maelo

**Maelo Ruiz**, born Ismael Ruiz Hernández on October 22, 1966, in New York City, is a Puerto Rican salsa singer known for his smooth voice and contributions to the Salsa romántica genre. He moved to Puerto Rico with his family at the age of four, where he started his musical journey at 16 attending the Escuela Libre de Música de Caguas. His professional career took off when, at 19, he became the lead singer for Pedro Conga y Su Orquesta Internacional, with whom he recorded four albums and achieved notable success with hits like "No Te Quites La Ropa," which earned a gold record in Puerto Rico.

Maelo Ruiz established himself as a beloved figure in Latin America’s salsa scene with songs such as "Atrévete," "Vicio," "Quiero Volver," and "Si Supieras." His romantic style and heartfelt lyrics made him a staple in Salsa romántica, appealing to fans across the continent. Besides his solo career, he also worked as a background vocalist for other famous salseros like Willie González. Maelo’s album *Puro Corazón* received a Latin Grammy nomination, highlighting his impact in the genre. He continues to perform extensively, maintaining a strong fan base in the Latin music community.