Bobby Cruz

Bobby Cruz, known for his pioneering work in boogaloo and salsa, rose to fame in the '60s and '70s as part of the duo with pianist Ricardo Ray. After their success, Cruz shifted his focus to Christianity in the '80s, leading to a hiatus from music. The duo reunited in 1999, incorporating Christian themes into their music and continuing to perform and record, earning accolades such as a Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.

Born in Puerto Rico and raised in New York, Cruz's musical journey began with Ricardo Ray Orchestra in the mid-'60s, marked by hits like "Mr. Trumpet Man." Transitioning to a Christian lifestyle in the '70s, Cruz and Ray continued to release albums, eventually reuniting in 1999 for a successful comeback. Their later music, released under various labels, garnered critical acclaim, culminating in Grammy wins and nominations in the mid-2000s.