Juan Luis Guerra

It's nearly impossible to write a concise description of Juan Luis Guerra that sums up his accomplishments and accurately conveys just what he's meant to not just the tropical genre. Especially within about 200 words — it's a little like trying to dig a ditch with a spoon, or plugging a dam with your finger, or sedating Paula Abdul with Percocet... you get the picture. Fact is, few in Latin music have accomplished as much as the Dominican singer, songwriter, and producer. Since the inception of his group Juan Luis Guerra y 440, the Berklee College of Music grad has been winning the hearts of fans and the respect of the recording industry with well-deserved ease. What Latino hasn't danced to songs like "Bilirrubina" or "Burbujas de Amor"? Would anyone argue that "Ojala Que Llueva Café" isn't a true jam?

Guerra's latest work has only continued the tradition of excellence begun by those classics. There's a reason his most recent record, 2007's La Llave de Mi Corazon, nabbed him a Grammy in the general market, five Latin Grammys, and four Billboard awards. Little secret: It's just that good.