[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 139 (Tuesday, October 16, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1900]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN HONOR OF CELIA CRUZ, RECIPIENT OF THE JAMES SMITHSON BICENTENNIAL 
                                 MEDAL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 16, 2001

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to 
musical legend Celia Cruz. On Tuesday, October 16, 2001, Ms. Cruz will 
be awarded the James Smithson Bicentennial Medal for her distinguished 
musical career and invaluable contributions to our nation's cultural 
heritage. The award ceremony will take place at the Smithsonian 
Institution in Washington, DC.
  Celia Cruz was born and raised in the Santa Suarez neighborhood of 
Havana, Cuba. As a young girl, she spent much of her spare time 
entertaining her peers, friends, and neighbors by singing lullabies and 
melodies. In the 1940's, she officially began her musical career by 
singing on numerous Cuban radio programs. She expanded her musical 
aptitude by studying at Havana's Conservatory of Music from 1947 to 
1950.
  In 1950, Celia Cruz gained international acclaim by becoming the lead 
singer for Cuba's top dance band, La Sonora Matancera. For over fifteen 
years, La Sonora Matancera electrified sold-out audiences with their 
vibrant and catchy Afro-Cuban melodies and rhythms.
  Throughout much of her career, Celia Cruz has been hailed as the 
``Queen of Salsa'' due to herr energetic and animated musical 
performances. Cruz, a Grammy Award winner and Latina musical icon, has 
enjoyed a dynamic career that has spanned over five decades, recorded 
countless albums, and has often performed with musical great Tito 
Puente.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Celia Cruz, for her 
immeasurable contributions throughout her illustrious career. The James 
Smithson, Bicentennial Medal could not have been awarded to a more 
deserving human being--Celia Cruz, a living legend, who continues to 
inspire the world.

                          ____________________