Celia, Musical Tribute to Cruz, Debuts Off-Broadway – New York City

“An all Latino ensembles prepares for off-Broadway premiere of Celia: The Life and Music of Celia Cruz, beginning previews August 28, opening September 19 at New World Stages 340 West 50th Street.

“Three-time Grammy and four-time Latin Grammy winner, Celia Cruz is one of Latin musics most unforgettable vocalists, and perhaps the most notable ambassador of Hispanic culture in the world,” explain press notes, “It was radios heyday, and Celias voice became a regular fixture on Cuban airwaves. In 1950, she was invited to join La Sonora Matancera, revered as the Latin equivalent of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, with who she remained for 15 years. In 1962, Celia married the bands trumpet player, Pedro Knight. In 1965, Celia launched her solo career. She relocated to the Big Apple, where she eventually teamed with the legendary Tito Puente, with whom she would always continuing working with. She found international fame collaborating with legendary flautist and composer Johnny Pacheco; hits included Quimbara, Toro Mata, and Canto a la Habana. Cruz died on July 16, 2003 leaving a gap in Latin music but sealing her immortal status as the Queen of Latin Music, The Queen of Salsa, and La Guarachera de Cuba.”"

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