Celia Cruz

Celia Cruz, born Úrsula Hilaria Celia de la Caridad Cruz Alfonso, in Havana, Cuba, was an internationally acclaimed singer and one of the most influential figures in Latin music. Known as the "Queen of Salsa," Cruz's powerful voice, vibrant stage presence, and flamboyant costumes made her a beloved icon across the globe. Cruz first gained fame as the lead singer of the Cuban orchestra La Sonora Matancera, with whom she performed from 1950 to 1965. After leaving Cuba following the 1959 revolution, she continued her career in the United States and became a pioneer of salsa music, releasing hit albums such as "Celestial Concert" (1977) and "Ritmo en el Corazón" (1988), which won a Grammy Award. Her music has been featured in numerous films and TV shows, including "The Mambo Kings" (1992), "Like a Boss" (2020), and "Father of the Bride" (2022). Cruz also appeared in several films, such as "The Perez Family" (1997) and "Celia the Queen" (2008), showcasing her dynamic presence on screen. Cruz received countless accolades during her lifetime, including multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards, and was posthumously honored with a Smithsonian exhibit. She passed away on July 16, 2003, in Fort Lee, New Jersey, at the age of 77, but her legacy endures through her timeless music and enduring influence on Latin and world music.