[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 139 (Tuesday, October 16, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1894]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         TRIBUTE TO CELIA CRUZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 16, 2001

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ms. Celia 
Cruz, known as the ``Queen of Salsa,'' who is being presented with the 
James Smithson Bicentennial Medal for her countless contributions to 
American culture and music for more than 40 years. I would also like to 
thank Ms. Cruz for her generous donation of a marvelous gown to the 
National Museum of American History which will be included in the 
exhibit ``Moda y Musica: Stage, Fashion and Style'' in commemoration of 
Hispanic Heritage Month.
  Throughout her childhood in Havana, Cuba, Ms. Cruz's passion for 
music was well-known. As a young adult she became more serious about 
this passion. Already noted for her pregon singing (a vocal style which 
evolved from the calls, chants, and cries of street vendors) and 
various songs that had earned her local fame, Cruz enrolled at the 
Conservatory of Music to study voice and theory. Ms. Cruz has always 
appreciated the power of music, particularly the power of salsa and 
other forms of Hispanic music. Salsa music is the pulse of many 
Hispanic cultures and has in recent years been discovered and revered 
by people throughout the world.
  Mr. Speaker, Ms. Cruz left Cuba in 1960 and began recording with the 
legendary Tito Puente and his band in the United States, where they 
brought the heat and rhythm of Cuba and Puerto Rico to the streets of 
New York City, Puente's birth city. Ms. Cruz went on to marry her long-
time friend and colleague Pedro Knight on July 14, 1962. Knight was the 
first trumpeter of Cruz's famed orchestra, La Sonora Matancera, and had 
known the singer for over 14 years. Knight has served as Cruz's 
protector, manager, and musical director ever since and gave her the 
golden ``Salsa'' engraved earrings she still wears.
  Throughout Ms. Cruz's illustrious career, she has toured the world 
and appeared in numerous films, most notably the 1992 release, ``Mambo 
Kings.'' She also played the role of La Gracia Divina in the 
goundbreaking opera ``Hommy'' at Carnegie Hall in 1973. Ms. Cruz has 
recorded over 70 albums. Many fans say that while her albums are among 
their most treasured, nothing compares to hearing the singer live in 
concert. Critics around the world have noted that she electrifies the 
stage. These accomplishments have earned Ms. Cruz the prestigious James 
Smithson Bicentennial Medal, awarded under the authorization of the 
Secretary of the Smithsonian to people who have made distinguished 
contributions to the advancement of society and culture.
  After nearly half a century of high-energy concerts, album 
recordings, interviews and other speaking engagements, Ms. Cruz is 
still in high demand. To illustrate that fact, Mr. Speaker, I should 
mention that Ms. Cruz took home the 2000 Latin Grammy award for Best 
Salsa Performance. I ask my colleagues to Join me in congratulating 
Celia Cruz on earning the James Smithson Bicentennial Medal and in 
thanking her for decades of legendary music and for her terrific 
spirit.

                          ____________________