OUTSIDE of the Latin music world, some people don't realize Marc Anthony isn't just Mr. Jennifer Lopez. In fact, the guy is in the Guinness Book of World Records for most salsa albums sold. He had been recording Spanish-language albums for years before releasing his first, self-titled crossover hit. Since then, he's gone back and forth between English pop and Spanish salsa. But he also has a knack for finding a sweet spot in the middle—his most popular songs like "I Need to Know" and "I've Got You" tend to be released and chart in both languages. Anthony got into music as a session singer for Latin Freestyle acts. He also did time in Menudo prison, writing songs and singing backup for the Puerto Rican boy band around the same time that Ricky Martin was a featured member. Even then, Anthony was acting, in movies like Carlito's Way and Hackers—how come he didn't hook up with Angelina Jolie on that movie? If he had, he might have avoided El cantante, the film biography of salsa star Hector Lavoe that he starred in with J-Lo in 2006.
MARC ANTHONY performs Saturday, Nov. 14, at HP Pavilion, 525 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose. Tickets are $39.50–$150; 408.287.9200.
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