
• Los Bravos
• Jesse Márquez
• Luisito Martí
• Johan Minaya
• Glen Monroig
• Nettai Tropical Jazz Big Band
• José Nogueras
• Nora
• Orchestra 7
• Mickey Perfecto
• Millie Puente
• Sandy Reyes
• Roc & Kato
• Kike Santana
• Super Cuban All Stars
• José Manuel Taveras
• Juan Pablo Torres
• Charlie Valens
• Wellington
• Yolanda Duke
• Familia RMM
• TropiJazz All-Stars
• Sergio George

RMM labels[link]

• SOHO Latino
• Sonero Discos
• RMM International
• TropiJazz
• Merengazo
• RMM Rocks

See also[link]

• List of record labels

References[link]

Cruz Manuel Hernández Santiago (born December 1, 1972), known artistically as Manny Manuel, is a Puerto Rican singer of merengue, boleros, and tropical music. He became famous first as a member of the group Los Sabrosos del Merengue, before launching a successful solo career in 1994.

Early life[link]

Manny Manuel was born in the mountain town of Orocovis, Puerto Rico. He studied elementary and high school in the José Rojas Cortés School at his hometown. Since a young age, he started presenting himself in talent shows and other musical activities. He later joined the group Tempo Merenguero, and subsequently became a vocalist and choreographer for the merengue duo of Mayra y Celinés.

Musical career[link]

After several years, Manuel joined the group Los Sabrosos del Merengue, debuting with the hit song "Fiera Callada". After the success of the song, the group released their first album, Sin Fronteras, featuring Manuel prominently in the lyrics. The album even included a cover version of Rocío Dúrcal's song "Te Amo". The group continued with their second album titled Haciendo Historia. These included hits like "Colegiala" and "Frente a Frente", among others.

Soloist career[link]

After recording these two albums with Los Sabrosos, Manuel decided to pursue a solo career. In June 1994, Manuel left the group and on October 1 of the same year debuted as a solo artist. Several months later, he released his first solo album titled Rey de Corazones. The album was certified platinum after a few weeks. With the success of the album, on November, 1995, Manuel presented himself at the Luis A. Ferré Performing Arts Center selling out six shows.

In 1996, he released his second album titled Auténtico followed by concerts at the Guaynabo Performing Arts Center and at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum. The following year, he collaborated with several artists in concerts and albums like:

• Performances with Trío Los Condes, especially the song "Querube".
• Collaboration with Antonio Cabán Vale "El Topo" titled Lo que mi Pueblo Atesora.
• Recording the Salsa song "Payaso" from Raphy Leavitt.
• Release of the album Manuel y el Trío Borínquen comprising traditional boleros.
• Recording the song "Dame la mano y ven" (a Spanish version of the Beatles hit song "I Wanna Hold Your Hand") for the album Tropical Tribute to the Beatles.
• Performances of several of Bobby Capó's hits for the album Siempre Piel Canela released by Banco Popular.

2000-present[link]

Manuel released his next album titled Es Mi Tiempo in 1998 which included the hits "Como duele", "Margarita", and a cover of Alejandro Sanz' song "Corazón partío". The album took him on a tour through Spain where the album was certified gold. His next album, Lleno de Vida, preceded a second presentation at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum. This concert was recorded and later released on CD.

After a change of labels and a move to the United States, Manuel released the album Serenata in 2003, which included covers of traditional romantic songs. The album sold over 100,000 and Manuel followed it with yet another presentation at the Coliseum in 2004. For this album, he was also nominated for a Latin Grammy.

In 2007, he released another album, Tengo Tanto, which included fusions of merengue with other Caribbean rhythms like vallenato. Manuel was one of several artists selected to perform in "KQ Live Concert" on September 27, 2008, organized by KQ 105 FM, the event included several renowned artists from Puerto Rico and other Latin American locations.^[1]

Accident and Controversy (2011-2012)[link]

In December 29, 2011 a bloody and seriously injured Manny Manuel was found by the side of the Baldorioty de Castro Avenue in San Juan, Puerto Rico in critical condition after witnesses claim he was a victim of a hit and run by an unidentified vehicle. Further investigations are now revealing this could not have been an accident, but an intentional attack against the singer. Investigations are currently being conducted in order to clarify the latest developments.

