Celia Cruz, born in Havana, Cuba, on October 21, 1925, is celebrated as the most influential female figure in Afro-Cuban music, with a remarkable career that spanned over 70 albums until her death in 2003.

Her musical journey began in childhood, and she rose to fame in 1950 with La Sonora Matancera, a leading salsa band, which helped her gain international acclaim.

After the Cuban revolution, Cruz emigrated to New York in 1962, where she flourished by collaborating with major artists and labels, including Tito Puente and Fania Records.

Known for her powerful contralto voice and vibrant stage presence, Cruz's dedication to live performances and refusal to lip-sync were hallmarks of her career, which she maintained even while battling cancer in her final months.

Her signature cry of 'Azúcar!' became emblematic of her identity as a performer, further solidifying her cultural impact.

Randy Malcom discusses the significance of Cruz's work in Cuba, where her music was banned, highlighting how her legacy continues to inspire artists today.

Cruz's impact is underscored by personal stories from fellow artists such as Emilio Estefan, La India, and Goyo, who share their profound experiences and the influence she had on their careers.

Estefan recounts Cruz's humility and her role as an inspiration for women in music, while La India reflects on their close relationship and Cruz's encouragement of new talent.

Cruz's legacy includes 64 million on-demand streams in the U.S. in 2024, a commemorative quarter released by the U.S. Mint, and various tributes, including a posthumous Legend Award from Billboard in 2025.

Goyo recalls a personal encounter with Cruz during her youth, reflecting on Cruz's lasting impact on the music industry and her role as a cultural icon.