Roll Out the Red Carpet!
The "Queen of Salsa" Celia Cruz is Coming to Town!

by Robin Davies

Without a doubt Celia Cruz is the greatest Salsera in the history of Latin music --an Icon and living legend. Crowned the "Queen of Salsa" for her signature fiery impassioned vocal styling, earthy voracious improvisational skills, and breathless dynamic performances, no other artist in her fifty plus year reign has ever come close.

Artists and critics echo a sentiment of high regard when asked about Celia Cruz, issuing the ultimate respect for the Queen of Salsa. "The grand La Senora, I believe no one in the world could ever surpass forever and ever, amen! Celia Cruz. She is the greatest guarachera that Cuba has given the world!" says Eliades Ochoa of El Cuarteto Patria and the Buena Vista Social Club. Cuban Diva Albita says, "Celia Cruz is an artist I have respected and admired all my life. Her contribution to music can not be measured. She has introduced the world to the rich music and soul of Cuba and for that I am eternally grateful."

In her career she has recorded more than 75 records, tirelessly toured the world, worked with the best Latin musicians and orquestras like Benny More, Johnny Pacheco, La Sonora Matancera, Oscar D‚Leon, Israel "Cachao" Lopez, Eddie Palmieri, Chucho Valdes, Willie Colon, Ray Barretto, and the late great Tito Puente. Over the years she has garnered her share of accolades, three Grammy nominations, winning one in 1990, a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame, an honorary doctorate from Yale University, and the National Metal of Arts was presented to her by President Clinton in 1994, to mention a few.

Cruz's infectious fervent music knows no boundaries. She recently toured Europe's former Eastern Block performing in Solvenia and Kosovo, receiving standing ovations. "It was beautiful and the first time I had been there. Tito [Puente] was the first to go three years ago. I just loved the people," comments Cruz "They danced and sang, knew all the songs. Their applause was thunderous and loud. I was very happy and proud to have been there."

Born in Havana, Cuba and raised in the improvised Santos Suarez district Cruz was one of fourteen children. Her father, Simon Cruz, worked for the railroad traveling for long stretches of time while her mother, Catalina Alfonso Cruz, took care of the children. Family and neighbors recognized her talent as a singer after hearing budding Celia croon lullabies to her younger siblings. They encouraged her to become a singer and enter in the local radio contests.

Cruz's father, however, thought differently. "He didn't want me to become a singer because [back then] women artists were known to be Œloose‚ women sleeping around and with their managers," Cruz continues "but my mother said ŒLook don‚t pay attention to him just keep going. I support you.‚ So of course I listened to my mother. She was the one who was always with me day and night. She knew me. She knew I was a decent girl." With her mothers blessings Cruz continued singing.

In 1935 Cruz's cousin was instrumental in her professional singing career, entering her into a local radio talent show in which she won first prize. This was the beginning her singing career with the money she earned from radio contests Cruz used to entered into teachers training college, where she studied literature. "I almost always was the winner in the radio contests first or second place. I'd win 15 or 20 pesos. With that money I bought my books and helped my family," Cruz reflects. Once graduated she began looking for work as a teacher, but the public demand for her to sing outweighed the classroom.

Enjoying moderate fame Cruz's big break came in 1950, when she replaced Puerto Rican female singer Mirta Silva in the popular band, La Sonora Matancera. " Mirta left the band to live in Puerto Rico where she had just built her new home," says Cruz "Everyone in Cuba loved her. It was hard for me at first; people would write to the radio stations saying they didn't like me and to bring her back," recalls Cruz. But Celia was persistent, eventually winning the audience over. For the next fifteen years she recorded and toured the Americas, Europe, and Asia with La Sonora Matancera to become the first female Salsera to achieve international notoriety.

In July of 1960 post-Castro Revolution La Sonora Matancera band members defected to the United States. "We gave [Castro's government] the impression we were leaving temporarily on tour," says Cruz, "that's when we got out." The band settled in Los Angles, becoming the hottest ticket in town at Hollywood's Palladium. One year later Cruz married bandleader Pedro Knight, who later became her manager and musical director. "The two most important people in my life have been my mother for her support and belief in me and Pedro, he has dedicated his life to me. If I were to die today and then was reborn, I'd marry him again. He is my love and my best friend," says Cruz.

In 1965, Cruz launched her solo career signing with Tico Records collaborating with Tito Puente, a fifteen-year collaboration that would ignite an explosion of interest in Latin music globally. "From the first time we met, it was 1952 in Cuba, Tito was like family, like a brother. He would say the same thing about me "Celita's my sister" comments Cruz "When I first started singing solo in the US, I mostly worked with Tito. We toured Japan, Finland, Spain, all of Europe, and the world,"

"The last time I worked with him was November 6,1999 at a theater in New York. When I found out he had passed away [Sr. Ernest Anthony "Tito" Puente died May 31,2000] I was in Buenos Arias. I did not expect that. [Pausing] The first thing I did when I got back [to New York] was go to the cemetery --and I stayed with him. He was absolutely family! Nobody can take this away because there were so many years. Can you imagine, from 1952 till now?

