How did a working-class girl from Cuba become a symbol of artistic freedom for Cuban Americans and the "Queen of Salsa"? Find out in this addition to the Who HQ library!
Although her family and friends know her as Úrsula Hilaria Celia de la Caridad Cruz Alfonso, the world refers to her simply as Celia Cruz. Starting her career in 1950, Celia grew increasingly popular as the new lead singer of the Cuban band Sonora Matancera. Her exceptional vocal range and flashy costumes made fans fall in love with her.
Celia's talent took her all around the world, including the United States. After Fidel Castro came to power in Cuba, she wasn't allowed to return to her native country. She and other Cubans who were exiled used their music to express their love for their homeland.
Celia rose to the top of the charts in a genre that was dominated by men. She become an award-winning singer and the most popular Latin artist of the twentieth century. Azucar! indeed!
This is Book 180 in the Who Was? Series. See all Who Was? books here.
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Pamela Pollock and Meg Belviso are authors of several books for children and reside in New York, New York.
Stephen Marchesi has illustrated several titles in the Who Was? series and lives in Croton-on-Hudson, New York.
Nancy Harrison lives in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
More about Pam PollackPamela Pollack and Meg Belviso are authors of several books in this series, including Who is George Lucas? and Who Was Susan B. Anthony?
More about Meg BelvisoGail Herman has written several biographies and nonfiction books, including Who Was Jackie Robinson? and What Is the World Series?
John Hinderliter is an award-winning illustrator and fine artist living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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