"Salsa music is still one of the most celebrated genres in music. Complete with festive dance moves, everyone enjoys a rapid twirl on the floor, and one of the best known salsa performers was none other than Frankie Ruiz. Ruiz was born and raised in New Jersey. His parents were originally from Puerto Rico, and so he retained a strong devotion to his cultural roots. Growing up, he was enthralled with the sounds of salsa, and when he was a young man, he joined a popular local band known as The Charlie Lopez Orchestra. Soon enough, Frankie Ruiz would pack his bags and head for his home country, and this is where his musical career really took off.Not long after he arrived in Puerto Rico, Ruiz joined with the band La Solucion, a salsa band that would introduce Ruiz to the genre and would help them become more appealing to the masses. Ruiz performed with La Solucion for three years and left to pursue a career with Tommy Olivencia and his Primerisma Orchestra. Ruiz's youth and his unique style made him more appealing to younger fans, and he was able to draw in a whole new crowd of salsa fans. One of his first major hits was ""Lo Dudo,"" which generated praise among fans and critics alike.In 1983, Ruiz made the decision that he wanted to pursue a solo career. He achieved big hits with ""No Que No,"" ""Mi Libertad"" and ""Desnudate Mujer."" During his time as a solo artist he traveled extensively throughout Latin America, Europe and the United States, further drawing on his appeal to rope in fans. As he continued on with his successful career, Ruiz ultimately became involved with drugs and alcohol and even found trouble with the law. He died in 1998 due to cirrhosis of the liver."