Latin music industry mourns loss of record label head: a legend; a man larger than life; an icon unequivocally admired Ricky Correoso dies at age 57

Latin Beat Magazine, Sept, 2004 by Christina Castrillon Correoso

Miami, FL -- A man possessed by succeeding. A man who loved life and had passion for the one thing he most lived for ... the music industry; a man who was arguably one of the most important figures in shaping the lives of many artists and who touched all those who are today one of the most significant figures in the Latin world, both musically and executively.

Ricardo Tomás Correoso, surrounded by his immediate family and close friends succumbed to a congenital heart attack late Friday afternoon, July 30th 2004 after an extraordinary fight with Pulmonary Fibrosis.

He had been airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital via the Rescue Medical Helicopter Unit and was pronounced dead at 5:42 pm in the emergency room after medics tried incessantly to resuscitate him.

In a professional career that spanned over 35 years, Rick's only real rival Was his constant ambition to make artists and establish hits. He demonstrated a remarkable ability to pursue his goals and meet all challenges despite often countervailing trends. Ricky lived and breathed music. It was his passion; it was his life.

Born in Camagüey, Cuba--the son of insurance broker, Ricardo Correoso and housewife Lydia León, Rick came to the United States at the age of 13. He dropped out of high school in his senior year and after completing his duty in the US National Guard returned to Miami in pursuit of every immigrant's dream.

He continued to work steadily in odd jobs until landing a post as midnight radio host on Miami's local station "La Fabulosa" WFAB. This marked the start of his entertainment career. Following a stint with businesses in Panama, Rick entered Miami's local scene as an entertainment journalist at "Diario Las America's" newspaper.

The relentless drive led to his debut at RCA Records. Ricky--as he is better known amongst colleagues--strived at TH Rodven, A&M Records, Max Music and thereafter, established one of the first CD distributions in Miami.

Simultaneously, Correoso went into management establishing the career of tropical great Luis Enrique (Mejía).

Commercial success caught Sony Music's attention. Rick was called upon to head Central American operations based in Costa Rica, and later with Sony Music Venezuela as Managing Director. Economic and political crisis forced the executive to transfer back to his home city (Miami) at Sony Regional headquarters as V.P. of Business Development, Latin America for Sony Music International.

Prior to his disability, Correoso's last executive position was at Universal Music Latino as Vice President of Marketing.

Ricardo "Ricky" Correoso, one of the most compelling Latin entertainment industry figures of the 20th century has passed away. His time was well spent leaving epic length credits, impressive sized achievements and infinite loved ones. Rick was 57.