Úrsula Hilaria Celia de la Caridad Cruz Alfonso
- Born:
- October 21, 1925, Havana, Cuba
- Died:
- July 16, 2003, Fort Lee, New Jersey, United States
- Nationality:
- Cuban-American
- Profession(s):
- Singer, Actress
Early Life and Education
- Born in the Santos Suárez neighborhood of Havana, Cuba.
- One of fourteen children.
- Began singing professionally at a young age, winning amateur contests.
Career and Major Achievements
- Rose to fame as the lead singer of La Sonora Matancera in the 1950s.
- Exiled from Cuba after the Cuban Revolution in 1960.
- Forged a successful solo career, becoming known as the "Queen of Salsa."
- Recorded over 80 albums.
- Won numerous awards, including three Grammy Awards and four Latin Grammy Awards.
- Starred in several films and television shows.
Notable Works
Discography (Selection)
| Year | Album Title |
| 1966 | Son Con Guaguancó |
| 1974 | Celia & Johnny (with Johnny Pacheco) |
| 1993 | Azúcar Negra |
| 1998 | Mi Vida Es Cantar |
| 2003 | Regalo del Alma |
Filmography (Selection)
| Year | Title | Role |
| 1992 | The Mambo Kings | Evalina Montoya |
| 1995 | Stepping Out | Herself |
| 1996 | The Perez Family | Luz Garcia |
Legacy and Impact
- One of the most influential and beloved figures in Latin music.
- Helped popularize salsa music worldwide.
- Her powerful voice, vibrant stage presence, and charismatic personality made her an icon.
- The "letra de juancito trucupey celia cruz biography" often notes the infectious energy she brought to every performance.
Celia Cruz's legacy extends far beyond her numerous recordings and performances. She remains an enduring symbol of Cuban pride, musical innovation, and cross-cultural inspiration.