American singer-songwriter Romeo Santos prefers to keep his personal life away from the limelight. 

So much so, he has kept his parents' names and family photos successfully hidden away from the media. That being said, they are still a few things available to know about his parents and ethnicity.

What Is Romeo Santos' Ethnicity?

Santos belongs to a family of mixed ethnicity. Talking about his parents' ethnicity, his dad is Dominican, while his mother is Puerto Rican.

However, the singer was born in the Bronx, New York, on July 21, 1981.

As a young man, his dad had immigrated to the United States from Moca, a city in the Dominican Republic, and started working two jobs.

During his initial days in America, Santos' dad worked as a construction worker and a taxi driver while his mom remained a stay-at-home mother who cared for Santos and his older sister, Laura Santos.

Romeo Santos' Parents Initially Feared for Their Son

Santos grew up in a predominantly black, Dominican, and Puerto Rican neighborhood, with hip-hop and R&B music being the go-to genre.

However, his family spent summer in San Juan, in their native Puerto Rico, where the singer's grandmother from his mom's side lived.

According to a report by Entertainment Online, the singer never really got permission from his parents to be in the show business. 

Santos' parents, who gave him good principles and morals, initially feared their son might end up doing drugs if he entered the entertainment industry.

The Latin music star started his career as a part of a Church Choir and admits he only joined the singing group because of all the beautiful girls who were part of the Choir.

Initially, Santos started singing alongside his cousin and did not take his singing abilities too seriously. 

  Romeo Santos's parents helped him be who he is today.

Santos's parents helped him to be the singer he is today. (Photo Credit: Instagram)

Previously, he assumed his pitch was too high and unfit for a male singer. Santos even used to make fun of his voice.

"I would say that I sounded like a girl when I would sing," remarked the Latino star.

However, after getting sound remarks from other people, Santos took singing seriously.

Romeo Santos' Parents Inspired His Musical Career

Santos started his journey in music after his dad brought home a cassette by bachata singer Antony Santos, an artist who shared the same last name as Romeo.

During his exclusive conversation with The Fader, Santos said he took Antony's music to heart.

"I just fell in love with the production," recalled the singer, saying the music was dope.

Further, the 'Imitadora' hitmaker said the music gave him a lasting impression as he was already in love with the genre.

In particular, the singer was a big fan of Spanish singer Julio Iglesias and Mexican singer-songwriter Juan Gabriel growing up. And all that started, thanks to his mom and dad. 

Romeo Santos' Musical Journey

During the early 90s, Santos formed a bachata group called Los Teenagers de la Bachata with fellow musician Lenny Santos.

The latter singer wasn't related to his family, despite the obvious similarity of their last name.

Romeo Santos with his Aventura band members.

Santos with his band members of Aventura. (Photo Credit: Instagram)

Santos served as the singer, composer, and producer, while Lenny was the guitarist and music arranger.

While he and Lenny were playing at a local festival in New York, they came across a Dominican music producer, Julio Cesar Garcia. He revamped the group's identity and renamed it Aventura.

Additionally, the group welcomed new band members. They took Lenny's brother Max Santos as a new bassist and arranger and Santos' cousin, Henry Santos, as singer and songwriter to their fold.

Their 2002 song 'Obsesion,' became the number one hit in countries like France, Germany, and Austria.

And in Italy, the song remained in the number one position for sixteen consecutive weeks.

The band is still active and is regarded as the most influential Latin group of all time.