He left so many beautiful things behind, his contribution to music and scholarships for kids. He was a wonderful person and good friend never fought with anyone, gave advice when asked, listened to people, helped everyone he could. El eres mi hermano, mi familia! Period!"

By the seventies Cruz signed with Fania Records touring with the infamous Fania All-stars. Cruz was the crown jewel of the this troop which featured Willie Colon, Ruben Blades, Johnny Pacheco, Hector Lavoe and many other then up and coming artist. In the eighties she signed with RMM Records and instrumental in helping the careers of Marc Anthony and La India. "I don‚t think that there is anyone who could take her spot. She's a phenomenal artist not only for her vocal abilities but her public relations," comments La India.

A goodwill global diplomat of sorts, Cruz's energy is endless, visiting children's cancer wards, speaking at schools, encouraging youths to make something of their lives. "I love to contribute to these kind of humanitarian events. I work a lot with cancer organizations because my mother died of cancer. I want to help in the fight, so people don‚t die so early from this disease. My mother was only 62 when she died. I go to Chile, Costa Rica, Panama, everywhere to the same events, raising as much money as I can to fight this disease," Cruz continues "Every time I see unhealthy children and their families who don‚t have the money for treatment, I feel good when I do something. There are so many children who can't come out, so I go to see them. I go to the hospital sing two or three songs and talk to the children and their families. I think by giving a little bit you gain a lot. I always leave feeling good that I contributed. The group I do a lot of work for is La Liga Contra El Cancer in Miami."

Looking to the future "Siempre Vivire" Cruz's new CD and is scheduled for release in September. The CD will feature the single "Oye Como Va." "It is a tribute to Tito he is the author of the song. I loved him so much," says Cruz. Summing up her life and career is perhaps best said by Dona Celia herself "I think that life is the most wonderful gift God has given us. Music is another gift that was given to me by God as well, unless he takes it away, I will continue to share my gift with the world."

The legendary Celia Cruz is in concert Saturday, October 28 at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, California at 9 pm. Joining her will be the maestro Oscar d'Léon of Venezuela. Tickets are available through the San Francisco Jazz Festival.

Robin Davies is a free-lance writer based in the Bay Area.

©2000 by Robin Davies
©2000 by San Francisco/Bay Area Salsa & Latin Jazz
All rights reserved. No reproduction without written permission

Back

Roll Out the Red Carpet!
The "Queen of Salsa" Celia Cruz is Coming to Town!

by Robin Davies

Without a doubt Celia Cruz is the greatest Salsera in the history of Latin music --an Icon and living legend. Crowned the "Queen of Salsa" for her signature fiery impassioned vocal styling, earthy voracious improvisational skills, and breathless dynamic performances, no other artist in her fifty plus year reign has ever come close.

Artists and critics echo a sentiment of high regard when asked about Celia Cruz, issuing the ultimate respect for the Queen of Salsa. "The grand La Senora, I believe no one in the world could ever surpass forever and ever, amen! Celia Cruz. She is the greatest guarachera that Cuba has given the world!" says Eliades Ochoa of El Cuarteto Patria and the Buena Vista Social Club. Cuban Diva Albita says, "Celia Cruz is an artist I have respected and admired all my life. Her contribution to music can not be measured. She has introduced the world to the rich music and soul of Cuba and for that I am eternally grateful."

In her career she has recorded more than 75 records, tirelessly toured the world, worked with the best Latin musicians and orquestras like Benny More, Johnny Pacheco, La Sonora Matancera, Oscar D‚Leon, Israel "Cachao" Lopez, Eddie Palmieri, Chucho Valdes, Willie Colon, Ray Barretto, and the late great Tito Puente. Over the years she has garnered her share of accolades, three Grammy nominations, winning one in 1990, a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame, an honorary doctorate from Yale University, and the National Metal of Arts was presented to her by President Clinton in 1994, to mention a few.

Cruz's infectious fervent music knows no boundaries. She recently toured Europe's former Eastern Block performing in Solvenia and Kosovo, receiving standing ovations. "It was beautiful and the first time I had been there. Tito [Puente] was the first to go three years ago. I just loved the people," comments Cruz "They danced and sang, knew all the songs. Their applause was thunderous and loud. I was very happy and proud to have been there."

Born in Havana, Cuba and raised in the improvised Santos Suarez district Cruz was one of fourteen children. Her father, Simon Cruz, worked for the railroad traveling for long stretches of time while her mother, Catalina Alfonso Cruz, took care of the children. Family and neighbors recognized her talent as a singer after hearing budding Celia croon lullabies to her younger siblings. They encouraged her to become a singer and enter in the local radio contests.

