As we continue our centennial series, 100 Years of 100 Things, return to thing number 91,

the life and legacy of one of the most influential voices in Latin music, Celia Cruz, born

100 years ago this October, known as the Queen of Salsa. Cruz brought fire and joy to every

stage she stepped onto, electrifying audiences with her unmistakable voice

and magnetic stage presence. Even now, two decades after her passing, clips of her performances

crackle with an energy that's impossible to fake. And then there's her signature call, Azukar,

a word that has become a battle cry for Afro-Latin pride and cultural expression

as potent as her voice itself. Joining us to talk about her remarkable life and lasting influence

is Felix Contreras, host and co-creator of NPR's Alt. Latino will trace cruises

rise from Havana to the global stage, play some more of her most iconic songs, and dig into the legacy of a woman who changed the sound of Latin music forever.

Felix, great to have you again. Welcome back to WNYC.

Hey, Brian. Good to be back, man. Thank you.

Let's start with the basics. And for people who don't know, who was Celia Cruz and what made

her such a towering, almost mythical figure?

Oh, my gosh. Okay. And the time we have left.

She was, like you, as you said, she was really one of the most recognizable voices in Latin

music. And music in general. She had just really

magnificent instrument was in her voice. And she came from Cuba. She was a very popular star in Cuba.

And let's see, the 1940s with a group called Sonora Mantanzara. And then she moved to the United

States. And she was kind of floundering there.

She was not really working a lot.

She wasn't, she's sort of like in her 40s.

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