Celia Cruz was the 'Queen of Salsa' and one of the most influential Latin artists of the 20th century. With her powerful voice and flamboyant costumes, she became the face of Cuban music worldwide. After leaving Cuba following the revolution, she became a star in the U.S. with the Fania All-Stars. Cruz won three Grammy Awards and four Latin Grammys, and her catchphrase '¡Azúcar!' (Sugar!) became a symbol of joy and Latin pride. She recorded over 70 albums and was a symbol of resistance for the Cuban exile community. In 1994, she was awarded the National Medal of Arts. Cruz’s legacy as a trailblazer for women in the male-dominated world of salsa remains undisputed, and her music continues to be the heartbeat of Latin dance floors.