Ruben Blades is a renowned Panamanian singer, songwriter, actor, lawyer, activist, and politician who has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Born on July 16, 1948, in Panama City, Panama, Blades grew up in a culturally diverse environment, with his mother hailing from Colombia and his father from Cuba. His parents instilled in him a love for music, which he later pursued as a career. Here you will learn more about Rubén Blades: singer, songwriter, actor, lawyer & politician
Blades attended the prestigious Harvard University, where he obtained a master’s degree in international law in 1985. However, he had already embarked on his musical journey by then, having joined a band while still in high school. He later formed his band, “Seis del Solar,” which became famous for blending salsa music with social and political messages.
Blades has had numerous hits throughout his career, with some of his most famous songs including “Pedro Navaja,” “Plastico,” and “Decisiones.” He has released over 30 albums to date, with his most recent one, “Salswing!,” released in 2021. Blades has won several awards for his music, including six Grammy Awards, three Latin Grammy Awards, and five Billboard Latin Music Awards.
Ruben Blades Classiv “Pedro Navaja” music video below:
Aside from music, Blades has also made a name for himself in acting, with appearances in several movies and TV shows. He made his acting debut in the 1982 film “The Last Fight,” and has since appeared in movies such as “Cradle Will Rock,” “Once Upon a Time in Mexico,” and “Safe House.” He has also had notable roles in TV shows such as “Fear the Walking Dead,” “Gideon’s Crossing,” and “The Muppets.”
In addition to his impressive career in music and acting, Blades has also been actively involved in politics. He served as the Minister of Tourism in Panama from 2004 to 2009 and has been a vocal advocate for social justice and political reform in Latin America.
Listen to two of Ruben Blades Classics below. “Plastico” and “Decisiones”:
Ruben Blades is not just a multi-talented artist, but also a family man with a deep sense of love and respect for his loved ones. He has been married to Luba Mason, an actress and singer, since 2006, and they have a daughter together. Blades also has two sons from a previous marriage.
Although Blades was born in Panama City, Panama, he currently resides in New York City, where he continues to pursue his career in music and acting. When he’s not working on his craft, Blades enjoys reading, writing, and practicing martial arts. He is also a self-proclaimed foodie and loves to cook and explore different cuisines.
What motivates Blades is his passion for creating art that resonates with people and makes a positive impact on their lives. He has always been vocal about social justice issues and has used his platform to raise awareness and inspire change. In an interview with NPR, Blades stated,
“I’m always motivated by the idea of contributing something positive to the world. I think that’s what drives us as artists.”
Blades’ upbringing and cultural background have also influenced his artistic endeavors. Growing up in a multi-ethnic family, he was exposed to a variety of music genres, including salsa, jazz, and classical music. This exposure helped him develop a unique sound that blends different styles and speaks to people from different walks of life.
In conclusion, Ruben Blades is a multi-talented artist who has made significant contributions to the music, acting, and political worlds. With a career spanning over five decades, he continues to entertain people across the globe with his many talents.
