Bobby Cruz (born February 1, 1937 in Hormigueros, Puerto Rico) is a noted salsa singer who became a religious minister.

Bobby was raised in humble surroundings in his family's farm. When he was a child, his parents moved to New York where he went to school. He enjoyed singing and considered El Gran Combo's style of music as of the most influential in his life.

In 1964, he met in New York fellow Puerto Rican singer Richie Ray and soon joined his orchestra as a back-up singer. In 1966, Bobby was the lead singer of the song "Mr. Trumpet Man", which became a "hit".

From 1964-74, the dual of Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz had become one of the most popular salsa duals in the world. They are credited with keeping the Anglo style of Rock n Roll from invading the island. They won a total of nine gold record awards during this period with hits such as "Aguzate" (Get Wise); "A Mi Manera" (My Way); "Sonido Bestial" (Beastly Sounds); "Amparo Arrebato" and "El Diferente" (The Different one).

In 1970, Bobby and Richie opened a nightclub in San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, managing a nightclub required much of their time. They had a lot of commitments to attend to and they decided that it would be much better if they sold the nightclub.

Bobby also sang solo when in 1972 he recorded "Bobby Cruz canta para Tí" (Booby Cruz sings for You), produced by Richie Ray. He also reached the #1 position in the Latin Music Hit Charts with 'Ya ni te Acuerdas" (You don't even Remember).

In 1974, They won a first place prize in the Festival of Orchestras for the composition "La Zafra". That very same year Ruchie Ray became a Christian convert. Bobby refused to accept his friends change, however four months later he himself became a convert. They decided to record their last salsa song together. They recorded "Adios a la Salsa" (Goodbye to Salsa) as a farewell tribute to the style of music which gave them fame and fortune.

They lost most of their fans and found opposition among the members of their own faith when they suggested the idea of Christian Salsa. They stood their ground and little by little they started to regain the confidence of their fans and fellow Christians, when they recorded salsa with a religious message.

Together they have founded over 20 Chritian Churches and in 1998, Bobby published a book titled "Cuando era un Niño" (When I was a Child). In 1999, Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz held a concert in the Ruben Rodriguez Colesium located in Bayamon, where they sang some of their early hits together with some of their religious songs. The out come was so impressive that they were offered a contract by Universal Records to record their concert.

In 2000, Bobby and Richie held a series of concerts that were completely sold out at the Antonio Paoli Hall in the Luis A. Ferre Center of Beautiful Arts in San Juan. They were also honored with a National Day of Salsa in Bayamon. In 2002, Bobby Cruz and Richie Ray were inducted into the International Latin Music Hall of Fame.

Bobby and Richie continue to perform but, without the same popularity as in their begining.

See also

• List of famous Puerto Ricans