by Evan C. Gutierrez
Ednita Nazario is among the most recorded, beloved, consistently charting, and most persistently popular Latin pop stars of her generation. Renowned for her vocal depth and native performance ability, Nazario was set apart from her peers at a young age. Little Ednita began her recording career as young as seven years old. After being discovered by record producer Ernest Herger at a baseball game in her hometown of Ponce, Puerto Rico, Nazario was signed to a recording and concert contract, initiated by her debut single, Mi Amor Lollipop. Playing local theaters for a time, Nazario soon formed her own group, the Kids from Ponce, who soon became popular on the youth/teen event circuit. Having climbed to idol status among Puerto Rican youth, the Kids split up. Nazario was offered a primetime variety show. As host of the popular program, Nazario became a national celebrity at the age of 14. The program lasted four years, during which time Nazario hosted a variety of international superstars, winning fans throughout Latin American media. During her time with the program, Nazario released her debut record, Al Fin...Ednita! The project won her Best New Artist and Best Album of the Year. Three years full of international appearances and acclaim later, Nazario released her sophomore effort, La Rojo Vivo. Nazario married Argentine singer/songwriter Luis Angel Marquez in 1987. The couple gave birth to their daughter Carolina the following year, inspiring the title of her forthcoming record, Fuerza de Gravidad. The record marked Nazarios transition from a youth icon to an artist with adult appeal. Following her divorce from Marquez, Nazario released Metamorphosis, which was followed by the landmark record Pasiones. The album produced 11 number one hits in a row, becoming one of the years most important records. The years that followed generated a series of successful ventures, including Nazarios Broadway debut, in Paul Simons Songs from the Capeman in 1998. From 1999s Corazón to 2005s Apasionada, Nazarios discography grew significantly. Each new addition topped its predecessor. Nazarios releases consistently topped numerous Billboard categories, airplay, and sales charts alike.