Gerardo Mejía

Gerardo Mejía (born April 16, 1965 Billboard.com – Biography – Gerardo Retrieved September 22, 2008.), better known by his mononym Gerardo, is an Ecuadorian-born American rapper, singer and actor who later became a recording industry executive, and more recently a pastor. Born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, he moved with his family to Glendale, California, when he was 12 years old.

Based in Los Angeles, California, Gerardo became known for his bandana, skintight jeans, locking, and shirtless torso. He sometimes refers to himself as the "Latin Elvis" or the "Latin Frank Sinatra".

Career

Gerardo's first major appearance in show business was as Ricky in the 1987 feature film ''Can't Buy Me Love''. He was later cast as the character Bird in the 1988 film ''Colors'', about South Central Los Angeles gang violence. This was also the first time his dance skills were showcased, in one of the party scenes; however, he did not sing at any point in the film.

His hit single " Rico Suave" appeared on his 1991 debut album, '' Mo' Ritmo''. The album peaked at No. 36 on the Billboard 200 chart in June 1991; the single had peaked at No. 7 in April. This song, as well as some others of Gerardo's, include verses with lines in both English and Spanish. Although his following single "We Want the Funk" (a semi-remake of Parliament's " Give Up the Funk") peaked at No. 16, Billboard.com – Artist Chart History – Gerardo Retrieved November 15, 2012. the popularity of "Rico Suave" has made Gerardo known as a one-hit wonder via sources including MTV, VH1,Gerardo: Back And 'Still Rico' – News Story , Music, Celebrity, Artist News , MTV News
Retrieved September 28, 2008. ''Synthesis Magazine''Synthesis : Music : Gerardo : King Mac Daddy : an Interview with Rico Suave.
. Retrieved September 28, 2008. and even Gerardo himself.

As an A&R executive at Interscope Records, Gerardo signed rapper Bubba Sparxxx. More recently, in a 2013 appearance on Katie Couric's show ''Katie'', Gerardo discussed his newest life focus as a Christian youth pastor. He was ordained as a pastor at Praise Chapel in Kansas City and now pastors a church House of Grace in Ashland, Kentucky.

Personal life

Gerardo is married to Kathy Eicher, a former pageant titleholder who was Miss West Virginia USA 1989, and they have three children: Nadia, Bianca, and Jaden. Nadia is a model who competed in pageants like her mother, and won the title of Miss California USA 2016. They also have a granddaughter, Lily. They live in Kentucky.

Discography

Albums

Singles

* " Rico Suave" (1991; No. 7 US ''Billboard'' Hot 100), No. 87 in Australia.
* "We Want the Funk" (1991; No. 16 US ''Billboard'' Hot 100) No. 128 in Australia.
* "When the Lights Go Out" (1991; No. 98 US ''Billboard'' Hot 100)
* "Latin Till I Die ( Oye Como Va)" (1991)
* "Love" (1992)
* "Maria Elisa" (1994)
* "Ae-Ah" (featuring The Outhere Brothers) (1998)
* "Americana" (2004)
* "Sueña" (2005)
* "Raperito" (featuring Vico C) (2007)
* "Agua Amarga" (featuring Funky) (2021)
* "Eres bueno" (featuring Alex Zurdo & Frankie J) (2021)

Filmography

References

External links

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1965 births
Living people
People from Guayaquil
Ecuadorian emigrants to the United States
Hip hop singers
Rappers from California
20th-century American rappers
21st-century American rappers
Hispanic and Latino American rappers
Naturalized citizens of the United States