By Daniel Galperin

Jon Secada was a 90s pop star. His debut self-titled album sold 3 million records and he has had hit songs, such as “Just Another Day,” “Angel,” “I’m Free,” “If You Go,” and “Mental Picture.” He has made music in English and Spanish and he won 2 Grammy's with his Spanish music. In addition to music, he has starred on Broadway. Currently, he is celebrating 20 years of his first single, “Just Another Day” with his new single, “Never Too Far Away.” TheCelebrityCafe.com talks with Jon about his career.

TheCelebrityCafe.com: What artists influenced you? What do you think of Billy Joel?

Jon Secada: I was influenced by singer-songwriters, such as Billy Joel, Elton John, and Stevie Wonder. Growing up in Miami, I was influenced by pop, R &B, rock, and Latin music.

TCC: During college, at the University of Miami, you were a jazz musician. What instruments did you play?

JS: I got all my degrees in jazz voice and played the piano.

TCC: You were a background singer for Gloria Estefan. How was it working with her?

JS: Gloria was the reason I have a career. I got introduced to Gloria through her husband and was a songwriter for her. I wrote songs for her, toured with her and that allowed me to establish myself as an artist.

TCC: Your first album was very successful. What was your thought process when you were making it? What did it mean to you?

JS: My first album was the beginning of everything that I know. It was a combination of pop, R & B, Latin, and rock. It took 5 years to make the album.

TCC: “I’m Free” is my favorite song of yours. What does this song mean to you?

JS: “I’m Free” means a lot to me, because it is advice I got from my father. I was going through a tough time and he gave me advice based on the lyrics to the song. “I’m free, I’m free and things are only important as I want them to be.”

TCC: I saw you at Bernie William’s concert 4 years ago. How did you meet him?

JS: I met Bernie through an agent. I’m a huge sports fan, so I was thrilled to meet him and worked with him on “Otro Dia Mas Sin Verte,” the Spanish version of “Just Another Day” from Bernie’s “Moving Forward” guitar album.

TCC: You acted on Broadway. Please elaborate on the difference between music and Broadway.

JS: Broadway was the toughest thing I’ve ever done. There is so much you need to entertain at that level.

TCC: Your music was in English and in Spanish. Other Spanish-speaking music artists, such as Jennifer Lopez and Enrique Iglesias, have done the same. Please elaborate on the importance of having music in Spanish.

JS: I grew up bilingual, so it was natural. I was lucky to be part of the whole scene.

TCC: What do you think about music artists establishing themselves on reality music shows, likeAmerican Idol, X-Factor, and The Voice?

JS: It’s a fantastic vehicle. Record companies don’t develop artists like they used to, because the industry has changed. To make it now, you need social media and internet.

TCC: What is next for you in your career?

JS: I just released the single and video, “Never Too Far Away” and will work on the new album. Then, I will travel to Latin America.