Rick Trevino emerged in the '90s as the first successful Latin country star in decades.

Born May 16, 1971, in Houston, Trevino grew up in a musical family, where he was exposed to Tejano, pop and country music, and the work of classical Texan pianist Van Cliburn. He studied classical music through high school, and upon graduating he turned down a basketball scholarship to continue in music.

Trevino released his first album, Dos Mundos, in 1993. The album included a single, "Just Enough Rope" (RealAudio excerpt), which was the first country song to be recorded and released in Spanish and English. His self-titled 1994 album included English versions of the songs on his debut, along with several new tracks, the hits "Honky Tonk Crowd" (RealAudio excerpt) and "Doctor Time."

The singer's next effort again came in two versions, with the English recordings on Looking for the Light finding some success. Trevino continues to record, releasing Learning As You Go (RealAudio excerpt of title track) in 1996 and Changing in Your Eyes in 1998.

Other birthdays Tuesday: Nick Forster, 45.