Raul Midon

Raul Midón is a modern soul singer and an acoustic guitarist whose music ranges from rock and flamenco to jazz and classical. Born in 1966 in Embudo, New Mexico, he was blinded as an infant (as was his twin brother) from spending too much time in an incubator without eye protection. Midón started playing drums when he was 4, although he switched to the guitar a few years later. He turned down a scholarship in creative writing from the University of New Mexico so he could be part of the jazz program at the University of Miami. At first he was a backup singer for several Top 40 Latin pop acts, including Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera, Ricky Martin, Julio Iglesias and Jose Feliciano. He toured with Shakira and recorded with Alejandro Sanz in 2002 but then changed directions, moving to New York and starting his solo career.

While Midón worked with such notable jazz artists as Paquito D’Rivera, Dave Valentin, Herbie Hancock and Claudio Roditi, his main goal was to performing his own originals. Midón recorded an independent album (Gracias a la Vida) and recorded State of Mind for Manhattan, which has a guest appearance from Stevie Wonder. That CD brought Midón greater recognition in soul and R&B circles. He has since recorded World Within a World. Midón is at his best as a one-man performer, for his guitar playing is very complete and a perfect match for his distinctive voice.