The Personal Side

Elmer Figueroa Arce, widely known as Chayanne, was born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico on the 29th of June 1968, the third child among five siblings. Although it is widely believed that his date of birth is on the 28th of June. In an interview, he said his mother entered the hospital on the 28th and gave birth at daybreak of the 29th. The doctor, however, still registered his birth on the 28th.

After the birth of two more siblings the family moved to San Lorenzo in the southwest part of the island (called El Pueblo de los Samaritanos - The Town of Samaritans - or La Tierra de las Leyendas - The Land of Legends). This is his home, where he frequently returns to visit his family.

Elmer Figueroa became Chayanne while still a child; a nickname that was given to him by his mother after a favorite television series of the 60’s entitled "Cheyenne".

His career debuted at the age of 10 when he became part of the group "Los Chicos" one of the more popular groups in the 80’s. Accompanying his sister to an audition for a youth group being formed in Puerto Rico, he caught the attention of one of the organizers. Asked if he wanted to be involved in the formation of a group, he answered, "fine." The rest of course is history.

In 1983, Los Chicos parted company and Chayanne went out on his own, it was clear that music was his life, his chosen career. A career that started at the age of 10, he has reaped many triumphs over a milestone of 25 years. Thought of highly in the industry he has been awarded many honors, including a personal tribute in July 2004 by Billboard Magazine acknowledging his long and successful career as an entertainer.

During his leisure time, Chayanne surrounds himself with his family and friends enjoying their company as he relaxes in his new home in Miami or in Puerto Rico with his parents and siblings.

A sports enthusiast, Chayanne, when he has the time, can be found either on the basketball courts or playing tennis and now another favorite game, golf. As a fitness enthusiast, he is conscious about exercising, and has a workout routine that includes beach sports and attending the gym regularly, all a part of his healthy lifestyle.

Despite his busy schedule, Chayanne always finds the time to pursue altruistic endeavors. He has been honored as an Ambassador to the United Nations for the Immigrants Foundation. He also serves as an envoy for the High Commissioner for the United Nations World Refugee Organization. Chayanne’s concern for the needs of children led him to become the Hispanic spokesperson for the Starlight Foundation, whose mandate is to grant the wishes of terminally ill children. He takes up the cause for those who are less fortunate, as in the case with Nancy Ramos, a little Mexican girl who had undergone a liver transplant two years ago. Through his generosity and those of his fans, Nancy had the chance to live as normal a life as possible.

Chayanne points out the priorities that go hand-in-hand with his work: doing things with respect, taking care of his family, cultivating his physical and spiritual health, growing as a person, and developing his capacity to admire and understand the world around him. He could be described in three words: charismatic, joyful and talented. Added to that description is the fact that he is a Latin icon.

An Outstanding Career

Chayanne has recently released his eleventh album under a title that conveys both intrigue and challenge. He shakes the ground with this new production, stirring up the desire of passionate hearts, hearts that are eager to hear his music, his serenade.

That album is "Sincero", a disc that speaks of emotional surrender in "Un Siglo Sin Ti" and offers powerful dance hooks with the song "Caprichosa." Chayanne has poured his soul into this CD as an interpreter, as a skilled warrior, in the conquest of new international territories.

Intrigue that comes as he opens new doors as an artist, and steps forward combining urban rhythms, Latin beats, and European sounds, with the added support of substantial lyrics.

Challenge because this album represents Chayanne's exploration of his abilities as an interpreter and of his singing potential, as he experiments with more dynamic and innovative musical styles.

This Puerto Rican heartthrob oozes pure energy when he dances. Moves that have become part of his signature style, that have made him stand out among other stars in the Latin industry, moves that make the hearts of many stop beating as they watch him perform on stage.

"Dancing isn't something I endure it is something I enjoy. Everything that comes along with the work, with a show, with choreography, revitalizes me. It's something that I'm very passionate about," says Chayanne.

Chayanne, who is always smiling, has branded himself as an excellent interpreter of great composers due to the feeling he imprints unto their lyrics. He stamps a personal touch that makes them truly unique.

He has performed "Completamente Enamorados", written by Eros Ramazzotti, "Tiempo de Vals" written by José María Cano, "Y Tú Te Vas" written by Franco De Vita, and "Torero" written by Estéfano.

