Celebrating Celia Cruz: Winner of The American History Museum's "Frame An Icon" Contest

A legend was born! Úrsula Hilaria Celia de la Caridad Cruz Alfonso was born on October 21^st and grew up in a working class neighborhood in Havana, Cuba. She was the second oldest of fourteen children. Her musical creativity was greatly influenced by Yoruban singer Mercedita Valdes and charanga singer Abelardo Barroso. By the age of 14, Celia started singing in amateur contests and honing her craft at the National Music Conservatory.