New York State of Mind: 20 Latino Celebs with Big Apple Roots!

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Marc Anthony, Raised in Spanish Harlem

It’s no wonder Marc Anthony is the top selling tropical salsa artist of all time. The Spanish Harlem-raised Grammy-winning salsero was named after Mexican singer Marco Antonio Muñiz. Anthony, raised in the Metro North Plaza Houses housing development, began his career as a session vocalist for freestyle and Underground New York house music acts. After changing his name to avoid confusion with his namesake, Anthony worked as a songwriter and backing vocalist for pop acts including Menudo and the Latin Rascals. Initially Anthony was reluctant to become a salsa musician and declined his label’s offer to make a salsa album. But he changed his mind after hearing Juan Gabriel's "Hasta Que Te Conocí," which made him change his mind. Inspired by the music of Tito Puente, Hector Lavoe and Rubén Blades, Anthony released his Spanish-language debut, Otra nota. And the rest is history!