Ruben Blades: podcast appearances and interviews

Rubén Blades Bellido de Luna, born on July 16, 1948, is a Panamanian musician, singer, composer, actor, activist, and former politician. He is known for performing predominantly in the salsa and Latin jazz genres. As a songwriter, Blades incorporated the lyrical sophistication of Central American nueva canción and Cuban nueva trova, as well as experimental tempos and politically inspired Son Cubano salsa. His music has been described as 'thinking persons' salsa' and includes numerous hit songs, notably 'Pedro Navaja' and 'El Cantante,' the latter of which became Héctor Lavoe's signature song. Blades has received extensive recognition, with 21 Grammy Award nominations and twelve wins, along with twelve Latin Grammy Awards. His acting career began in 1983 and has included roles in films such as Crossover Dreams, The Milagro Beanfield War, The Super, Predator 2, Color of Night, Safe House, The Counselor, and Hands of Stone. He has also been nominated for three Emmy Awards for performances in The Josephine Baker Story, Crazy from the Heart, and The Maldonado Miracle. Blades portrayed Daniel Salazar on the television series Fear the Walking Dead from 2015 to 2017 and again in 2019 to 2023. In 1994, he ran for the Panamanian presidency and secured 17% of the vote. He served as Panama’s minister of tourism from 2004 for a five-year term. Throughout his career, he has released numerous albums, including Siembra, and has collaborated with various artists such as Michael Jackson, Laura Pausini, Shakira, and Thalía.