A multi-talented artist, Marc Anthony (born Marco Antonio Muniz) has balanced an acting career with a musical career. In addition to appearing in films like The Substitute, Big Night, and Hackers, and in Broadway productions such as Paul Simon's Capeman, Anthony rose to the top level of Latino music. The biggest-selling salsa artist of all time, Anthony was included on a top ten list of influential New Yorkers compiled by New York Magazine.
Instructed in music theory and composition by his father, Anthony grew up listening to Latin musicians, including Rub n Blades, Hector Lavoe, and Willie Col n, and contemporary pop recordings by Air Supply and Jos Feliciano. At age 12, Anthony and his sister were discovered by David Harris, a producer of demos and commercials; Anthony was hired to sing background on several productions. His songwriting skills became evident, and an early composition, "Boy, I've Been Told," became a Top 40 hip-hop hit for school friend Safire. Anthony subsequently sang background vocals on Safire's debut album. He also sang on albums by the Latin Rascals and Menudo.
Teaming with producer and disc jockey Little Louie Vega, Anthony recorded his debut album, When the Night Is Over, in 1991. The Latin hip-hop-style album, which featured guest appearances by Tito Puente and Eddie Palmieri, included the single "Ride on the Rhythm," which reached the top slot on Billboard's dance music charts. On November 22, 1991, Anthony was the opening act on a show at Madison Square Garden that celebrated Puente's 100th album release. Anthony's second album, Otra Nota (produced and arranged by Sergio George), was a better representation of Anthony's salsa roots and included the original tune "Juego o Amor." Todo a Su Tiempo, released in 1995, was a continuation of Anthony's collaboration with George. With his fourth album, Contra la Corriente, Anthony began working with producer/arranger Angel "Cucco" Pe a. In 1996, Anthony and Australian vocalist Tina Arena recorded the theme song for the film The Mark of Zorro
