Rubén Blades was born in July 16, 1948 in Panama City, Panama. He was the son of Rubén Blades Sr. and Anoland Bellido de Luna He is presently 64. He grew up in neighborhood in Panama City. His parents were both musicians. He has composed dozens of musical hits, including the “Pedro Navaja.” He also composed and sang what many Panamanians considered their second national anthem. In 1970 Blades wrote and recorded a few song hits. Blade worked with the trumpetist Tony Pabon and wrote and recorded “Descarga Caliente” and “De Panama a New York.” He is a Panamanian salsa singer, songwriter, actor, Latin jazz musician, and activist.
Rubén Blades was also a political figure. In 1994, Rubén Blades came back to Panama. He campaigned with songs and guitar, attracting support from those disenchanted with dishonest politicians. But, his campaign was underfinanced, though Rubén Blades was an accepted candidate, some thought that when he left, he lost a lot of his special taste. On May 8, 1994, he was put in third place earning 17% of the vote. “Deep down, [Blades] knows he’s forgotten his friends, his people his country, his music, and himself,” Leon Ichaso said. Many critics said he had a better chance of winning if he didn’t go to Hollywood and married the actress, Lisa Lebenzon. He ran for president but he wasn’t very popular at that time because he took a “small” break in singing to go to Hollywood.
Rubén Blades was a famous Panamanian singer and politician. He ran for president but lost with only 17% of the total vote. This is important because it shows that he tried to achieve more than one thing in life. In addition he was also an actor in several movies including