Daddy Yankee will publish his first book, titled Ready! The power to change your story.
HarperCollins Publishers announced Wednesday (Sept. 4) that it has acquired all language rights to the artist's (born Raymond Ayala) inspired work. The rights were acquired by Cris Garrido, vice president and publisher of the Spanish language.
“Raymond has inspired and entertained millions of people over the past three decades as Daddy Yankee,” Garrido said in a press statement. “We are thrilled to be working with him on this new chapter in his life and writing career. I loved working with Raymond on the book — it reflects the same level of dedication and excellence he brings to everything he does. The storytelling is rich and captivating, and he does a wonderful job of drawing on his own experiences and life lessons to show readers of all walks of life that each of us has the power to change our stories.”
The book — “where music, resilience and faith converge in a story full of trials, triumphs and transformative lessons” — is expected to be published in April 2025 in Spanish by HarperCollins Enfoque in the Americas, HarperCollins Iberica in Spain and in English by Dey Street Books with Carrie Thornton, Vice President and Publisher of Dey Street Books.
“Dey Street Books is proud to partner with our colleagues at Enfoque as the publisher of Daddy Yankee's first book,” said Thornton. “Raymond Ayala Rodriguez is a pioneer in the world of music and a cultural ambassador. As an author, he will have the opportunity to speak to his millions of fans and a legion of readers in a more intimate and in-depth way than ever before. As the publisher of the English version of 'ReaDY,' Dey Street is excited to partner with Daddy Yankee and his team to reach new audiences and do what we do best, help start cultural conversations.”
Yankee talked about the new chapter in his life during his four farewell concerts in Puerto Rico late last year.
“For many years I was trying to fill a void in my life that no one could fill,” the global Latin star, known for pioneering the reggaetón movement with his 2004 breakthrough hit “Gasolina,” told fans at the time. “I tried to find a purpose – in many cases it seemed like I was happy, but something was missing for me to feel complete. I have to admit that those days are over and someone has been able to fill that void I have felt for a long time. I realized that I was somebody to everyone, but I was nobody without him.”
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/daddy-yankee-first-book-what-we-know-1235767005/