Celia Cruz Exhibition @ Smithsonian.

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History will explore the life of legendary Cuban-born singer Celia Cruz (1924 – 2003) and her impressive career with “Azucar! The Life and Music of Celia Cruz,” a new exhibition slated to open in May 2005.

“Celia Cruz embodied the American Dream and the story of her life and career will allow our visitors to explore the themes of American identity and the many contributions Latinos have made to American culture and popular music,” said museum director Brent D. Glass.

Over the course of a career that spanned six decades and took her from humble beginnings in Havana, Cuba, to a world-renowned artist in the United States, Celia Cruz became the undisputed Queen of Latin Music. Combining a piercing and powerful voice with a larger-than-life personality and stage costumes, she was one of the few women to succeed in the male dominated world of Salsa music. Upon her death, she was celebrated around the world as the “Queen of Latin Music” and the “Queen of Salsa.” Salsa is music born in New York City of Cuban and other Afro-Latin mixed musical genres. In her personification of Salsa, Cruz came to represent all Latinos.

“Azucar!” will highlight important moments in Cruz’ life and career through photographs, personal documents, costumes, rare footage, music videos and music. The show will begin with her childhood and early appearances with the band, “La Sonora Matancera,” in Cuba. Among the dozen featured costumes will be a dress from a 1950s performance in Cuba and the dress she wore at her last public appearance, designed by Narciso Rodriguez. The exhibition title is taken from her famous rallying cry, “Azucar” meaning sugar.

For more information at http://americanhistory.si.edu