Celia Cruz – One of the most famous and beloved singer ever in Latin music. This is and artist that is recognized all over the world for her passionate singing and extravagant stage presence. She studied literature at a teacher’s training College, but after winning a radio talent show she was soon studying music at the Havana Conservatory. Celia’s first big break came in 1950 when she was hired by La Sonora Matanzera, Cuba’s most famous group, to become their feature singer. In 1960 during Castro’s regime Celia and her band left for a tour that never made it back to their homeland. Celia moved to New York in 1962 marrying Pedro Knight who was one of her band mates and he became her manager. In 1965, Celia left Sonora Matanzera and began to record with Tito Puente and his Orquestra. In 1974 she worked with Johnny Pacheco on the Fania label. Her work on Fania would propel her to superstardom and she soon became known as the queen of salsa. Sadly, Celia Cruz left us on July 16th, 2003 leaving behind a recording legacy of over 100 albums influencing every singer in Latin music. She became more than just the Queen of salsa, as a cultural icon for the Latin population worldwide; she became immortalized as Queen of the people.