The Extraordinary Life of Celia Cruz: La Vida de Celia Cruz and the Americas Award for Children

My Name is Celia/Me llamo Celia: The Life of Celia Cruz/la vida de Celia Cruz (Americas Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature. Winner)

by Monica Brown

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4317 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Print length	:	32 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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Celia Cruz was a Cuban-American singer and one of the most popular Latin music artists of all time. She was known for her powerful voice, energetic stage presence, and signature phrase, "Azúcar!"

Early Life and Career

Celia Cruz was born in Havana, Cuba, in 1925. She began singing at a young age, and by the time she was a teenager, she was performing in local nightclubs. In the 1950s, she joined the legendary Cuban band Sonora Matancera, and it was with this group that she achieved international fame.

La Sonora Matancera and International Success

Sonora Matancera was one of the most popular Latin bands of the time, and Celia Cruz quickly became one of its most popular singers. She toured extensively with the band throughout Latin America, the United States, and Europe. In 1957, she recorded the hit song "La Vida Es un Carnaval," which became one of her signature songs.

Solo Career and Later Years

Celia Cruz left Sonora Matancera in 1960 and embarked on a successful solo career. She continued to tour the world, and she recorded over 100 albums. She also appeared in several films and television shows.

Activism and the Americas Award for Children

Celia Cruz was also a dedicated activist for children's rights. In 1992, she established the Celia Cruz Foundation, which provides educational and social support to children in need. She was also a supporter of the Americas Award for Children, a non-profit organization that recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the well-being of children in the Americas.

Legacy and Death

Celia Cruz died in 2003 at the age of 78. She left behind a legacy of music, activism, and philanthropy. She is remembered as one of the most iconic Latin music artists of all time, and her music continues to inspire and entertain people around the world.

Celia Cruz was a true legend of Latin music. Her powerful voice, energetic stage presence, and signature phrase, "Azúcar!" made her one of the most popular and beloved singers of all time. She was also a dedicated activist for children's rights, and her work with the Americas Award for Children has made a positive impact on the lives of countless children in the Americas.