Notes on Celia Cruz

The Queen of Salsa - Azucar!

October 21, 1925. Celia Cruz is born in Santo Suarez, Havana. She is the first of four children, although she has lots of adopted brothers and sisters.
After winning a prize for singing a tango at an amateur contest, she studies at the Conservatorio Nacional de Musica, Havana
August 3, 1950. She begins to sing with La Sonora Matanzera at Radio Progresso
1951. She makes her first record: with La Sonora Matanzera
July 15, 1960. She leaves Cuba with the band and goes to Mexico
In Mexico, she makes a film: Amorcito Corazon. She chooses not to return to Cuba
1962. While she's living and working in New York, her mother dies in Cuba
July 14, 1962. She marries band leader Pedro Nye
1965. She leaves the band La Sonora Matanzera
1966. Plays with Tito Puente
Summer 1974. Her first gold record: "Celia & Johnny"
Saturday, October 23, 1982. A Tribute to Celia Cruz: "Su Vida Musical," takes place at Madison Square Garden, NY. Performers include: Willie Colon, Tito Puente, Johnny Pacheco, Sonora Matanzera
September 17, 1987. Cruz receives her first star on Hollywood Walk of Fame - this had been widely requested by fans that include President Ronald Reagan
1991. In Miami: Calle 8 becomes Celia Cruz Way to commemorate her return to Miami
1992. Works on the film: The Mambo Kings
1993. Works on the film: The Perez Family