Some artists leave a legacy that stretches far beyond a great single or a number 1 album.

Artist Focus is a new series hosted by the extended Melodic Distraction family that deep dives into the life and times of the musicians that have defined the sound of modern music. From the stone cold classics to the unearthed gems and forgotten B-sides, our community tribute an hour of music by a single artist that has had a notable impact on their life.

For this episode, Francisco Carrasco looks at Ruben Blades.

RUBEN BLADES, was born in Panama in July 1948,. Singer, composer, actor, activist and politician, who performed mostly the Salsa and Latin Jazz genres. Known for creating the “Thinking Person’s” Salsamusic. Blades has written dozens of hit songs including “Pedro Navaja” and "El Cantante” which became Hector Lava’s signature song. He has won 10 Grammy Awards and 12 Latin Grammy Awards.

Ruben Blades is recognised as one of the greats in terms of Latin Music and he has inspired hundreds of artists across Latin America and the world. His collaboration with Willie Colon which gave us the album “Siembra”, the biggest selling Salsa record in history with the Salsa classic & inspired by “Mack the Knife”, PEDRO NAVAJA, which gave life to 1984 Mexican film “Pedro Navaja”. and renown Puerto Rican musical ”The real Story of Pedro Navaja”

Ruben Blades is a A giant of modern Latin music who brought outstanding lyrical quality to salsa, introducing a sociopolitical edge to the genre's traditional forms. Blades has also collaborated with a range of musical legends including Sting, Elvis Costello, Calle 13, Spanish harlem Orchestra and many more.

A Giant of Latin Music