Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. Ricky Martin Draws Inspiration from Puerto Rico Protests Associated Press SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO - Ricky Martin's wide smile began to fade as the Puerto Rican superstar talked about his next album. It's influenced by the U.S. territory's political turmoil as people struggle to recover from Hurricane Maria and a recent 6.4 magnitude earthquake that killed one person and destroyed hundreds of homes amid a 13-year recession. "I'm going to use my music to carry the message of all those who aren't being heard," he told The Associated Press on Monday while preparing for a concert on his native island. The 48-year-old father of four children joined in the big demonstrations last year that led Ricardo Rossello to resign as the island's governor, and although he hasn't been at the most recent protests against current Gov. Wanda Vazquez, he has gone on social media urging her to step down. .