Celia Cruz

The Profile

Celia Cruz was a Cuban-born singer widely hailed as the Queen of Salsa. After leaving Cuba, she built a six-decade career in the U.S. and abroad, scoring classics like La vida es un carnaval and La Negra Tiene Tumbao, and performing with Fania All-Stars. She died in July 2003 from a brain tumor.

Cuban salsa icon; signature cry “Azúcar!”; famed for La vida es un carnaval; final album Regalo del alma released posthumously in 2003; mixed salsa/son with rap & R&B on late work; opposed Castro’s regime and lived in the U.S.

A single, glowing review salutes Celia Cruz’s posthumous album Regalo del alma. It highlights her exile from Cuba, 60-year career, and fame from La vida es un carnaval. The album blends salsa/son/rumba with rap and R&B, and includes the testament-like bonus track Yo viviré. The piece bids farewell to the Queen of Salsa with gratitude.