Joey Kid

What was Joey Kid’s early life like?
At 4 years old, Jose Antonio Baez-Perez migrated from Puerto Rico with his parents and brother but without any English knowledge. His father was an army officer, causing the family to move around often. The family finally settled in the Bronx, New York City.

Why was that so important?
Well, it was in the Bronx where his love of music all started. He hung out at the Grand Concourse with his friends George Lamond, Kenny Rosa, Eddie Melendez and Carl Mariette. As a group, they studied the music of artists like Baby Face and Hector Lavor and the dances they inspired.

How did Joey Kid get everyone’s attention?
At a club talent show, an underage Joey was allowed in, and sang New Edition’s “A Little Bit of Love.” Sal Abbatiello and Nyobe were 2 of the judges, and were as blown away was the audience. He often would sing at Heartthrobs. La India asked around about him and his talent. She wanted Joey to meet with industry people who could help launch his career.

What happened next?
Joey Kid recorded his first album with Craig Bevan and Barry Zeger on Basement Records. That 1992 album included many songs which became big hits, like “Broken Promises,” “Everything I Own,” “Counting the Days,” and “I’m Not In Love.” Atlantic records then bought out his contract and Joey thought he was all set.

Why do you say that?
Well, even though his album was a hit, Atlantic dropped him that same year, leaving his future in question. He was at apex of his career, with a #1 record, was booked every weekend, and had two music videos but no record label. He had fallen hard and was unsure about his future in music.

How did he get out of that funk?
One day in San Antonio, Texas, he was performing with Trilogy (of C & C Music Factory) and Duran Ramos. One of the members of Trilogy suggested that he replace one of the members of the group who was moving onto an acting career. Joey didn’t think they were serious until, a few weeks later, Robert Clivelles and David Cole (C&C Music Factory) called him with an official offer. Joey Kid did not need to audition because his fame and reputation preceded him. Joey accepted and toured with them worldwide for 2 years.

Sounds perfect!
Well, he paid a price for that. His freestyle audience had forgetten about him and filling seats for his shows became more and more difficult. He was now seen as part of a group, not as a solo performer, while George Lamond, Cynthia, Judy Torres, and Coro were doing great because they were known as solo acts. Joey Kid’s future in music was again in jeopardy.

So what did he do then?
Swallowing the painful truth that he could not regain the status he once had, he stopped doing what he loved to do. He believed that he’d reached the point in his career where there was going back. No matter how great a shape his voice was in, no matter how good a dancer he still was, his career was all but over. Then, at the Copacabana at Sal Abbatiello’s Fever Records Freestyle show, Speedy of KTU invited him to the stage to sing acapella. He sang “Broken Promises” and the crowd went wild. He knew he’d never be able to stop doing what he loved to do.

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