In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize the scientific, economic, cultural, political, and social contributions of influential immigrants and refugees who’ve helped shape the vibrant tapestry of America. Today, we spotlight three-time Grammy award winner Juan Francisco Secada Ramírez—professionally known as Jon Secada.
Born October 4, 1961, in Havana, Cuba, Jon Secada spent his earliest years living amidst political instability in Cuba. As a toddler, Secada’s father was incarcerated as a political prisoner by the Communist Cuban government. In 1971, the government granted the family permission to emigrate from Cuba. When Secada was nine, his family settled in Miami, Florida, where his parents opened a coffee shop.
Secada grew up in Hialeah, Florida, a town outside of Miami. At Hialeah Senior High School, Secada realized his musical potential in an 11th-grade production of A Christmas Carol. After high school, he attended the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. There, he flourished as a jazz performer, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in music. He also received his Master’s in Jazz Vocal Performance. As Secada began songwriting, his work reflected the cultures and sounds of Miami—a fusion of funk, R&B, and Latin music.
From 1986 to 1991, Secada was a teacher at Miami Dade College. In 1986, he was introduced to Emilio Estefan, husband of singer Gloria Estefan and fellow musician in the Miami Sound Machine. After hearing some of his demos, the band invited Secada to be one of their background singers, marking the beginning of a long and successful career in the music industry. While working with the Miami Sound Machine, he began composing music, including some of Gloria Estefan’s most popular ballads. In 1992, Secada released his self-titled album, which sold over 7 million copies.
At 62, Secada has sold over 15 million records, won three Grammys, and performed on Broadway. Though admirable, his impact goes beyond musical achievements. Secada funds a musical scholarship at the University of Miami and started Jon Secada Charities, which actively raises awareness for causes such as fighting Hepatitis C and HIV AIDS and other charitable efforts.
Read more about the other immigrants and refugees we’ve featured during National Hispanic Heritage Month:
Andy García: Cuban American Actor
Shakira: Colombian American Musician
Fernanda Lastra, Argentinian Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Assistant Conductor