Cruz's father, however, thought differently. "He didn't want me to become a singer because [back then] women artists were known to be Œloose‚ women sleeping around and with their managers," Cruz continues "but my mother said ŒLook don‚t pay attention to him just keep going. I support you.‚ So of course I listened to my mother. She was the one who was always with me day and night. She knew me. She knew I was a decent girl." With her mothers blessings Cruz continued singing.

In 1935 Cruz's cousin was instrumental in her professional singing career, entering her into a local radio talent show in which she won first prize. This was the beginning her singing career with the money she earned from radio contests Cruz used to entered into teachers training college, where she studied literature. "I almost always was the winner in the radio contests first or second place. I'd win 15 or 20 pesos. With that money I bought my books and helped my family," Cruz reflects. Once graduated she began looking for work as a teacher, but the public demand for her to sing outweighed the classroom.

Enjoying moderate fame Cruz's big break came in 1950, when she replaced Puerto Rican female singer Mirta Silva in the popular band, La Sonora Matancera. " Mirta left the band to live in Puerto Rico where she had just built her new home," says Cruz "Everyone in Cuba loved her. It was hard for me at first; people would write to the radio stations saying they didn't like me and to bring her back," recalls Cruz. But Celia was persistent, eventually winning the audience over. For the next fifteen years she recorded and toured the Americas, Europe, and Asia with La Sonora Matancera to become the first female Salsera to achieve international notoriety.

In July of 1960 post-Castro Revolution La Sonora Matancera band members defected to the United States. "We gave [Castro's government] the impression we were leaving temporarily on tour," says Cruz, "that's when we got out." The band settled in Los Angles, becoming the hottest ticket in town at Hollywood's Palladium. One year later Cruz married bandleader Pedro Knight, who later became her manager and musical director. "The two most important people in my life have been my mother for her support and belief in me and Pedro, he has dedicated his life to me. If I were to die today and then was reborn, I'd marry him again. He is my love and my best friend," says Cruz.

In 1965, Cruz launched her solo career signing with Tico Records collaborating with Tito Puente, a fifteen-year collaboration that would ignite an explosion of interest in Latin music globally. "From the first time we met, it was 1952 in Cuba, Tito was like family, like a brother. He would say the same thing about me "Celita's my sister" comments Cruz "When I first started singing solo in the US, I mostly worked with Tito. We toured Japan, Finland, Spain, all of Europe, and the world,"

"The last time I worked with him was November 6,1999 at a theater in New York. When I found out he had passed away [Sr. Ernest Anthony "Tito" Puente died May 31,2000] I was in Buenos Arias. I did not expect that. [Pausing] The first thing I did when I got back [to New York] was go to the cemetery --and I stayed with him. He was absolutely family! Nobody can take this away because there were so many years. Can you imagine, from 1952 till now?

He left so many beautiful things behind, his contribution to music and scholarships for kids. He was a wonderful person and good friend never fought with anyone, gave advice when asked, listened to people, helped everyone he could. El eres mi hermano, mi familia! Period!"

By the seventies Cruz signed with Fania Records touring with the infamous Fania All-stars. Cruz was the crown jewel of the this troop which featured Willie Colon, Ruben Blades, Johnny Pacheco, Hector Lavoe and many other then up and coming artist. In the eighties she signed with RMM Records and instrumental in helping the careers of Marc Anthony and La India. "I don‚t think that there is anyone who could take her spot. She's a phenomenal artist not only for her vocal abilities but her public relations," comments La India.

A goodwill global diplomat of sorts, Cruz's energy is endless, visiting children's cancer wards, speaking at schools, encouraging youths to make something of their lives. "I love to contribute to these kind of humanitarian events. I work a lot with cancer organizations because my mother died of cancer. I want to help in the fight, so people don‚t die so early from this disease. My mother was only 62 when she died. I go to Chile, Costa Rica, Panama, everywhere to the same events, raising as much money as I can to fight this disease," Cruz continues "Every time I see unhealthy children and their families who don‚t have the money for treatment, I feel good when I do something. There are so many children who can't come out, so I go to see them. I go to the hospital sing two or three songs and talk to the children and their families. I think by giving a little bit you gain a lot. I always leave feeling good that I contributed. The group I do a lot of work for is La Liga Contra El Cancer in Miami."

Looking to the future "Siempre Vivire" Cruz's new CD and is scheduled for release in September. The CD will feature the single "Oye Como Va." "It is a tribute to Tito he is the author of the song. I loved him so much," says Cruz. Summing up her life and career is perhaps best said by Dona Celia herself "I think that life is the most wonderful gift God has given us. Music is another gift that was given to me by God as well, unless he takes it away, I will continue to share my gift with the world."

The legendary Celia Cruz is in concert Saturday, October 28 at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, California at 9 pm. Joining her will be the maestro Oscar d'Léon of Venezuela. Tickets are available through the San Francisco Jazz Festival.

Robin Davies is a free-lance writer based in the Bay Area.

©2000 by Robin Davies
©2000 by San Francisco/Bay Area Salsa & Latin Jazz
All rights reserved. No reproduction without written permission

Back