The Life and Legacy of Celia Cruz

From Havana to the world stage, explore the music, passion, and spirit of the Queen of Salsa

Celia Cruz Photoshoot 3 (9/15/23) by Celia Cruz EstateInternational Salsa Museum

Celia Cruz (1925 – 2003) was a Cuban-American singer and one of the most iconic figures in the history of Latin music. She was born in Havana, Cuba, and gained fame for her powerful and distinctive voice, as well as her vibrant stage presence and elaborate costumes.

Celia Cruz Humble Beginning in Cuba (9/15/23) by Celia Cruz EstateInternational Salsa Museum

The Beginning

Celia Cruz began her singing career in Cuba with the popular band La Sonora Matancera before immigrating to the United States.

Celia Cruz Performing with La Sonora Mantancera 1960

Celia Cruz Sings Tu Voz (1960)

Celia Cruz Photoshoot 5 (9/15/23) by Celia Cruz EstateInternational Salsa Museum

Leaving Cuba

Celia Cruz arrived in the United States in 1960. She and her husband, Pedro Knight, were on tour with the Sonora Matancera, a renowned Cuban orchestra, when they decided not to return to Cuba due to the political unrest and Fidel Castro's rise to power.

Celia Cruz and Tito Puente (9/15/23) by Celia Cruz EstateInternational Salsa Museum

Celia Cruz Arrives to New York

Celia Cruz arrived in New York and started working with Tito Puente. Cruz and Puente collaborated numerous times, creating some of the most memorable moments in Latin music history. The chemistry on stage was electric, and their collaborations produced global hits.

Celia Cruz and Tito Puente on stage

Song: Quimbara

Celia Cruz and Tito Puente Share a laugh on stage. (9/15/23) by Celia Cruz EstateInternational Salsa Museum

Celia Cruz and Tito Puente

Tito Puente and Celia Cruz had a dynamic and enduring partnership; their collaboration was characterized by mutual respect, deep musical chemistry, and a shared passion for bringing the vibrant rhythms of Afro-Cuban and Latin music to audiences worldwide.

Celia Cruz and Tito Puente Interview

This interview occurred on the Angel Casas Show on October 7, 1984. This is a rare interview where we see their relationship off-stage. This is a fantastic interview.

Celia Cruz with Fania All-Stars/Johnny Pacheco Musical Director (9/15/23) by Celia Cruz EstateInternational Salsa Museum

Celia Cruz and Johnny Pacheco

Celia Cruz also joined forces with Johnny Pacheco and became a member of the legendary Fania All-Stars, which was comprised of some of the best salsa artists and musicians at that time. Willie Colon, Ismael Miranda, Ruben Blades, Ray Barretto and Hector Lavoe just to name a few.

Celia Cruz and Fania All-Stars

Song: Bemba Colora

Celia Cruz in Pink, Celia Cruz Estate, 9/15/23, From the collection of: International Salsa Museum
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Celia Cruz and Pete "El Conde" Rodriguez, Celia Cruz Estate, 9/15/23, From the collection of: International Salsa Museum
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Celia Cruz Performing 3, Celia Cruz Estate, 9/15/23, From the collection of: International Salsa Museum
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Celia Cruz began working with the Fania All-Stars in the early 1970s.Her collaboration with the ensemble resulted in some of the most iconic performances and recordings in the history of Latin music. These collaborations combined the powerful voice and stage presence of Celia with the exceptional musical talents of the Fania All-Stars members, which included luminaries like Johnny Pacheco, Willie Colón, Héctor Lavoe, Rubén Blades and here you see her performing alongside Pete El Conde Rodriguez.

Celia Cruz and Oscar De Leon (9/15/23) by Celia Cruz EstateInternational Salsa Museum

Collaborations

Two Icons, one stage; Celia Cruz and Oscar D'Leon performing. Celia's voice along with her charisma and stage presence made her a talent to watch. 

Celia Cruz Collection 12 (9/15/23) by Celia Cruz EstateInternational Salsa Museum

Celia Cruz Honored

Celia Cruz's ability to collaborate with a diverse range of artists showcased her versatility as a singer and her willingness to push the boundaries of Latin music.
Photo L to R: Victor Manuelle, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Celia Cruz, Milly Quezada, Jose Alberto, Patti LaBelle

Celia Cruz Honored AZUCAR!

On this day Celia Cruz was honored by some of the biggest artists in the music industry . Telemundo televised this special occasion and has been seen by millions around the world.

Celia Cruz and La India (9/15/23) by Celia Cruz EstateInternational Salsa Museum

The Queen and The Princess Of Salsa

La India, a highly influential salsa artist, considered Celia Cruz as a mentor and a significant influence on her career. They performed together on several occasions and recorded songs such as "Llegó La India" and "Bemba Colorá." 

Jose Alberto and Celia Cruz on poster (9/15/23) by Jose Alberto EstateInternational Salsa Museum

Celia Cruz Flyer from The Legendary Night Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City. November 24, 1996

Celia Cruz Photoshoot 4 (9/15/23) by Celia Cruz EstateInternational Salsa Museum

Her music was loved not only by Latin audiences but also by people from all over the world.  An artist like Celia Cruz comes into this world once in a lifetime. Celia Cruz is considered the Queen of Latin Music, she had a humble spirit and a loving heart. She inspired the world.

Celia Cruz Performance (9/15/23) by Celia Cruz EstateInternational Salsa Museum

Celia Cruz's impact extended beyond her music; she was known for her joyful and exuberant personality, as well as her signature catchphrase "¡Azúcar!" which became a part of her identity.

How the phrase "Azucar" started

Celia Cruz explains how the phrase "Azucar" became the catchphrase that has been heard around the world.

Celia Cruz Album Photoshoot (9/15/23) by Celia Cruz EstateInternational Salsa Museum

Philanthropy

Throughout her career, Celia Cruz's philanthropic work extended to organizations that supported the arts, culture, and social justice. She recognized the importance of preserving cultural heritage, promoting diversity, and the importance of education.

Celia Cruz on Sesame Street

When not performing on Stage, The Queen of Salsa takes out time to inspire kids and adults of all ages.

Celia Cruz Photoshoot 2 (9/15/23) by Celia Cruz EstateInternational Salsa Museum

Legacy

Celia Cruz's legacy transcends generations, leaving an everlasting impact on music, inspiring self-awareness, and a deep love for culture. She is, and forever will be, the queen, known simply as Celia Cruz. Thank you Celia Cruz for all that you have done for the culture.

Celia Cruz Photoshoot 7 (9/15/23) by Celia Cruz EstateInternational Salsa Museum

www.CeliaCruz.com

For More Information on Celia Cruz, Please Visit Website.

Credits: Story

International Salsa Museum would like to say Thank You to the Celia Cruz Estate for their collaboration and support. We will forever honor Celia Cruz and keep her legacy alive. AZUCAR!!!!!

Photography Courtesy of Celia Cruz Estate
www.CeliaCruz.com
 

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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