More than 70 gold and platinum records, as well as shows in the US, Latin America, and Europe form part of the backbone of Chayanne's artistic course. He has climbed up the Billboard charts from the Top Ten to Number One with a variety of hits, such as "Dejaría Todo, "Fuiste un Trozo de Hielo en la Escarcha," "El Centro de mi Corazón," "Salomé," "Palo Bonito," and "Y Tú Te Vas," among others.

In 1998, he earned a Grammy nomination for Best Latin Pop Record with the album "Atado A Tu Amor", the same as he did nine years earlier with his self-titled album "Chayanne". Furthermore, as he promoted said album, which included hits like "Fiesta En America" and "Te Deseo", Chayanne recorded a Pepsi commercial in English that aired in the US. Among his numerous commercials, his latest is for "Dentyne Fire."

By now, Chayanne is already a familiar face for the US public. He guest starred alongside Calista Flockhart in the popular TV series "Ally McBeal" and scored blockbuster success alongside Vanessa Williams in the film "Dance With Me" which has created a following among many of his new English speaking fans.

The Man and His Family

Chayanne is part of a group of figures of Hispanic origin that have been blessed not only with international fame, and unmeasured professional abilities, but also with having a great woman by their side.

He is married to Marilisa Maronese, born in Venezuela, and the mother of his two children, Lorenzo Valentino, and Isadora Sofía. Chayanne declares that they are the axis of his life, the engine that keeps him alive, the reason why his happiness is cemented upon his work and his family circle. A private man, he keeps his family out of the limelight away from the inquiring press and watchful eyes of the media. It is this characteristic that makes him the person he is today, a loving husband and father, adored by his many fans for his honesty and integrity.

"People know who I am, what I have. They know that music is what I love, but on a personal level, I have two great loves, my wife and my children. I wouldn't give them up for anything. The truth of any human being is found in their deeds, their accomplishments, and the people around them, and my family is simply wonderful," assures Chayanne.

The third of five siblings, Chayanne assures that they are the secret to his mental balance. They see him as a human being who is successful at his career, instead of looking at him like a glamorous star, an image he does not identify with at all.

Confidence

Along with the release of "Sincero" have come a number of offers to further develop Chayanne's acting career, which first began with the soap opera "Pobre Juventud" and followed with 'Tormento", "Sombras Del Pasado," "Volver a Empezar" and "Provocame." He wants to partake in other film and TV projects, but because time is a limiting factor, he is currently concentrating solely on his singing career. However Chayanne is confident in his good fortune, as much as he is in his abilities.

At age 36, he is very proud of his accomplishments. He has revamped his style with new street sounds, and created an album that accomplishes the perfect blend of upbeat sounds and mellow ambience; the kind of album that can be played over and over from start to finish.

Chayanne’s performances are feasts for the senses featuring eye-popping visuals, elaborate dance moves and stunning musicianship. Currently on tour with "Sincero" Chayanne has broken new sonic and stylistic ground, taking a more varied approach with his writing and arrangements. The reviews, which are still coming in, have been outstanding.

Surely what is yet to come from Chayanne is reason to brace ourselves. He has established himself in the hearts of many, his fans eagerly await his next challenge as he finishes his current tour. To speak of him is synonymous with provoking pure adrenaline, to sweat for sheer pleasure, to dance for the love of it, to sing for the sake of singing. Currently Chayanne is on a whirlwind tour that has taken him to South America, Central America, the United States and Europe. At the moment he is touring through Spain, where he has spent much of August in what many call "the summer marathon."

Chayanne Speaks

"I think that the happiness I project is a result of the family in which I grew up, one where respect and love were valued at all times. My family gave me a solid foundation that is indestructible no matter what happens. I always had the support of my parents and my siblings, and that is how I see myself, reflected off that support from my family, and in turn I offer that support as well."

"My darkest hour, professionally speaking, was when I broke away from such a successful music group like Los Chicos was, to become a solo artist. Although I had the support of my family and friends, it was very painful."

"There is always a battle between the positive and the negative because an artist always has to face criticism and that is something I learned a long time ago."

"The worst moments are those of uncertainty, because as a human being you have expectations about anything new, you wonder how the record is doing, you have doubts of how it is being received by the public, but that's normal."

"Luck is essential, it gives you confidence because you trust in what it brings to you, but hard work is also very important, the dedication that you put into what you do. I have no regrets, I have never done wrong towards anyone, and I am happy with my accomplishments, although I want more," he says.