Newburgh - Victor Manuelle performed at Tourches in Newburgh to an invitation only audience as part of his "Muy Personal" Concert tour on Saturday, June 13, 2009. Verizon Wireless presented the concert to "friends and family," who enjoyed hearing the "sonero" perform many of his hits.
Singer and "sonero" Victor Manuelle was born on September 27, 1968 in New York, NY as Victor Manuel Ruiz. Although born in New York he was raised mainly in Isabela, Puerto Rico. He was a leading voice among salsa performers who rose to fame in the 1990’s along with Marc Anthony and India.
Manuelle was discovered by Gilberto Santa Rosa when he jumped onto the stage to sing with him at the graduation party of Manuelle’s high school. Manuelle impressed Santa Rosa and earned himself a job in his band. Manuelle went on to perform vocals with many other notable salsa artists.
This experience opened many doors, including a recording contract with the Sony Tropical division of Sony Discos. Manuelle’s debut album, Justo a Tiempo appeared in 1993 which included "me Dara el Consentimiento," and "Estas Tocando Fuego." Since then he has released 10 more with total sales over 1,000,000 records, and earned the title of El Sonero de la Juventud (Sonero of the Young). His music has hit gold with the album "A pesar de Todo and Ironias." His self-titled album went triple gold.
In addition to achieving "gold status" his songs have reached the top of the Billboard charts many times. Manuelle has also earned numerous awards for his music including: Best Song (in Ecuador), the 2005 ASCAP Latin Awards: Songwriter of the Year, and the 2007 Tropical Album Of The Year, Male: "Decision Unanime," to name a few.
In 1999, he won the "Distinguished Youngster in Music" award bestowed by the Senate of Puerto Rico. He has appeared extensively throughout Latin America, the United States and Europe. He has even appeared on the television drama "En el ojo del huracan."
