My Latino Voice was privileged to speak with singer/songwriter/actor and award-winning salsa artist Frankie Negron about  growing up in New Jersey, his new album, why the term "crossover" does not apply to him and what it means to be Latino.

While Frankie is known as a leading "salsero," fans will be in for a pleasant surprise to hear Frankie is also a "rockero." After more than a decade of singing strictly salsa, the Boricua from New Jersey recently released his new predominately English album "Independence Day." The album is a collection of pop/rock ballads. It also features a few Spanish-language tracks, including the single (already a favorite at My Latino Voice) “Adicto a Tu Piel”... and, yes, a salsa version of the same.

Frankie considers the album to be a reflection of growing up in New Jersey and listening to his favorite rock bands, like Poison, Metallica and Guns N Roses, and on the Latin rock side, La Ley and Café Tacuba. Although this is a side fans haven’t seen before, they will be pleasantly surprised with Frankie’s distinctive style on “Independence Day."

Our interview with Frankie was so insightful, sincere and powerful that we left it almost intact.  Our thanks to Frankie Negron and Pam Workman from Workman Entertainment for the opportunity to share Frankie's insights and terrific "new" style with our audience.

Here it is, in two parts:

Frankie Negron - Part One

Frankie Negron - Part Two

Upcoming shows!

Full tour schedule:  www.myspace.com/frankienegron

- Miami FL: Dec 18th 6 PM Best Buy Musical Instrument Store - In Store Performance

- Atlantic City, NJ: Dec 19th 11 PM Grand Ballroom Bally's Resort & Casino - WBON Christmas Show

For more information on Frankie and Independence Day:

http://www.frankienegrononline.com/

Buy Independence Day:

www.amazon.com

www.airgomusic.com

Also iTunes and Wal-Mart and Best Buy.

Stay tuned for the My Latino Voice Holiday Sweepstakes where you can win Frankie Negron CDs and USB wristbands!!