Havana, Cuba (October 21, 1925 -July 16, 2003) age 77 yrs

Celia Cruz, born Úrsula Hilaria Celia de la Caridad Cruz Alfonso, grew up in the low-income neighborhood of Santos Suarez. She was one of four siblings. She started singing at a young age. Celia Cruz was one of the most popular salsa artists of the 20th century. She earned twenty-three gold albums. She was renowned internationally as the “Queen of Salsa.” She was also known as “La Guarachera de Cuba.” During a career that lasted more than 60 years, Cruz helped popularize salsa music in the United States. By celebrating her Cuban culture, she also helped Afro-Latino Americans embrace their own heritage. She became one of few women to succeed in the male-dominated world of salsa music.