Salsa singer Maelo Ruiz began his formal education at the age of 16, singing at La Escuela Libre de Musica de Caguas under the direction of Juan Pacheco. Three years later, he began his professional career as the lead singer for Pedro Conga y Su Orquesta Internacional. In the seven years he spent under Pedro Conga's direction, Ruiz recorded four records, including gold records in Colombia and Puerto Rico like "Quiero Volver," "Si Supieras," and "Me Niegas Tanto Amor." Ruiz's solo releases have spent a lot of time at number one throughout Latin America as well, including career highlights like 1995's "Rumba de Oro." ~ Evan C. Gutierrez