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Cuban-American singer, internationally renowned as the 'Queen of Salsa', celebrated for her powerful voice, electrifying stage presence, and iconic contributions to Latin music.Born in Havana, Cuba, Cruz began singing professionally in the 1940s, gaining fame with the orchestra Sonora Matancera. Following the Cuban Revolution, she settled in the United States in 1960, becoming a symbol of the Cuban exile community.Her career skyrocketed through collaborations with Tito Puente, Johnny Pacheco, and the Fania All-Stars, defining the New York salsa sound. Known for her flamboyant costumes, energetic performances, and signature exclamation '¡Azúcar!', she recorded over 80 albums, won multiple Grammy Awards, and became a global icon of Latin culture until her death.

• Cruz left Cuba in 1960 for a tour in Mexico and never returned due to the Castro regime, making her a potent symbol of the Cuban diaspora; the Cuban government banned her music for decades.
• Her famous catchphrase '¡Azúcar!' (Sugar!) originated when she ordered coffee in a Miami restaurant and, noticing the waiter didn't offer sugar, explained that in Cuba, sugar was central to life, transforming it into a symbol of cultural identity and sweetness.
• Despite her immense popularity and influence, Cruz didn't win her first Grammy Award until 1989 (Best Tropical Latin Performance for 'Ritmo En El Corazón') but went on to win several more, including a posthumous Latin Grammy for Lifetime Achievement.
• Cruz died in Fort Lee, New Jersey, at the age of 77, after a battle with brain cancer; her funeral in Miami became a major public event, reflecting her profound impact on the Latin community worldwide.