[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 142 (Wednesday, November 1, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2058]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN HONOR OF CELIA CRUZ, THE QUEEN OF SALSA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 1, 2000

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, today I honor Celia Cruz, ``the queen of 
salsa,'' one of the greatest singers of salsa music, who has 
entertained audiences around the world for five decades.
  Celia Cruz has mesmerized audiences for five decades with her 
exceptional singing talent and her wonderful charisma. She has been one 
of the single greatest influences on salsa music, recording more than 
70 albums, and receiving more than 100 awards, which included a Grammy 
in 1989 following twelve nominations. In addition, she has been honored 
with stars and street sections in some of the world's most visited 
avenues, such as the Walk of Fame in Hollywood and the Calle Ocho in 
Miami. Celia has also received honorary degrees from Yale, Florida 
International University, and the University of Miami.
  Celia began her illustrious career in Cuba in the late 1940s, and 
joined the legendary group La Sonora Matancera in the early 1950s. 
After several successful recordings, the group's music was in demand 
beyond the borders of Cuba.
  In 1960, Celia left Cuba for the United States, where her career 
blossomed and where she became a household name. During her first 
decade in the United States, she recorded several albums with the great 
Tito Fuente, and together they captured the hearts of nontraditional 
fans of salsa, a phenomenon known as ``the Salsa of the 70s.'' Celia 
has also collaborated with other great Latin artists, including Johnny 
Pacheco, Willy Colon, and la Fania All Stars, as well as great American 
artists, such as Dionne Warwick, Patti Labelle, David Byrne, Gloria 
Estefan, and Wyclef Jean.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Celia Cruz--a great 
artist and entertainer, and a salsa icon.

                          ____________________