Who Is Celia Cruz? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Celia Cruz was born on October 21, 1925, in Havana, Cuba, and passed away on July 16, 2003. As of 2025, she would have been 99 years old, a testament to her enduring legacy in the music world. Renowned as the "Queen of Salsa," Cruz began her career in the 1940s and became one of the most influential figures in Latin music, known for her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence. For more detailed information, you can visit her Wikipedia page.
| Occupation | Musicians |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 21, 1925 |
| Age | 77 Years |
| Birth Place | Havana, Republic of Cuba |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | Cuba |
| Date of death | 16 July, 2003 |
| Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
Celia Cruz's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Celia Cruz stood at approximately 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall and weighed around 150 pounds (68 kg) during her prime. Though her exact measurements varied throughout her career, her commanding stage presence was amplified by her vibrant outfits and larger-than-life persona, which captivated audiences.
In 1998, she released the album Mi vida es cantar, which featured one of her most successful songs, La vida es un carnaval. In 1999, she performed with Luciano Pavarotti for the Pavarotti and Friends concert.
In 2000, Cruz released a new album under the auspices of Sony Music, Celia Cruz and Friends: A Night of Salsa, where she recorded again with Tito Puente, who died shortly after. Thanks to this album, Cruz was awarded her first Latin Grammy. In 2001, the album Siempre viviré won her a second Latin Grammy.
In that same year, she performed with Marc Anthony in a tribute to Aretha Franklin for VH1. In 2002, Cruz released the album, La negra tiene tumbao, where she ventured into modern variants of Caribbean rhythms, influenced by rap and hip hop. For this record she won her third Latin Grammy and her second American Grammy.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Celia Cruz married her longtime love, Pedro Knight, in 1962. The couple shared a strong bond that lasted until her death in 2003. Though there are no reports of any relationships or boyfriends after her marriage, Cruz's dedication to her family and her career were paramount in her life. Together with Knight, they formed a strong partnership both personally and professionally.
Her father, Simón Cruz, was a railway stoker, and her mother, Catalina Alfonso Ramos, a housewife who took care of an extended family. Celia was one of the eldest among fourteen children living in the house, including cousins and her three siblings, Dolores, Gladys, and Bárbaro, and she used to sing cradle songs to put them to sleep.
According to her mother, she began singing as a child at 9 or 10 months of age, often in the middle of the night. She also sang in school during the Fridays' actos cívicos and in her neighborhood ensemble, Botón de oro.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of her passing, Celia Cruz's estimated net worth was around $25 million. Today in 2025, her legacy continues to generate income through music royalties, merchandise, and posthumous collaborations. Her contributions to the music industry have also led to enduring respect and homage, further cementing her financial legacy.
One day, her cousin took her to Havana's radio station Radio García-Serra, where she became a contestant in the "Hora del té" amateur radio program. It was her first time using a microphone and she sang the tango "Nostalgia" (as a tribute to Paulina Álvarez ), winning a cake as the first prize for her performance.
On other occasions she won silver chains, as well as opportunities to participate in more contests. She also sang in other amateur radio programs such as La suprema corte del arte, broadcast by CMQ, always winning first prize. The only exception was when she competed against Vilma Valle, having to split their earnings: 25 dollars each.
Career, Business and Investments
Celia Cruz's career spanned over five decades, during which she released more than 23 albums, earned numerous awards including multiple Grammy Awards, and became an iconic figure in salsa music. She was not just a musician; she was a cultural ambassador, promoting Afro-Cuban music worldwide. Throughout her life, Cruz made strategic business decisions, including merchandise deals and promotional appearances, ensuring her brand remained prominent even after her death.
The artist began her career in her home country Cuba, earning recognition as a vocalist of the popular musical group Sonora Matancera, a musical association that lasted 15 years (1950–1965). Cruz mastered a wide variety of Afro-Cuban music styles including guaracha, rumba, afro, son and bolero, recording numerous singles in these styles for Seeco Records.
Social Network
Although Celia Cruz didn't have social media during her lifetime, her influence has transcended generations. Many fan pages and tribute accounts continue her legacy on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Her music streaming numbers surge every year, with millions of fans discovering her timeless hits.
Cruz recorded her first studio album for Fania in 1974 in collaboration with Johnny Pacheco, the label's founder and musical director. The album, Celia & Johnny, and its lead single, "Quimbara", were both a commercial success.
In 1976, she participated in the documentary film Salsa about Latin culture, along with figures like Dolores del Río and Willie Colón. The following year she recorded her first LP with Colón, a collaboration that would be repeated with great success in 1981 and 1987.
When touring with Colón, Cruz wore a flamboyant costume, which included various colored wigs, tight sequined dresses, and very high heels. Her fashion style became so famous that one of them was acquired by the Smithsonian institution.
In the late 1970s, she participated in an Eastern Air Lines commercial in Puerto Rico, singing the catchy phrase ¡Esto sí es volar! (This is to truly fly!).
Cruz also used to sing the identifying spot for WQBA radio station in Miami, formerly known as "La Cubanísima": "I am the voice of Cuba, from this land, far away...I am liberty, I am WQBA, the most Cuban!" (Yo soy de Cuba, la voz, desde esta tierra lejana... ¡soy libertad, soy WQBA, Cubanísima!).
Education
Celia Cruz attended the Conservatorio de Música in Havana, where she honed her vocal skills and developed her musical talents. Her formal education in music helped lay the foundation for her incredible career, allowing her to become one of the most celebrated musicians in Latin culture.
Cruz's legacy had been honored for years before her death, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (1987), the asteroid name 5212 Celiacruz (1989), the Excellence Awards at the 1990 Lo Nuestro Awards, and Celia Cruz Way in Miami (1991).
She was also recognized with a star on Boulevard Amador Bendayán in Caracas, Venezuela, and a figure in the Hollywood Wax Museum. Besides, Cruz received three Honoris Causa doctorates from three universities in the United States: Yale University, Florida International University and the University of Miami.
Cruz, along with fellow Afro-Cuban musician Cachao, were inducted into the Billboard Latin Music Hall of Fame in 1994. She was also inducted into the International Latin Music Hall of Fame in 1999. In the same year, she was presented with the ASCAP Latin Heritage Award becoming the first recipient of the accolade.
