Google Doodle Honors 'Queen of Salsa' Celia Cruz

Google paid tribute on Monday to Celia Cruz, known as "the Queen of Salsa" or "La Reina de la Salsa," with a vibrant Google Doodle to mark what would have been her 88th birthday.

The Cuban-born legend, who died in 2003 at age 77 from brain cancer, was recognized for her influence in both Latin and Cuban music. She won a Grammy Award in 1990 for Best Tropical Latin Performance alongside Ray Barretto.

Cruz got her start as the lead singer of popular Cuban orchestra Sonora Matancera when the original leader left the group. She toured around the world with the group for 15 years and shot to fame. Cruz was also featured in several Mexican films, including Salon Mexico (1950), and later joined the Fania All-Stars musical ensemble, which included salsa musicians from various orchestras. Read more...