Celia Cruz
(Telemundo)

Born today Oct 21, in 1925, Celia Cruz grew up in the poor Havana neighborhood of Santos Suárez, where Cuba’s diverse musical climate became a growing influence. In the 1940s, Cruz won a “La hora del té” (“Tea Time”) singing contest, propelling her into a music career. While Cruz’s mother encouraged her to enter other contests around Cuba, her more traditional father had other plans for her, encouraging her to become a teacher—a common occupation for Cuban women at that time.

Celia Cruz
(BillBoard)

Celia Cruz was born in Havana, Cuba on October 21, 1925. She first gained recognition in the 1950s, as a singer with the orchestra Sonora Matancera. Relocating to the United States after the ascent of Fidel Castro, Cruz recorded 23 gold records with Tito Puente, the Fania All-Stars and other collaborators. Cruz died in New Jersey in 2003, at the age of 77.

Source: Bio.com 

Celia Cruz’s mausoleum in Woodlawn Cemetery, The Bronx, New York.
(Wikipedia)

What do you remember about Celia Cruz?

Take a moment and watch Celia Cruz in action :