F I R S T Y E A R S
In 1979, Jon Secada graduated from South Florida’s Hialeah
High School. He then attended the University of Miami where
became an accomplished jazz musician. In 1983 Secada
received his bachelor’s degree in Music then continuing his
education earning a Masters degree in Jazz vocal performance.
He graduated cum-laude in 1986 and was later inducted into the
Iron Arrow Honor Society. Throughout this time, Secada worked
incessantly at nightclubs, did voiceovers and wrote numerous
jingles.
In 1988, he met Emilio Estefan who grew a liking to Secada
and wanted him to learn the music industry and all it entailed.
Again, continuing his education in the field of music. The close
relationship he made with Mr. Estefan gave him the opportunity
to join Gloria Estefan’s Into the Light tour. While on tour, Jon
performed his song “Always Something” from his first album titled
Jon Secada. Soon after Jon Secada signed a multimillion-dollar
recording contract with EMI/SBK Records.
H U M A N I TA R I A N W O R K
Secada’s impact goes beyond music as he has devoted himself
to assisting various charitable groups all over the world through
his personal organization, “Jon Secada Charities.” He has been
active with many causes to help Hispanic Americans, children,
education, AIDS research, and child abuse. His commitment to
education and helping others led him to create the Jon Secada
Music Scholarship at the University of Miami.
He’s also led an ongoing effort to raise awareness for
Hepatitis C by partnering with pharmaceutical giant MERCK and
The American Liver Foundation. For his efforts, The Pan American
Health Organization recently honored Secada with an award
that acknowledged him as a leader in Hepatitis C awareness
around the world. In September 2012, Jon also headlined the
“Miami Rocks The Troops” benefit concert, supporting US military
veterans across the country.