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This Queen of Salsa was born in Havana, Cuba on October 21, 1929. Born and raised in a Havana, Cuba Cruz showed singing talent early on, but she decided to pursue a career as an elementary school teacher because her dad did not consider singing a proper job for a woman. Nevertheless, encouraged by her mom and a former teacher she decided to pursue a career in song. Cruz began her musical career performing for prizes in contest held on the radio and at local nightclubs. She caught her big break in the 50's when she became lead signer for Sonora Matancera, one of the most popular ensembles in Cuba. Although the group was criticized for having a "black" singer, Cruz's hard work and undeniable talent eventually won her critical acclaim and acceptance. In the 60's following the Cuban Revolution, Cruz left Cuba for Mexico and in 1961 she moved to the U.S. and a year later married a drummer from her former band Pedro Knight, who later became her manager. After coming to the U.S. in the 60's Cruz made several recording for infamous bandleader Tito Puente and nabbed the role of Gracia Davina in the concert production of Hommy, A Latin Opera (1973). Her performance gained her worldwide notoriety and an entire generation of new salsa listeners. Since then Cruz has collaborated with some of the biggest names in Latin music including Ray Baretto, Willie Colon, Fania All Stars, and Bobby Valentin. She has won a Grammy and received both an honorary degree in music from Yale University and a Nation Medal of the Arts, from President Bill Clinton in 1994. Cruz has also appeared on television shows and in movies, such as, Sesame Street, a variety show on the all-Spanish network Telemundo, in the films Mambo Kings, The Perez Family, and the musical drama Salsa. |
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