ISM Presents: Victor Manuelle
Celebrating 30 years of the life and music of Victor Manuelle, the Puerto Rican sensation whose soulful voice and passionate music have set hearts ablaze on the global stage.
La Vida De Un Artista (Official Video)
Victor Manuelle
From the Beginning
Víctor Manuelle, born Víctor Manuel Ruiz Velázquez, embraced salsa's rhythms from greats like Fania-Allstars and others. Raised by a salsa-loving father, he soaked in the robust "salsa gorda" tunes of the 70s and 80s. His journey from there defined his iconic music career.
From Isabela to the Big Stage
As a child, he quickly found his great passion: music. Víctor Manuelle recalls that he started singing with amateur orchestras in his hometown of Isabela at a very young age. He was also part of the school band as a trumpeter and continued taking music lessons.
Gilberto Santa Rosa and Victor Manuelle Rehearsing (2023-11-09) by Victor Manuelle/Sony Music LatinInternational Salsa Museum
Meeting His Idol Gilberto Santa Rosa for the 1st time
But his life took a big turn on the day he attended a graduation party, where the headlining orchestra was Gilberto Santa Rosa's, one of the musicians he admired the most.
Victor Manuelle and Gilberto Santa Rosa Rehearsal (2023-11-09) by Victor Manuelle/Sony Music LatinInternational Salsa Museum
Opportunity of a Lifetime
In 1988,Gilberto Santa Rosa changed Víctor's life. Friends mentioned his singing talent to Gilberto during a performance. Unexpectedly, Gilberto brought him onstage, kickstarting his career. Impressed, Gilberto recommended him to Don Perignon, setting Víctor on his salsa journey.
How It Started
Gilberto Santa Rosa and Don Perignon give Victor Manuelle an opportunity.
Video of Victor Manuelle performing with Don Perignon.
New Life Chapter
From then on, and for five years, Víctor Manuelle lent his voice to important orchestras of the time, performing alongside Marvin Santiago, Tito Allen, Adalberto Santiago, Domingo Quiñones, and Ray Ruiz, among others.
Victor Manuelle Gaining Experience
Once introduced to Domingo Quiñones and other artists Victor started performing a lot more and worked on developing his artistry.
Victor Manuelle Signing Autographs (2023-11-09) by Victor Manuelle/Sony Music LatinInternational Salsa Museum
Solo Debut
In 1993, his big opportunity arose: to start his solo career under the Sony Tropical Record Label. The significant solo debut happened with the album "Justo a Tiempo," for which his musical mentor, Gilberto Santa Rosa, served as the producer.
Victor Manuelle Concert fans (2023-11-09) by Victor Manuelle/Sony Music LatinInternational Salsa Museum
The album "Justo a Tiempo" had a significant impact on Víctor Manuelle's career. Not only did it solidify Víctor's place in the industry but also laid the foundation for his journey to becoming the renowned "Sonero de la Juventud."
Debut Album
Victor Manuelle Album Debut/Song: Me Dara El Consentimiento
From Isabela to the World
In 1996, his second album "Víctor Manuelle," produced by Sergio George, struck gold in Colombia, Central America, and the US. This signaled the start of his global solo journey, featuring hits like "Hay que poner el alma," "Pensamiento y palabra," and "Como una estrella."
Victor Manuelle in his element. (2023-11-09) by Victor Manuelle/Sony Music LatinInternational Salsa Museum
Birth of a Salsa Icon
In 1997, Víctor Manuelle teamed up with Sergio George again for "A Pesar De Todo." Tracks like "Dile a Ella," "He Tratado," and "Mentiras" became global hits. His music resonated worldwide, solidifying his international recognition.
From Isabela to Madison Square Garden/Victor Manuelle Performs one of his biggest hits " He Tratado"
From honoring Celia Cruz to captivating stages like Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden, Víctor Manuelle's journey shines. His performances at esteemed venues like Centro de Bellas Artes and Coliseo de Puerto Rico also mark vital milestones in his illustrious career.
Victor Manuelle Live in Concert (2023-11-09) by Victor Manuelle/Sony Music LatinInternational Salsa Museum
Role Model to Younger Artists
Collaborations with Don Omar, Tego Calderón, Yandel, and more followed, bridging salsa and urban styles. Victor achieved success in both the salsa and urban markets, proving that he could evolve while preserving his musical essence, while also supporting the younger generations.
Victor Manuelle Lado A Lado B Cover (2023-11-09) by Victor Manuelle/Sony Music LatinInternational Salsa Museum
Latest Album: Lado A Lado B
In 2022, Víctor Manuelle's impactful release "Lado A Lado B" embraced dual musical worlds. From his roots in Salsa to fusion, the album earned Latin Grammy and Grammy nominations, with "Decidí tener pantalones" nominated for a 2023 Premios Juventud Tropical Hit award.
Celebracion de 30 Años (2023-11-09) by Victor Manuelle/Sony Music LatinInternational Salsa Museum
Celebrating 30 Years
His dedication to the genre and his ability to connect with listeners on a profound level has solidified his status as a beloved figure in Latin music around the world, and his music has become the soundtrack of our lives.
Paco López, Víctor Manuelle y Jorge Pérez (2023-11-09) by Victor Manuelle/Sony Music LatinInternational Salsa Museum
Coliseo De Puerto Rico Sold Out Two Nights in a Row - June 2023
Sold-out shows
Victor Manuelle Celebrating 30 years of his Career at El Coliseo De Puerto Rico
Beyond his musical success, Víctor Manuelle shines for his philanthropy. Since 2015, he's voiced the De Frente al Alzheimer foundation, aiding 400+ Puerto Rican families with Alzheimer's care costs, including nursing, medical expenses, and supplies. His commitment extends beyond melodies to meaningful impact. He has been awarded by numerous organizations for his philanthropic work.
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With 30 years of an extraordinary career, Victor Manuelle has accomplished World Records that no other artist has accomplished. This is truly unique and goes to show that with hard work and dedication anything can be accomplished. Victor Manuelle is a clear example of that.
Career Accomplishments of Victor Manuelle
30 Years of Dedication to the Music Industry. Victor Manuelle is an Icon.
Victor Manuelle public appreciation (2023-11-09) by Victor Manuelle/Sony Music LatinInternational Salsa Museum
From ISM To Victor Manuelle
Victor Manuelle is an artist who has dedicated his life to music and we at the International Salsa Museum will forever recognize him as an artistic icon that is truly an inspiration to millions of people around the world. Thank you for all that you have done. Que Viva La Salsa!
The International Salsa Museum would like to say thank you to Micheline Medina and everyone at SONY Music Latin for helping us curate this virtual exhibit for Victor Manuelle. Lastly, thank you to our Google Arts and Culture Family for supporting us throughout this process.
All Photographs are courtesy of Sony Music Latin.
