LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION paying tribute to the life and many accomplish-
ments of Frankie Ruiz, noted entertainer and musician

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor and pay
tribute to the memory of those individuals whose creative talents
contributed to the entertainment and cultural enrichment of the citizens
of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay
tribute to the life and many accomplishments of Frankie Ruiz, noted
entertainer and musician; he will be recognized posthumously at a cele-
bration to be held in his honor on Saturday, January 31, 2009, at Hostos
Cultural Center of Arts in the Bronx, New York; and
WHEREAS, Frankie Ruiz, one of Salsa's premier lead singers, died on
Sunday, August 9, 1998; he was born in Patterson, New Jersey, and first
recorded with a local group, Charlie Lopez Y Su Orquesta; he later moved
with his mother to Puerto Rico; and
WHEREAS, While in Puerto Rico, Frankie Ruiz became a huge fan of the
group La Solucion; he followed them to every performance and learned
each of their songs by heart, and wanted very much to sing with them;
and
WHEREAS, Frankie Ruiz' mother implored the musical director, Roberto
Rivera, to give her son an opportunity; Frankie, then very young and
virtually unknown wasn't taken seriously; he nevertheless, continued to
show up at every performance; and
WHEREAS, On one particular night, the lead singer didn't show up; with
Frankie being there in attendance, Roberto Rivera having no other choice
offered him the opportunity of his dreams; and
WHEREAS, Frankie Ruiz began recording with La Solucion, and was asked
to do a remake of the song, "Salsa Buena" he had originally recorded
with Charlie Lopez' group; he performed with La Solucion for about three
years; and
WHEREAS, Continuing to make a name for himself, Frankie Ruiz went on
to the Orchestra of Tommy Olivencia; he had a huge hit entitled "Lo
Dudo" which sent his popularity skyrocketing; he stayed with Tommy
Olivencia for another three years, and by the mid 1980's Frankie began
recording as a solo artist; and
WHEREAS, Frankie Ruiz toured extensively and was one of the most
sought-after artists on the Salsa music scene; he made significant
contributions to this genre, and was one of the first purveyors of Salsa
Sensual; and
WHEREAS, Frankie Ruiz helped to revive Salsa at a time when its popu-
larity was on a downturn; he became one of the first pop idols because
of his own youth, as well as his handsome good looks, and exceptional
singing ability; and
WHEREAS, Frankie Ruiz leaves behind a tremendous legacy of music for
his fans listening pleasure; his distinguished record merits the recog-
nition and tribute of all of the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to the life and many accomplishments of Frankie Ruiz, noted
entertainer and musician; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Frankie Ruiz.