Richie Ray's father, Pacifico Maldonado, was an accomplished guitarist in his native Bayamon, and as such was the Maldonado family's early musical influence.
10 Facts About Richie Ray
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2.
Richie Ray's parents had him take piano lessons when he was seven years old.
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Richie Ray attended the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, the famed High School of Performing Arts, and the Juilliard School of Music.
4.
Richie Ray made this choice so that he could get organized and dedicate himself to his own band.
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All of these things spoke of success, but Richie Ray suffered strong emotional problems during this time.
6.
Richie Ray felt tormented by his addictions and wanted to change his life.
7.
Richie Ray is a pastor in Miami under Spring of Life Fellowship.
8.
In 2000, Ray and Cruz held a series of concerts that were completely sold out at the Antonio Paoli Hall of the Luis A Ferre Performing Arts Center in San Juan.
9.
In 2003, Richie Ray recorded "Al Ritmo del Piano" for Warner Music Latina.
10.
Richie Ray is still considered along with Eddie Palmieri and Papo Lucca as one of the best and most influential pianists of all time in Salsa music.