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Celia Cruz Research Paper

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Afro-Cuban Salsa Queen: Celia Cruz
On October 21st of 1925, I entered into the musical climate of Havana, Cuba. Me han dado el nombre de Celia de la Caridad Cruz Alfonso. Within my first moments in the world, I was welcomed by mother, Catalina Alfonso Cruz, and my father, Simon Cruz. I was raised in a house of 14 children, including my three siblings and other relatives, within a poor neighborhood by the name of Santos Suarez. As a child, I had a true love for music as I would often listen to the radio, go to ballrooms, and sing the younger children to sleep. I was known for singing in community events and competing in singing contests. Recognition of my voice came when I sung “Nostalgia”, a tango song, in La Hora de Té. My father believed …show more content…

My career in the United States got off at a rough start but not until I joined the Tito Puente Orchestra and truly became the Queen of Salsa. People knew me for my dynamic voice but my performances and outfits are what really aroused the audience. I always had over-the-top attire usually with sequins, feathers, lace, and wild hair. After an incident at a restaurant, I began to say “Azucar!” or “Sugar!” during my performances, which became my famous phrase. By the 1970’s, I was performing regularly with the Fania All–Stars and in Miami. Many people in Miami had left Cuba as well but claimed they would only go back if Cuba became a democracy, which is why Miami could have been called my second home. During the 1970’s and the 1980’s, I had switched up my musical style with various artists. I collaborated with Caetano Veloso, Pattie LaBelle, Wyclef Jean, Emilio Estefan, Luciano Pavarotti, and David Byrne. I also began to appear in films including The Mambo Kings and The Perez Family. After 40 years of singing, I had won several Grammy Awards and Latin Grammys and produced over 70 albums including 23 that went gold. My life was singing and that was all I could ask for. With all the men in the salsa business, I overcame boundaries and obstacles to

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