SAN ANTONIO, TX. (Top40 Charts/ Museo Alameda) -
Latino music superstar
Daddy Yankee was honored today by the Museo Alameda and the City of San Antonio for his contributions to
Latino arts and culture in the United States and abroad - as well as his impressive support of charitable causes and community outreach initiatives.
Ramon (Raymond) Ayala, known artistically as Daddy Yankee, received a proclamation from San Antonio Mayor Phil Hardberger naming him an 'Emissary of the Muses' for his artistic achievements. December 4, 2008 was also proclaimed 'Daddy Yankee Day' in San Antonio.
The most recognized pioneer of the music genre 'regaetton' was in San Antonio to tour the Museo Alameda - the nation's largest Latino museum and first formal Smithsonian affiliate - and to pay a visit to American military troops recovering at the Intrepid National Armed Forces Rehabilitation Center at the Brooke Army Medical Center at nearby Fort Sam Houston.
'Daddy Yankee is the embodiment of the Latino experience in America,' said Henry R. Munoz III, founding chairman of the Museo Alameda. 'We tell the story of that experience on a daily basis at the Museo through art, music, education and so much more. Daddy Yankee has touched the hearts and minds of millions of people with his unique musical sound and his involvement in a multitude of artistic, cultural, political and charitable initiatives. He is a great role model for young people in this country and around the world.'
The 31-year-old Latin Grammy Award-nominated pop phenom, originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, is one of the world's most successful recording artists and is a noted producer and actor. TIME magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people in 2006.
He has appeared on more than 70 albums and has received numerous music awards, including a Premio Lo Nuestro from the Latin Billboard and a nomination for an MTV Video Music Award.
'Of all the awards I've received, this honor from the Museo Alameda and the city of San Antonio is the best of the best - because it is from the people,' he said. 'I encourage everyone to visit this wonderful museum - there is so much to learn here.'
For more information on the Museo Alameda visit www.thealameda.org, or call 210-299-4300.
