by Wade KerganSinger/guitarist Raul Midón is a contemporary soul singer whose impassioned acoustic guitar playing -- a mix of rock, classical, and flamenco -- has gotten him just as much attention as his smooth voice. Blind since birth, Midón was born in Embudo, NM, to an Argentine father and American mother. He began playing drums early in his childhood before switching to guitar, taking in flamenco, jazz, and classical styles on his chosen instrument. He relocated to Miami for college in the '90s and while there moonlighted as a background vocalist for Latin pop recording sessions. A remarkable talent even then, word quickly spread of Midón's talent as a singer and guitarist. Eventually he relocated to New York, where he concentrated on a solo career. His major-label debut, State of Mind, featuring guest appearances from Stevie Wonder and Jason Mraz, was released by Manhattan Records in June 2005. World Within a World followed in 2007.