La India

Linda Caballero officially known as La India grew up the youngest of three children in the midst of poverty in the South Bronx. India describes her childhood as being so painful she'd rather not talk about it. La India's mother still refuses to be part of her daughter's life. Singing was La India's only hope to save herself. India was discovered and given professional exposure by Louis Vega a childhood friend of hers and a DJ. Her and Lois were married in 1990, but sadly divorced in 1996, although he is still a mentor to Linda. .

As a teeneager India toured the US with a group called TKA. She then recorded her first release with Warner Brothers, an english album called "Breaking Night". The deal with Warner Bros, didn't work out,..that's when her career took a different path. India hooked up with Eddie Palmieri and recorded her first Spanish language album entitled" Eddie Palmieri Introduces La India". This recording was revolutionary for women in Salsa because before this women belting out guaguancó was strictly a man's domain.

Ralph Mercado, owner of her RMM label then asked India to be part of a momentous recording "La Combinacion Perfecta" which included stars like Celia Cruz, Oscar D'Leon, Tito Puente and her Duet partner Marc Anthony. The duet "Vivir Lo Nuestro", a sond about an inter-racial relationship touched many and made stars out of both La India and Marc Anthony.

La India recorded her third solo album "Dicen Que Soy", one of my favorites to this day, in 1994. This quadruple platinum album contains "Ese Hombre", "Dejate Amar" and the title track just to name a few. In the winter of 1996 La India ventured out to make an album with the legendary Tito Puente called "Jazzin'". This album was a switch from India's usual R&B-type of salsa ballads to a more jazzy soulful style.

Just recently La India released her newest and in my opinion best album yet "Sobre El Fuego". Produced by Isidro Infante, the first single off La India's 4th solo album "Me Canse de ser la Otra" reaching enormous success, the second single "Mi Mayor Venganza" is also on it's way up to the top of Latin charts. La India's duet with Celia Cruz on "La Voz De La Experiencia" is definitely worth a listen.

La India now lives in a four-story town house overlooking New York city in New Jersey adorned with beautiful furnishings, artwork and exotic Birds(which can be seen with India in her "Me Canse video"). Despite India's cruel past,she has succeded. Many see her as a positive role model, not only for Latinas but all women. La India commands, and deserves respect and through her songs instills pride in us all.