Howie D aka Howard Dorough from the Backstreet Boys, has released his new Spanish-language single ‘Coquí', the first to be taken from his upcoming Spanish-language music project.
The release comes as the Backstreet Boys are preparing for the next leg of their sold-out Sphere residency in Las Vegas this summer. ‘Coquí' also arrives after Howie's appearance before more than one million spectators at New York City’s National Puerto Rican Day Parade, where he rode aboard the Modelo float celebrating Puerto Rican culture, music, and community.
Known worldwide as a member of the Backstreet Boys, one of the best-selling music groups in history with more than 130 million records sold worldwide, Howie D has spent the past year developing his first Spanish-language music project. Inspired by his Puerto Rican heritage, the project combines new original music with reimagined versions of songs from throughout his career, using music as a bridge to strengthen his connection to the Spanish language and culture.
‘Coquí' serves as the first official release from the project. Named after Puerto Rico’s iconic tree frog, whose unmistakable nighttime call has become synonymous with the Island, the song blends infectious Latin rhythms, flirtatious energy, and tropical vibes into a feel-good summer anthem. Born to a Puerto Rican mother, Howie D grew up surrounded by the music, traditions, and culture of Puerto Rico. As a father, he has become increasingly motivated to explore that heritage and share it with his own children, inspiring a creative journey that ultimately led to this new chapter of music.
“Growing up, Puerto Rican music, traditions, and family were always a huge part of my life,” said Howie D. “As I’ve gotten older and become a father myself, I’ve felt an even stronger desire to connect with that heritage and share it with my children. This project has allowed me to reconnect with that side of myself in a really meaningful way.”
The release marks the beginning of a larger Spanish-language music project from Howie D, who has spent the past year reimagining select songs from throughout his career in Spanish. Inspired by countless fans around the world who have shared that they learned English through Backstreet Boys music, Howie D is now turning that experience on its head. He is using the songs that made him a global star as a bridge to deepen his connection to the Spanish language and his Puerto Rican heritage.
