Celia Cruz

21 October 1925 – 16 July 2003

Celia Cruz was a Cuban-American singer widely known as the 'Queen of Salsa.' Over a career spanning five decades she recorded dozens of albums, won multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards, and became one of the most celebrated and influential Latin music artists of the 20th century.

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Life events

Born in Havana, Cuba
21 October 1925

She was born in the Santos Suárez neighborhood of Havana.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Birth ✓
Became lead singer of La Sonora Matancera
1950

She joined Cuba's most popular orchestra, launching her national fame.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Career ✓
Left Cuba and settled in the United States
1960

She emigrated following the Cuban Revolution and never returned to the island.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Married trumpeter Pedro Knight
14 July 1962

She married her longtime musical collaborator, who became her manager.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Collaborated with Fania All-Stars
1974

Her work with the Fania label helped popularize salsa music internationally.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Won her first Grammy Award
1990

She won a Grammy for the album Ritmo en el Corazón with Ray Barretto.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Received the US National Medal of Arts
1994

She was awarded the honor by President Bill Clinton.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Died in Fort Lee, New Jersey
16 July 2003

She died of brain cancer at her home in New Jersey.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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