Saoco celia cruz biography

1. Biography of Celia Cruz
2. Death and Legacy
3. Accomplishments and Awards
4. Early Life and Career
5. Emigration and Personal Life

Biography of Celia Cruz

Celia Cruz, the Cuban singer, was recognized as the most famous and influential woman in the history of Afro-Cuban music. She performed compositions in the salsa style, which is a Latin American music style that combines indigenous, Spanish, and African motifs. The term "salsa" was coined in the s by Chano Pozo, a Cuban percussionist and first-wave immigrant to America from Cuba. The salsa boom occurred in the s when massive salsa festivals were held in the United States, Africa, and Latin America, attracting huge crowds.

Death and Legacy

Celia Cruz passed away at the age of 78 in her home surrounded by friends and family in Fort Lee, New Jersey. The cause of death for the incomparable queen of salsa was a brain tumor, as reported by BBC. She had undergone surgery the previous year, but the process had progressed too far. Her death marked the second major loss for Cuban music, as legendary musician Compay Segundo had passed away just three days prior.

Accomplishments and Awards

Celia Cruz was recognized as the most famous and influential woman in the history of Afro-Cuban music. Throughout her illustrious career, she recorded over 70 albums and appeared in numerous films, including "Mambo Kings," "Salsa," and "The Perez Family." Possessing a unique vocal talent, Celia was also known for her extravagant costumes, wild wigs, and vibrant originality. She received several prestigious Grammy Awards (having been nominated 12 times) and was honored with the Billboard Lifetime Achievement Award in for her significant life achievements.

Early Life and Career

Celia Cruz was born on October 21, , in the small Havana neighborhood of Barrio Santa Suarez. She grew up in a family of 14 children and began earning money from a young age by performing for tourists. In her youth, Celia prepared to become a literature teacher while simultaneously performing in nightclubs and cabarets. In , she won a music competition in Havana, which led to her acceptance into the National Music Conservatory. Her songs began playing on the radio. In the early s, Celia Cruz started performing with the legendary group "La Sonora Matancera."

Emigration and Personal Life

Cruz emigrated from Cuba shortly before Fidel Castro came to power in The singer claimed that the leader of the Cuban revolution never forgave her for leaving, which is why she was never able to return to her homeland. In , Celia Cruz married Pedro Knight, who played the trumpet in the Sonora Matancera group. Celia Cruz often spoke of her dream to die on stage, like Miguito Valdés.