Celia Cruz — Timeline
Key moments in the life of Celia Cruz.
1925
Born Úrsula Hilaria Celia de la Caridad Cruz Alfonso on October 21 in Havana, Cuba
1947
Began her professional singing career, winning the Havana Radio Station contest
1950
Joined the Sonora Matancera orchestra, becoming their lead singer for 15 years
1960
Fled Cuba after the Castro revolution and settled in New York
1962
Married Pedro Knight, a musician who became her manager and lifelong partner
1974
Achieved major international success with the album 'Celia & Johnny' with Johnny Pacheco
1988
Won Grammy Award for Best Salsa Album for 'Ay Como Duele'
1994
Received the National Medal of Arts from President Bill Clinton
2003
Released final album 'Gift of Love' while battling ovarian cancer
2003
Died on July 16 in New York at age 77, leaving an unparalleled legacy in salsa music