 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 
|
| Photo: Raúl Touzon |
|
The Man Behind the Songs
Sheila E.: The Beat Goes On (Summer 2009) “I can’t say all I want to say in a song,” says the Latin Grammy-nominated singer, best known for his versatile Latin pop style and romantic ballads like “La cima del cielo,” “Hoy tengo ganas de ti,” and “Amarte es mi pecado.” And Montaner has a lot to say. Hard-core fans will latch onto every word of his new book. Montaner speaks directly to the reader in an intimate, conversational tone, revealing the roots of his faith, details of his childhood and family, and the people and events that have shaped his life. But let the reader beware: more than a bio, Lo que no digo cantando is Montaner’s spiritual journey, unevenly told in an often theatrical yet apparently sincere fashion; it is also an open invitation to embrace his Christian beliefs. “God asked me to serve, and that radically changed my life,” says Montaner, still expressing surprise at being graced with such abundance. Accepting God’s call, he says, is the secret to his happy marriage, blissful family life, and fulfilling career. It is also intimately connected to his philanthropic work on behalf of disabled children that in 2005 led to the creation in Miami of his foundation and ranch, La Ventana de los Cielos, a family affair in which his wife and five children are also actively involved. “If there’s a problem that afflicts children in our continent, it is that they have been forgotten,” Montaner writes in a chapter dedicated to La Ventana de los Cielos. “There are millions who suffer because our governments have forgotten them. ... We decided that the most forgotten of all were children with special needs, and we realized that a ranch that offered hands-on activities was even more important to a special needs child than for other children. “We have witnessed miracles at La Ventana de los Cielos,” continues Montaner. Children who previously couldn’t walk have walked after dismounting their horses following equine therapy, he says. “If you saw that, you wouldn’t believe it.” In 2007 he expanded his work with children, accepting a role as Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, raising awareness of the plight of poor children in Latin America. When he’s not on his pulpit—which, granted, is not often—the book offers a ringside seat to the whirlwind life of an internationally known artist and activist: the fateful encounters with a dying baby in Montevideo and with the street children of Latin America that led to his lifelong work with children; the genesis of some of his most well-known songs; the adrenaline rush that comes immediately before taking the stage; behind-the-scenes anecdotes of the music industry; his harrowing kidnapping in Caracas; his story with the love of his life, his wife, Marlene; and his relationships with prominent public figures like soccer great Diego Maradona, musicians Juanes, Miguel Bosé, and Emilio Estefan, and Argentine President Cristina Fernandez. Montaner fans may find this book deeply satisfying, and some others will find this book uplifting. But others certainly will be put off by the constant proselytizing. If you don’t mind—or if you thirst for—the biblical framework, by all means pick up this book. It is the story of a man who is grateful for the opportunities life has given him, who cherishes his family, and whose heart has been touched by the human suffering he has encountered in his travels. These links are provided for informational purposes only. AARP does not endorse, and has no control over, or responsibility for, the linked sites or the content, advertisements, materials, products, or services available on or throughout these sites. |
|||
|
|
