From Futuro Media and PRX, it's Latino USA.

I'm Maria Innojosa.

Today, a portrait of Ruben Blade,

one of the most prolific Latin American recording artists alive.

Ruben Blades is one of the most prolific recording artists alive.

A multi-Grammy award winner, Ruben originally made his name with Fanya Records in the 1970s,

bringing a kind of storytelling to New York salsa and Latin jazz.

But where some artists might have stayed put, Ruben continued to wander and experiment over his

decades-long career. Ruben Blades has collaborated with artists like Lou Reed and Sting,

all the way to Galletresi and Winton Marsalis. He's also an actor who's appeared in TV shows

and in movies. And if that wasn't enough, in 1994,

Ruben also ran for president of his native Panama. In 2021, Ruben won the top award for the

best album in the Latin Grammys, and he was also recognized as the Latin Recording Academy's

Person of the Year. Now, Ruben continues performing

around the world. So, dear listener, we wanted to bring back this interview from 2018 with

Ruben Blades, the Latin music icon. Ruben Blades, welcome to Latino USA.

Much a gracias.

Oh my God, it's so great to have you.

Thank you.

In person.

Thank you.

I got to tell you, of course, I was a Latina in New York City in college, and your music

...