New York, NY – The rhythms of Cuba and Africa filled the Rose Theater at Jazz at Lincoln Center (JALC) as the institution celebrated the **Celia Cruz Centennial**, honoring the immortal “Queen of Salsa.” On October 17 and 18, 2025, JALC presented “Celia Cruz: A Centennial Celebration!” and an educational “Family Concert: Who is Celia Cruz?” These events honored the iconic Cuban singer, born Úrsula Hilaria Celia de la Caridad Cruz Alfonso on October 21, 1925, commemorating 100 years since her birth and cementing her enduring legacy in global music during this special **Celia Cruz Centennial** year. This **Celia Cruz Centennial** is a significant event in **Latin music history**.
The Enduring Reign of the Queen of Salsa: A Celia Cruz Centennial Highlight
Celia Cruz remains one of the most pivotal figures in **Latin music history**. Rising to fame in Cuba in the 1950s as a singer of guarachas, earning the moniker “La Guarachera de Cuba,” she became internationally renowned as the “Queen of Salsa.” Forced into exile after the Cuban Revolution, Cruz became a powerful symbol for the Cuban diaspora, collaborating with genre giants like Tito Puente and Johnny Pacheco. Throughout her illustrious career, which spanned over five decades, she sold more than 30 million records and released 37 studio albums, securing two Grammy Awards and three Latin Grammy Awards. Her signature phrase, “¡Azúcar!” became synonymous with her vibrant spirit and electrifying performances, making her music a source of joy and cultural pride worldwide, a true testament to the **Celia Cruz Centennial**. This **Celia Cruz Centennial** ensures her story is shared.
A Celia Cruz Centennial Celebration at Jazz at Lincoln Center
The tribute concerts at Jazz at Lincoln Center were a centerpiece of the global **Celia Cruz Centennial** celebrations for 2025. Virtuoso bassist Carlos Henriquez, who had the privilege of performing and recording with Cruz early in his career, led both the evening’s vibrant dance party and the family-focused educational concert. Henriquez described Cruz as not only a mentor but also a mother figure, deeply influencing his musical journey. The JALC event was part of the institution’s 25-26 season, “Mother Africa,” which celebrates jazz and the African diaspora that shaped it, all contributing to the **Celia Cruz Centennial**.
Orchestrating a Salsa Queen Legacy with All-Stars for the Celia Cruz Centennial
For “Celia Cruz: A Centennial Celebration!”, Henriquez was joined by an impressive ensemble of New York and Miami-based Latin music all-stars. Renowned percussionists Bobby Allende and Carlos Padron, alongside trumpeters Jesus Ricardo and Manuel Ruiz, trombonists Xito Lovell and Ben Romanow, and pianist Osmany Paredes, provided the musical foundation for this **Celia Cruz Centennial** tribute. The vocal spotlight shone on acclaimed artists including Cuban native Aymée Nuviola, who famously portrayed Cruz in a telenovela, Cuban vocalist and bassist Alain Pérez, and Grammy-nominated vocalist and pianist Ariacne Trujillo Duran. Together, these performers brought Cruz’s extensive catalog to life, performing hits such as “Usted Abusó,” “Cúcala,” “Cao Cao Maní Picao,” “Soy Antillana,” “Toro Mata,” “La Bemba Colora,” and the universally beloved “La Vida es un Carnaval,” all part of the unforgettable **Celia Cruz Centennial** experience. This **salsa music tribute** was a highlight of the **Celia Cruz Centennial**.
Bridging Worlds and Igniting the Dance Floor: A Celia Cruz Tribute
The performances at the Rose Theater masterfully blurred the lines between salsa and jazz, showcasing the musicians’ virtuosic improvisations and deep understanding of rhythm, a key element of the **Celia Cruz Centennial**. The concert transformed the “house of swing” into an energetic dance floor, reminiscent of historic Latin dance halls. Vocalists like Nuviola, who opened the show with “Yerbero Moderna” and “Toro Mata,” and Pérez, who joined her for a duet of “La Bemba Colora,” engaged the audience, encouraging them to rise and celebrate. Pérez emphasized Cruz’s enduring impact, stating, “Vive la historia de una mujer que esta un inspirio” (long live the history of a woman who is an inspiration). The trio of singers later reconvened for a powerful rendition of “La Vida es un Carnaval,” leaving the audience captivated by the spirit of the **Celia Cruz Centennial**. The **Queen of Salsa**’s music truly came alive during this **Celia Cruz Centennial** event.
A Timeless Influence on Latin Music and Beyond: The Celia Cruz Centennial Legacy
Celia Cruz’s musical journey, which began in the 1950s, consistently pushed the boundaries of **Latin music history**, blending traditional Cuban rhythms with contemporary sounds. Her influence extends far beyond salsa, inspiring generations of artists across various genres. The centennial celebrations, including the JALC tribute, serve not only as a remembrance of her musical achievements but also as a testament to her cultural significance as a symbol of resilience, pride, and the vibrant spirit of the Afro-Caribbean diaspora. As these top stories of 2025 unfold, Celia Cruz’s vibrant legacy continues to resonate, reminding the world that “life is a carnival,” a fitting message for the **Celia Cruz Centennial**. This **Cuban music icon**’s impact is undeniable, and the **Celia Cruz Centennial** ensures her **Latin music legacy** is celebrated.
The “Family Concert: Who is Celia Cruz?” offered a more intimate setting for younger audiences to learn about the **Queen of Salsa**’s life and impact on **Latin music history**, further ensuring her stories will be passed down. This **Celia Cruz Centennial** celebration at Jazz at Lincoln Center underscored the timeless appeal of Celia Cruz’s music and her profound influence on the global music landscape, a lasting **Celia Cruz tribute**. The **Celia Cruz Centennial** is a vital moment for appreciating her contributions.
