JERRY RIVERA
Geraldo Rivera Rodriguez was born on July 31, 1973. Jerry is originally
from Humacao, Puerto Rico (as are singer/actor Carlos Ponce and actress
Adamaris Lopez), but he grew up in Levittown, near Toa Baja on the central
northern coast of the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. Siblings include
Saned, Edwin, Ito, and Jose, who all have careers in salsa (one of his
brothers, I know it's not Edwin, was with Puerto Rican Power). This super
salsero is happily married and has three adorable children. His nicknames
include: "El bebe de la salsa," "El niņo de oro,"
"El principe de la salsa," and, of course, "Cara de niņo."
Edwin "Pino" Rivera, his father (a trio singer), made the demo
tape when Jerry was just fourteen and a half years old. In an interview
with Maria Conchita Alonso, Jerry talks about how sure his father was
that he would succeed. Jerry, being the sweetie that he is would pray,
"Ojala que pase para que papi no quede mal." Jerry had no clue
how successful he would become. Today, Jerry considers his father, as
well as God, to be his sources of inspiration. It's really sweet that
they sing together in the trio songs "Entrega" and "Hiereme
sin compasion" on his album "De otra manera."
Jerry's first CD, "Empezando a vivir" came out when he was only
fifteen. In his ten year career, Jerry has compiled quite a resume, not
limited to the musical arena. Jerry played a small role in "I Like
It Like That," a movie with an all-star cast with the likes of Jon
Seda, Lauren Velez, Rita Moreno, and the Barrio Boyzz, among others. He
doesn't say much in the movie, but he looks great in the photo shoot.
;) He appeared as himself in the Lucero novela "Mi destino eres tu."
Jerry also appears in the 1996 Banco Popular special, "Al Compas
de un Sentimiento," a musical tribute to the legendary composer,
Pedro Flores. Here Jerry had the opportunity to sing with Gilberto Santa
Rosa and Ruben Blades. Jerry also participated in the Banco Popular's
special "Con la musica por dentro" where he sings a duet with
Puerto Rican singer Millie.