Paterson Celebrates Salsa Icon Frankie Ruiz with Street Renaming Ceremony

PATERSON, NJ - The City of Paterson honored the legacy of salsa legend Frankie Ruiz by renaming a section of Summer Street “Frankie Ruiz Way ” on Saturday. The ceremony took place between Essex Street and Park Avenue, where local officials, family members, and community leaders gathered to celebrate the life and contributions of the salsa star.

“This is not just a proud moment for Puerto Rico but for the entire United States, because Frankie Ruiz, a Puerto Rican pioneer from Paterson, put our city on the map,” Mayor Andre Saygeh said. "You can't think of salsa without thinking of him. Like Frank Sinatra, Frankie was a legend, and now, just as Sinatra had 'My Way,' Ruiz has 'Frankie Ruiz Way' right here in Paterson. Though we lost him too soon, his legacy shines bright, and today we celebrate his incredible contribution to music and to our city."

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Frankie Ruiz, known as "El Papá de la Salsa," was born in Paterson and began his musical career in the city’s Roberto Clemente Park. Ruiz’s impact on the salsa romántica genre resonated globally, and he remains a beloved figure in Latin music.

During the ceremony, speakers reflected on Ruiz’s cultural and musical influence, as well as his deep ties to Paterson. The event was a highlight of the city's Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, further solidifying Ruiz's place in Paterson's rich history. Family members expressed their gratitude for the honor, while city officials emphasized the importance of celebrating local heroes like Ruiz, whose artistry continues to inspire generations.

“I'm very emotional because this day has been a long time coming,” Viti Ruiz, Frankie Ruiz's son said. "I remember when my grandfather lived in the old projects, and my brothers and I grew up on River Street from a humble family. It's a blessing that today, Frankie is looking down, crying tears of joy, because this day is about him. He wasn't just a music legend—he was a teacher to so many young people. Today, we celebrate not just his legacy in salsa, but also the love and inspiration he gave to our community."

Fifth Ward Councilman Luis Velez, who played a key role in spearheading the street renaming initiative, emphasized that this effort was the result of many years of requests from the Puerto Rican, Dominican, and larger Hispanic communities in Paterson. He acknowledged that it wasn't something he did alone, but a moment that many in the community had long hoped to see.

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"This was a request from the community—many people wanted to see this day happen," Velez said. He added that he was eager to unveil the sign honoring Frankie Ruiz, a symbol of pride for the city's Hispanic community.

“This is a dream come true. I wish my father were here to see this moment because he always believed in how big this could be,” Frankie Ruiz Jr. said. "My mother and grandfather never imagined just how much of an impact Frankie would have. Today, we honor that legacy, and it's truly something special for our family."

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