9 Fabulous Moments in The Life of Celia Cruz

Born Ursula Hilaria Celia de la Caridad Cruz Alfonso, Celia Cruz is a household name

Photo: Wikimedia/Ibrahim Arce (Narcy Studios photographer), most likely

Photo: Wikimedia/Ibrahim Arce (Narcy Studios photographer), most likely

Born Ursula Hilaria Celia de la Caridad Cruz Alfonso, Celia Cruz is a household name. In her almost 60-year career, she broke records and amassed over 100 awards. The Cuban superstar recorded over 70 albums—23 of them certified gold, and others platinum. She was in countless TV shows, and films, won three Grammys (plus a Lifetime Achievement Award) and four Latin Grammys, had three streets named after her.
The Guarachera de Cuba was a winner. An innovator. An original. She accomplished so much, and has served as an inspiration to so many. In celebration of her October 21 birthday (she would have been 93), here are nine fabulous moments in the amazing life of Celia Cruz–the Queen of Salsa, and the Queen of Latin Music.

wp_*posts

A Legend is Born

Celia Cruz was born October 21, 1925, in Havana, Cuba. She is the daughter of Simon Cruz and Catalina Alfonso. Celia was one of four siblings, but grew up with 14 total children, that consisted of siblings, cousins and extended family.

wp_*posts

Wins “La Hora del Te” Singing Contest

In the 1940s, Celia won a singing contest thrown by a Cuban radio station. This led to her singing professionally on the island.

wp_*posts

Joined La Sonora Mantacera

During the 1950s, Celia Cruz replaced Myrta Silva as the lead singer of the Afro-Cuban band La Sonora Mantacera. She stayed with the group for 15 years, during which she became famous, and met her husband, Pedro Knight (the band’s lead trumpeter and later her musical director and manager).

wp_*posts

Married Her Soulmate Pedro Knight

Celia married her cabecita de algodon (little head of cotton, as she called her white-haired husband) Pedro Knight on July 14, 1962 in New York. The lovebirds were married for 41 years, until her death in 2003.

wp_*posts

Celia y Johnny/Celia & Johnny is Released

History was made with the 1974 release of Celia’s album with Johnny Pacheco, entitled Celia y Johnny/Celia & Johnny. It was a successful album, which was chosen for preservation in the Library of Congress in 2013.

wp_*posts

First Grammy

In 1989, Celia Cruz won her first Grammy Award. It was for Best Tropical Latin Performance, for her album Ritmo En El Corazon, recorded with Ray Barretto.

wp_*posts

A Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Celia received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on September 17, 1987. It is located at 6240 Hollywood Blvd.
wp_*posts

Receives National Medal of Arts

The National Medal of Arts is the “highest award given to artists and arts patrons by the United States government…” for “outstanding contributions to the excellence, growth, support and availability of the arts in the United States.” President Bill Clinton presented Celia Cruz with the medal in 1994.

wp_*posts

Honorary Doctorates

Celia Cruz was honored with honorary doctorates at three different universities. She received an honorary doctorate degree of music from Yale in 1989, a doctorate honoris causa from Florida International University in 1992, and a doctorate honoris causa in music from the University of Miami in 1999.

In this Article

Celia Cruz cuban History music music history pop culture
More on this topic