‘100 Años de Azúcar’: Celia Cruz Honored with Posthumous Release of Unseen Live Performances   

Celia Cruz, the Beloved Afro-Latina Icon, is Going to Appear on the U.S. Quarter belatina
Credit: Ibrahim Arce (Narcy Studios photographer), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In celebration of the centennial birth anniversary of the legendary Cuban singer Celia Cruz, a new album titled “Celia Cruz en vivo: 100 años de azúcar” has been released. Produced by Loud And Live Studios, the album is available in both physical and digital formats. This collection features nine previously archived live recordings from concerts in Miami, Florida, held between 1986 and 1987. 

Celia Cruz, known as “La Reina de la Salsa,” was born on October 21, 1925, in Havana, Cuba. She began her musical career in the 1940s and rose to fame as the lead vocalist for the Sonora Matancera orchestra. Following the Cuban Revolution in 1960, Cruz was exiled to the United States, where she continued her illustrious career, becoming a central figure in Latin music. Throughout her life, she recorded over 70 albums, earning multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy awards. Her unique voice, dynamic stage presence, and vibrant style made her a cultural icon. Cruz passed away on July 16, 2003, in Fort Lee, New Jersey, leaving behind an indelible legacy in Latin music. 

Omer Pardillo-Cid, Cruz’s last manager and the executor of her estate, emphasized the significance of these unreleased recordings. As reported by Infobae, he noted, “Celia only released one live album during her entire career, which makes these recordings even more valuable.” 

The album includes fresh renditions of iconic tracks such as ‘Quimbara,’ ‘Bemba colorá,’ ‘La dicha mía,’ and ‘Tu voz.’ It will also be available on vinyl and in limited editions that come with a book featuring one hundred photographs and collectible prints.  

Pedro ‘Waldy D’ Domínguez, the sound engineer, was responsible for restoring and remastering the recordings. The executive production was spearheaded by Nelson Albareda, president of Loud And Live, and Albertico Rodríguez. 

The Legacy of Celia Cruz Lives On Thanks to ‘100 Años de Azúcar’

Adding to the festivities, the U.S. Treasury Department will unveil a quarter featuring Cruz’s likeness in August, as part of the federal American Women Quarters program. This album not only provides a unique opportunity to experience Celia Cruz’s music anew but also underscores her historical and cultural significance, commemorating her enduring influence on Latin music. 

This release is part of a broader series of events organized by the Celia Cruz Foundation to honor the centenary of the artist’s birth, with activities planned from October through the end of 2025. 

This new album offers fans a rare glimpse into previously unheard live performances of Celia Cruz, enriching her already monumental legacy and continuing to celebrate her impact on Latin music and culture.

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