Black History: Celia Cruz

Today, for Black History Month we celebrate Celia Cruz the Queen of Salsa!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Celia was born on October 21, 1925 in Havana, Cuba. In her early twenties she worked hard to balance a budding singing career as well as her education. However, as more singing opportunities began to appear she had to drop out of college to pursue singing full-time.  In 1950, joined the Sonora Matancer orchestra as the lead singer. The orchestra was extremely successful in Cuba and throughout North America, but when Fidel Castro came into power Cruz moved to the US. Castro was so enraged to find out she fled to the US, he barred her from ever coming back to Cuba.

After her move to the US, she joined forces with Mambo King, Tito Puentes. She captivated audiences across the country with her captivating voice and her vibrant style. Before the Gaga’s and the Minaj’s it was La Cruz!

Celia Cruz continued to wow audiences for the next 40 years! She made nearly 80s records, 23 of which went gold. She also won several Grammys and Latin Grammys throughout her career.

In 2003, she passed away at the age of 77 in her home in New Jersey.

 

 

These are a few of my favorites sung by the late great Celia Cruz:

Guantanmera

La Negra Tiene Tumbao is my favorite Celia Cruz song, however, if you’re easily offended by the human anatomy, I suggest you turn the video off around 2 minutes and 30 seconds.

 

 

Oye Como Va

 

La Vida es un Carnival