Apple Music commemorates the legacy of Celia Cruz 100 years since her birth

In honor of the centennial of Celia Cruz's birth, Apple Music One presents '100 Years of Celia Cruz,' a moving one-hour radio special that explores the life and music of the artist whose cries of "Azucar!" sweetened the entire world. The 'Queen of Salsa' was born on October 21, 1925 in Havana, Cuba.

This special, available on October 16, brings together anecdotes and testimonies from figures such as Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Sergio George, J Balvin, Daniela Darcourt, La India and Goyo, painting a vivid portrait of the woman behind the legend.

The program not only reviews her iconic musical catalog, but also narrates the epic trajectory of the superstar, from her roots in Cuba to her consecration in New York and her global impact.

“La Negra Hace Tumbao”

For this special, Apple Music collected testimonies from artists whose legacy of Celia Cruz has profoundly marked their musical careers. The first of them, producer Sergio George.

George recalled how, during the recording of La Negra Hace Tumbao, he felt the album needed something more and dared to propose to Celia that they explore the then-emerging reggaeton. “Celia, who was always open to everything, said, 'Come on, let's try it,'” George recounts.

The song's success demonstrated once again her ability to reinvent herself and connect with new generations.

The song 'Rie y Llora,' co-written by George before her diagnosis, took on a prophetic meaning. "I played it and he said, 'Wow, I love it. It's exactly what I'm experiencing.'" On the day of her funeral, as everyone gathered around her grave, “Rie y Llora,” which had been released that same day, was playing. “It was overwhelming to hear everyone sing along.”

For Gloria Estefan, Celia Cruz was her first and greatest inspiration. “Celia was my gateway to music,” she said, recalling how her mother would dance with her broom to Celia's records when they arrived in Miami. Gloria emphasized not only her talent but also her political steadfastness:“She was one of the first artists to openly criticize the Cuban government… Her entire life she remained true to her beliefs.”

“Today's artists can learn a lot from Celia: first, perseverance; second, that you can make music your whole life while remaining true to your roots,” he added. “Celia was never afraid of new ideas… She was and continues to be my idol.”

Emilio Estefan expressed the artist's human vulnerability when producing the song “Por Si Acaso No Regreso.” "She was always full of joy, but when she sang that song—about not being able to return home—she broke down in tears. It was the first time she had to stop a recording."

J Balvin associates Celia Cruz with “joy and happiness”

For new generations, her legacy is more alive than ever. J Balvin immediately associated her with “joy and happiness,” shouting “Azucar!” and celebrating her unique style, including her colorful wigs. “Unfortunately, I never met her… but her music lives on,” she said before singing “Like Celia Cruz have the sugar.”

As a woman in salsa, Daniela Darcourt sees Celia as a beacon. “She is the queen… Her big heart made every note shine,” she expressed, choosing “Rie y Llora” as her signature song.

La India defined Celia as “life and love,” praising her tireless energy. "The stage was her life. That's why I feel she will live forever." Goyo, of ChocQuibTown, highlighted her profoundest lesson: “She reminds us that success isn't always about being different, but about being yourself… Celia, as a woman, was a model of female empowerment.”

According to Apple Music data, the 100 Years of Celia Cruz is not just a musical journey; It is a reminder that the essence of Celia Cruz —her joy, her strength, and her authenticity—continues to permeate Latin culture, inspiring dreamers and artists to live and create with the same passion with which she lived. “She is the queen… Her big heart made every note shine,” she expressed, choosing “Rie y Llora” as her signature song.

La India defined Celia as “life and love,” praising her tireless energy. "The stage was her life. That's why I feel she will live forever." Goyo, of ChocQuibTown, highlighted her profoundest lesson: “She reminds us that success isn't always about being different, but about being yourself… Celia, as a woman, was a model of female empowerment.”

According to Apple Music data, the 100 Years of Celia Cruz is not just a musical journey; It is a reminder that the essence of Celia Cruz—her joy, her strength, and her authenticity—continues to permeate Latin culture,inspiring dreamers and artists to live and create with the same passion with which she lived.

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