Discography[link]

• Especialmente Para Ti! (1994)
• Rey de Corazones (1995)
• Auténtico (1996)
• Es Mi Tiempo (1998)
• Lleno de Vida (1999)
• Manny Manuel (2002)
• Serenata (2003)
• Nostalgia (2004)
• Tengo Tanto (2007)
• Rayando el Sol (2010)

See also[link]

• List of famous Puerto Ricans

References[link]

External links[link]

• Manny Manuel Website - Universal Music Latino
• MySpace Official Artist
• Facebook Official Artist
• Twitter Official Artist
• Biography at Fundación para la Cultura Popular
• Biography by Patricia Maldonado
• Biography at LaHiguera.net

This biographical article needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately, especially if potentially libelous or harmful. (November 2006)

Domingo Quiñones is a singer of salsa music. He is also a composer, producer and actor.

Domingo Quinones was born on August 9, 1963 in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. When he was four years old he moved to Puerto Rico with his parents and lived in Ceiba. He returned to New York City in 1977. He began his career there six years later with the Conjunto Nativo. He also performed with other groups, including the orchestra of Rafael de Jesús, with José Alberto "El Canario", with Johnny Rodriguez and the Conjunto Clásico.

In 1985 he replaced Roberto Lugo in the orchestra of Luis "Perico" Ortiz with whom he recorded four albums, including La vida en broma (1985), In Tradition (1986) and Perico (1987). He then sang for a time with Louie Ramirez and Roberto Roena.

In 1990, he signed as a solo artist with RMM^[1] and released his first solo album: Domingo es mi nombre. After joining Tito Puente on his 100th record,^[2] Quiñones released his second solo album Pintando Lunas. That album included a duet entitled "Dos Amigos" with Tony Vega and a salsa version of the song "Crazy for You" which proved his great versatility.

This was followed by six additional recordings with RMM. His 1996 album, "Mi Meta", included the single "Tu Como Estas" ("How are you"), his first #1 single on the Latin Tropical Airplay chart.^[3] The follow-up album, "Se necesita un milagro", selected as one of the most influential albums by the National Foundation for Popular Culture of Puerto Rico. Among his many popular songs was "Mi Negrita Me Espera". The lead single, "No Voy a Dejarte Voy" ("I'm not letting you go") became a hit on the Latin Tropical Airplay chart peaking at #2.^[3]

In 1998, he demonstrated his acting abilities in the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar, together with Olga Tañón, Michael Stuart and Tito Auger of the music group Fiel à la Vega. This was followed by playing the role of the legendary singer Héctor Lavoe in the New York play, Quien Mato a Héctor Lavoe? with songs like "La Voz de Siempre". The play and his performance won kudos from the critics including the New York Times, proclaiming that Quiñones captured the very essence of Lavoe's life and music.

He returned to producing music recordings with the release of Poeta y guerrero which included his own compositions. But his acting days were not over yet as he won the role of Sgt. Miller in the movie Héroes de Otra Patria, about Puerto Rican soldiers in the Vietnam War. The film won Honorable Mention in the Festival de Cine de Viña del Mar (Chile) and was the official entry from Puerto Rico in the foreign film category of the 1999 Oscar competition. His more recent film roles included that of a San Juan music promoter in Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthonys 2007 film "El Cantante"

On March 9, 2011 after feeling off in the afternoon, the singer was taken to UPR Hospital where he was later referred to the Rio Piedras Mdical center. It was discovered that Domingo had suffered a mild stroke. He remained alert and retained use of his hands.

References[link]

Tony Vega (born July 13, 1957 in Salinas, Puerto Rico) is a renowned salsa singer and bandleader.

