Celia Cruz, born on October 21, 1925, in Havana, Cuba, was a legendary Cuban-American singer known as the “Queen of Salsa.” Renowned for her powerful voice, electrifying stage presence, and signature catchphrase “¡Azúcar!” (Sugar!), Cruz rose to fame in the 1950s as the lead singer of La Sonora Matancera, a renowned Cuban orchestra. She later immigrated to the United States, where she continued to dominate the salsa music scene. Cruz’s career spanned over six decades, during which she recorded numerous hit songs, including “Quimbara” and “La Vida Es Un Carnaval.” Beyond her music, she was celebrated for her vibrant personality and flamboyant style, often adorned with colorful wigs and extravagant costumes. Cruz’s impact on Latin music and culture earned her worldwide recognition, including multiple Grammy Awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She remains an enduring icon in the realm of salsa music, inspiring generations of artists and fans alike. Celia Cruz passed away on July 16, 2003, but her legacy continues to thrive through her timeless music.

Celia Cruz Quotes

1. “My English is not very good-looking.”
— Celia Cruz

2. “When opportunity presents itself grab it. Hold on tight and don’t let go.”
— Celia Cruz

3. “Forgiving is not forgetting. Forgiving is remembering without pain.”
— Celia Cruz

4. “When people hear me sing, I want them to be happy, happy, happy. I don’t want them thinking about when there’s not any money, or when there’s fighting at home. My message is always felicidad – happiness.”
— Celia Cruz

5. “Singing is my life. It has always been my life. It will always be my life.”
— Celia Cruz

6. “My life is singing. I don’t plan on retiring. I plan to die on a stage. I can have a headache but when it’s time to sing and I step on that stage there is no more headache.”
— Celia Cruz

7. “You would give up your career if you lost your voice for good, or if the impresarios stopped calling, or the audiences stopped coming. But as long as those things are there, I don’t plan to stop. There is nothing that makes me feel better than to be with my public.”
— Celia Cruz

8. “If I don’t work, I’ll be sitting on the couch watching TV, eating popcorn and getting like a cow.”
— Celia Cruz

9. “I always clean before the cleaning lady comes. If not, when I come home, I can’t find anything. Cleaning ladies are always hiding things you leave out.”
— Celia Cruz

10. “I love living on that stage. Without that, Id die.”
— Celia Cruz