La India (born Linda Viera Caballero on March 9, 1970) is a noted Grammy Award- and Latin Grammy Award-nominated singer of salsa also known as the Princess of Salsa. La India was born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. Her parents decided to move to New York City soon after her birth, and upon their arrival, they settled down in the South Bronx area of the city. They moved in with Caballero's grandmother, a person who is considered to have served as an important influence on her life. Caballero's grandmother was a very strong willed lady and she looked up to her. During her grade school years Caballero met and became friends with Louie Vega, who introduced her to the urban street music scene where she learned to appreciate the hip-hop styles of the day.