Celia Cruz, known as the "Queen of Salsa," was a Cuban-American singer who became one of the most beloved and influential figures in the world of Latin music. Born in Havana, Cuba, on October 21, 1925, Úrsula Hilaria Celia de la Caridad Cruz Alfonso embarked on a music career that would span six decades. She first gained recognition in the 1950s as the lead singer of the famous orchestra La Sonora Matancera, through which her spirited voice and vibrant stage presence captivated audiences.

After leaving Cuba following the Cuban Revolution, Celia Cruz's career flourished in the United States and internationally, making her one of the most significant proponents of Afro-Cuban music. She recorded more than 70 albums and won numerous awards, including several Grammys and Latin Grammys, and became emblematic for her powerful voice, flamboyant costumes, and her trademark shout "¡Azúcar!" (Sugar!). Her discography includes hits such as "La Vida Es Un Carnaval," "Quimbara," "Bemba Colora," and "Usted Abusó." Celia Cruz passed away on July 16, 2003, but her music and legacy endure, inspiring new generations of musicians and fans. Her posthumous releases, compilations, and remastered collections, such as "Salsa - Mis Mejores Exitos," "Reina," and "Anthology: Antología de la Salsa" continue to celebrate the legendary artist she was.

Genres

Cha-cha-cha

Cuban Rumba

Mambo

Musica Tradicional Cubana

Salsa

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Latest Release

Only They Could Have Made This Album (Remastered 2024)

Celia Cruz•

Willie Colón

Album - 10 Tracks - Released July 12, 2024