Elvis Crespo

With his mastery of the Dominican Republic's merengue tradition, New York-born and Puerto Rican-raised vocalist Elvis Crespo wasted no time in reaching the apex of contemporary Latin music. His debut album, Suavemente, reached the top slot on Billboard's National Hot Latin Top 40 in 1998, and spawned two record-breaking singles — "Tu Sonrisa" and the title track. Crespo received Billboard awards for Latin album of the year, Male artist of the year, group or duet of the year, and song of the year.

Raised by his mother in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, from the age of six Crespo served a long apprenticeship. Launching his career in 1988 as a member of the Willie Berrios Orchestra, he spent two years with the Lenny Perez Orchestra and six years with the Toño Rosario Orchestra. Leaving Rosario's group in 1994, Crespo briefly attended the Metropolitan University of Puerto Rico, where he studied business administration. An invitation to join Grupo Mania, however, was too tempting to resist. Agreeing to join the popular Latin band, he wrote and sang on their hit "Linda Es." He left the group after three years to focus on his solo career.