In 2003, this picture was used by Rivera to make the album cover for his tribute Canto a mi Idolo. Frankie Ruiz, who was a guest at the hotel, appeared and sang a couple of songs with them and had his picture taken alongside Rivera. In 1986, when he was 14 years old, he accompanied his father who was performing at a hotel in Isla Verde, San Juan. His parents, also musicians, inspired him to become a musician and as a child he would often accompany his mother Dominga, a singer, and father Edwin, a guitarist and director of Los Barones Trio, during their shows. Two other brothers, Ito and Jose, are professional instrumental musicians.
His entire family consists of musicians, including tropical recording artists Edwin Rivera and younger sister Saned. He moved with his family to Levittown in the town of Toa Baja, where he received his primary and secondary education. Rivera was born in Humacao, a town located on the eastern coast of Puerto Rico. Jerry Rivera (born Gerardo Rivera Rodríguez on J) is a Puerto Rican salsa singer and songwriter.
