Jon Secada born Juan Secada on 4th October 1962 in Havana, Cuba, where he lived with his family. The family applied to leave Cuba legally when Jon was 9 years old,but as a punishment his father was sent to a work camp for a year and a half. The family finally left Cuba in 1971 and they opened a coffee shop in Miami Beach. Jon studied hard at school and quickly learned English, it was whilst in the 11th grade that the singers talent began to show itself.
Jon sang his way through the part of a young Scrooge in a musical version of 'A Christmas Carol' even his friend, now a songwriter, Miguel Morejon was surprised at Jons talent. Jon went on to earn a Masters Degree in Jazz Vocal Performance from the University of Miami after which he took a teaching job at the Miami Community College. Enter Emilio Estefan, who realised Jons talent after hearing one of Jons demo tapes, soon Jon was writing and performing as a backup singer for Gloria Estefan and other performers.Jon co-wrote several songs on Gloria Estefans 'Into The Light' album including 'Coming Out Of The Dark' and performed in Glorias 'Into The Light World Tour'.
Jon has become a big star in his own right with album sales well in excess of 6 million worldwide. Jon is without doubt one of the top Latin artists of the 90's his Album 'Otro Dia Mas Sin Verte' achieved number one status in 'Billboards' Latin Album chart and gained a Grammy?/font> for 'Best Latin Pop Album' in 1992. His latest Album 'Amor' which as released on 10th October 1995 also won a Grammy? award for 'Latin Pop Performance' on 28th February 1996.
Jon is a very versitile performer and during 1995 he performed on Broadway as Danny Zuko in Tommy Tune's production of 'Grease'.
Jon is the 1996 National Spokesperson for Music Education, on behalf of The NARAS foundation, Inc., the non-profit arm of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS)
Jon's primary responsibility is to draw attention to the need for music education in U.S public schools. "Education is the foundation that we build upon and take with us for the rest of our lives," says Jon. "Music instruction should be a part of every child's education."
Another very important feature of Jons work is his help in community projects, he has welcomed the opportunities to perform at fundraising concerts for AIDS related charities ('LifeBEAT' and 'AmFAR') and also for children ('UNICEF').
