Presenting Celia Cruz

Celia de la Caridad Cruz Alfonso lived a life larger than most. In a career that spanned fifty years and produced more than 70 albums—including a bounty of gold and platinum records—five Grammys, two Latin Grammys, and countless hit songs, she joyfully introduced her tropical beats and the soulful sounds of Latin music to audiences around the world.

Presenting Celia Cruz celebrates the woman, the artist, the diva, the friend, the mentor—the many facets of Celia’s extraordinary life—through the lens of accomplished photographer Alexis Rodriguez-Duarte, her longtime friend. Rodriguez-Duarte shares many never before published images and recounts the intimate stories of their unique fifteen-year collaboration and friendship, from quiet backstage moments to explosive live performances. Remembrances from fellow artists, including David Byrne, Cristina Saralegui, Annie Lennox, and Jennifer Lopez, along with specially commissioned essays by Guillermo Cabrera Infante, Lydia Martin, and Liz Balmaseda, round out this remarkable contemporary portrait of La Reina de la Salsa.

As vibrant and surprising as Celia herself, Presenting Celia Cruz is a poignant and glorious tribute to a brilliant life and a legendary performer.