does not provide page references. You can help to improve it by introducing citations that are more precise. Celia Cruz Celia Cruz in Paris, France, april 1980 Background information Birth name Úrsula Hilaria Celia de la Caridad Cruz Alfonso Also known as La Reina de la Salsa, La Guarachera de Cuba Born October 21, 1924(1924-10-21) Havana, Cuba Died July 16, 2003(2003-07-16) (aged 78) Fort Lee, New Jersey, United States Genres Salsa, Bolero Occupations Singer Years active 1948–2003 Associated acts Sonora Matancera, Fania All-Stars Celia Cruz (born Úrsula Hilaria Celia de la Caridad Cruz Alfonso on October 21, 1924 – July 16, 2003) was a Havana, Cuba born salsa singer, and was one of the most successful Salsa performers of the 20th century, with twenty-three gold albums to her name. She was renowned internationally as the "Queen of Salsa" as well as "La Guarachera de Cuba.".