Early years[link]

Vega received his primary education in his hometown. He was born into a family of musicians and therefore learned how to play the bongos and conga at an early age. In 1967, when he was 10 years old, he played the conga for a kids band called "La Prefeida". His family moved to New York City in 1968. In New York, Vega continued to go to school. In his free time however, he played the conga for various local Latin rock bands including "City Trash".^[1]

Latin music was very popular in New York during the 1970s and while Vega played the conga for Latin rock bands, he started to become more and more interested in the afroantillano style of music better known as salsa. He listened to and was influenced by Ismael Rivera, Rafael Cortijo, Rafael Ithier and El Gran Combo.^[2]

La Selecta[link]

In 1978, after he graduated from high school, Vega auditioned and was accepted by "La Selecta" a well known salsa band directed by Raphy Leavitt. He sang with the band and recorded "Cosquillita" (Tickle) "Sheila Taina" and "El Picaflor", which became "hits". In 1980, Vega was doing a show with La Selecta and in the audience was another salsa bandleader, Willie Rosario. Rosario was impressed with Vega and invited him to join his band. He did and participated in many recordings, and from 1981 to 1986, he shared credits with a young singer by the name of Gilberto Santa Rosa. Vega also played an essential role in the recording of "La Nueva Cosecha" (The New Harvest) which was nominated for a Grammy Award. He stayed with Rosario for eight years.^[2]

In 1986, Vega joined the Louie Ramirez band before returning to Puerto Rico. In Puerto Rico, he was introduced to Eddie Palmieri by his friend Giovanni Hidalgo. Palmieri recorded Vega and ended up hiring him because he liked what he heard. Vega participated in the recording of "La Verdad" (The Truth)which won a Grammy for Palmieri. He traveled with the band to Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, and Yugoslavia.^[1]

Solo career[link]

In 1988, Vega formed his own band and recorded "solo" for the first time. His album "Yo me Quedo" (I will stay) became a "hit'. He then followed that with the recording of the album "Lo Mio es Amor" (My thing is Love) which included the songs "Ella" (She) and an English language track "Love is Forever". This album earned him his first Gold Record Award. In 1991, Vega won a Platinum Record Award with the success of his album "Uno Mismo" (Yourself). That year he performed in Venezuela and later went to New York where in Madison Square Garden he participated in Tito Puentes 100th recording "The Mambo King".^[1]

Recognitions[link]

1992 was a very busy year for Vega. He was awarded La Husca Award in Panama and in Puerto Rico won the Golden Agueybana Award for Best Orchestra of the Year. That year Vega and his band performed in Spain, Chile, Colombia and the United States. He was also among a committee sent to Spain by the Government of Puerto Rico to represent the island when it was awarded the Prince of Austria's Award. He performed in the Sports Palace of Madrid.^[2]

In 1996, Vega participated with Marc Anthony in the opening ceremonies of the 7th Gymnastics World Championships celebrated in Puerto Rico.^[1]

Discography[link]

External audio
	You may listen to Tony Vega's "Esa mujer " here.

• Cosquilla
• Sheila Taina
• El Picaflor
• Mi Amigo el Payaso
• Caramelito del Campo
• Busca el Ritmo
• Prohibiciones
• Como es Posible
• El Cuatro
• Yo Me Quedo
• Tu Prenda Tendida
• Nadie te Mando
• Lo mio es Amor
• Ella
• Uno Mismo
• Dame Tiempo
• Ya es tiempo de Olvidar
• Si miras a los Ojos
• Hoy vine a Cantarte
• Tropical Tribute to the Beatles
• La Combinacion Perfecta
• Tu Eres Mi Respirar
• Hoy Quiero Cantarte
• Cuestión de Fé

Currently[link]

Among his most current productions are "Si me mira a los ojos" (If you look into my eyes), "Hoy vine a Cantarte" (Today I came to sing to you), "Tropical Tribute to the Beatles" and "La Combinacion Perfecta" (The Perfect Combination).

Tony Vega continues to perform but, not as often as before. In 1996 he became a "born again Christian".^[1]

See also[link]

	Puerto Rico portal
	Biography portal

• List of famous Puerto Ricans

References[link]

External links[link]

• Popular Culture