Celia Caridad Cruz Alfonso (October 21, 1925 – July 16, 2003), professionally known as Celia Cruz, was a Cuban-American singer who became one of the most popular Latin artists of the 20th century. Cruz rose to fame in Cuba during the 1950s as a singer of guarachas, earning the nickname "La Guarachera de Cuba." Over the course of her career, she sold more than 30 million records worldwide.
Cruz eventually earned the title of the "Queen of Salsa" due to her major contributions to Latin music. She collaborated with Johnny Pacheco and joined the Fania All-Stars, a collective featuring some of the era's most prominent salsa musicians. Among her most celebrated and signature recordings is the song "Quimbara," which showcased her powerful voice and rhythmic style.
Cruz's extensive catalog remains highly influential, with retrospective collections of her music being released posthumously, including the 2010 compilation album "Mis Favoritas."