K4805

Latin Music Legends

Celia Cruz

Collins Cover Announcement 

Latin Music Legends

Celia Cruz

Celia was a talented Cuban-American who became one of the most successful salsa performers ever with twenty-three Gold Albums. "Billboard" magazine once wrote "Cruz is indisputably the best known and most influential female figure in the history of Cuban music. "

As a teenager, Celia sang in the cabarets with her cousin under the supervision of an aunt. Then she began to sing on Havana's radio station and in 1948 made her -first records in Venezuela. In 1950 she got her first big break when she was hired as the lead singer of a renowned Cuban orchestra. In 1959, Fidel Castro gained control of Cuba, and Cruz and her husband became citizens of the United States.

In 1994 President Bill Clinton awarded Celia the National Medal of Arts. On May 18, 2005 the Smithsonian opened an exhibit celebrating the life and music of Celia Cruz. It's entitled "Azucar! " (Sugar!), which was her self-proclaimed nickname. On September 26, 2007 the musical "Celia" based on the life of Cruz, opened in New York City. This outstanding Latin music legend was internationally known as the "Queen of Salsa." Her fans will always know her by the sweet sounds of her recordings. "Azucar!" Celia Cruz. Collins #K4805 at $14.00.