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                        Celia Cruz

 A young Cuban girl once earned her first pair of shoes by singing for a couple of tourists. Years later, those tourists were probably astonished to find out that that young girl became the legendary Celia Cruz.

The Queen of Salsa's life began in the Santos Suarez neighborhood of Havana, on October 21, 1925 as Úrsula Hilaria Celia Caridad Cruz Alfonso born to Catalina Alfonso and Simón Cruz. As a teen, she'd sing with her cousin in cabarets, despite her Father's objections.  He would have preferred she become a Spanish language teacher. Young Celia stuck to her guns after a teacher told her she'd make more in one day as a singer than a teacher would in an entire year.

Cruz' recording career began in 1948 in Venezuela, signing with the Leonard Melody and Alfonso Larrain orchestras, for the Turpial label. Two years later she'd join the famed Sonora Matancera, replacing Myrta Silva as lead singer. For the next 15 years, Celia toured Latin America with The Sonora, during which time she became known for her '¡Azúcar!' shout.

Following the Cuban Revolution in 1960, Cruz moved to the United States. Shortly thereafter she began playing at the Hollywood Palladium. When she earned her American citizenship she lost her chance to play Cuba.  She never again was granted permission to perform in the country.

Cruz teamed up with Tito Puente to record 8 albums for Tico Records, beginning in 1966. She later signed with Vaya records where she joined pianist Larry Harlow and eventually headlined a Carnegie Hall concert, in New York. 1974 she recorded the album, 'Celia y Johnny,' with Johnny Pacheco, which led to her joining the group Fania All-Stars. With Fania All-Stars she'd once again tour all of Latin America, England, France, and Zaire.

Cruz won a Grammy for Best Tropical Latin Performance, in 1990, with Ray Baretto for the album 'Ritmo en el Corazon.' She then recorded an anniversary album for La Sonora Matancera. Which was followed by starring in Mambo Kings with Armand Assante and Antonio Banderas.

After surgery for a knee problem, Úrsula Hilaria Celia Caridad Cruz Alfonso died of a cancerous brain tumor on July 16, 2003.