Vibes of the Caribbean: Capturing the Essence of Spanish-Speaking Music

Curated Playlist: Celebrating Celia Cruz's Caribbean Legacy 🎤🎶

Central Artist: Celia Cruz

Description: This arranged playlist captures the essence of the music of the Spanish-speaking Caribbean, through a notable artist, titled the “Queen of Salsa”, Úrsula Hilaria Celia de la Caridad Cruz Alfonso, known as Celia Cruz. Cruz was born in Havana, Cuba, where she was recognized for her incredible singing abilities and her profound impact on Latin music, particularly in the genre of salsa. Salsa music originated from the Caribbean, blending Cuban, Puerto Rican, and American musical elements. The songs presented in this playlist were inspired by Cruz through collaborations and musical influences.

Playlist:

First on this playlist is Quimbara by our central artist, Celia Cruz. In this performance at a concert in Connecticut, you can see Cruz and Johnny Pacheo beautifully performing their song with energy despite their advanced age. The song's salsa-infused rhythms and melody make you want to get up and dance. This song was highly successful and contributed to the popularization of salsa music in the USA. It was also featured on Sesame Street in a musical game with Cruz called “Celia Says” (Fandom Inc, n.d.). Through celebrating her Cuban heritage, Cruz empowered Afro-Latino Americans to embrace their own culture.

Next is Simani by Johnny Pacheco, a Dominican musician, arranger, composer, bandleader, and record producer. In this video, a visual of Pacheco’s picture is shown against a vibrant galaxy background. In this composition, the salsa-infused rhythm and melody can be heard, putting listeners in an energetic, fun mood. This song is interconnected to Cruz due to her collaborations with Pacheco. Pacheco signed Cruz to Fanita (Vanya) Records, in which they produced a hit in the album titled Celia & Johnny in 1974 (Anderson, 2020). Through this hit, Salsa music went international, inspiring many musicians like Pacheco to create their own salsa songs.

Next up on this playlist is Oye (Hey) by Gloria Estefan, a Cuban American singer, actress, and businesswoman. In this music video, Estefan is seen enjoying herself at a party. This salsa song has a lively melody that fills listeners with energy and empowerment. This song is connected to Cruz due to her inspiration on both Estefan's music career and lifestyle. Moreover, Estefan expresses that Cruz’s humility, professionalism, and timeless stage presence deeply inspired her, leaving an indelible mark on her career and personal values (Ratner-Arias, 2024).

Upcoming is Vivir Mi Vida (Live My Life) by Marco Antonio Muñiz, known as Marc Anthony, an American singer, and songwriter. In this music video, Muñiz is singing his song in the streets while fans surround him, cheering him on. The lyrics of this salsa-inspired song leave listeners wanting to live life and be happy. This song is related to Cruz due to her impact and inspiration on Muñiz. Muñiz admired Cruz so much that he co-hosted “¡Celia Cruz: Azúcar!”, a tribute concert honouring Cruz’s legacy (Anthony, 2016). They have also collaborated and performed together on numerous occasions.

Coming up next is La Indía’s Ese Hombre, which translates to That Man. Linda Bell Viera Caballero, known as La Indía, is an acclaimed Puerto Rican singer. In this video, Caballero effectively portrays her feelings for a man whom she felt betrayed her. The combination of Caballero's voice with the salsa-infused melody leaves listeners, most likely women, empowered. This song is connected to Cruz due to her powerful influence on Caballero's music career; Caballero saw her as a mentor (Google n.d.). Cruz wanted Caballero to carry on her legacy of making salsa music and titled her the “Princess of Salsa” (Hernandez, 2012).

Next on this playlist is Let's Get Loud by Jennifer Lopez, often referred to as J.Lo, an American actress, singer, dancer, and businesswoman. In this music video, Lopez is seen performing her song at a large stadium filled with people cheering her on. The salsa-infused melody of this song leaves listeners with positive connotations, making them want to dance. This song is related to Cruz due to her inspiration on Lopez’s music. Lopez was so inspired by Cruz that she sang some of Cruz’s songs as a tribute at the 2013 American Music Awards (Avery, 2013).

Last on this playlist is Sabor a Melao (Flavor of Sweetness) by Daddy Yankee featuring Andy Montañez. Ramón Luis Ayala Rodríguez, known as Daddy Yankee, is a retired Puerto Rican rapper. In this video, a visual of Rodríguez’s picture is placed in black and white. Once again, the song’s melody is infused with salsa and lively, energetic rhythms. This song is related to Celia Cruz due to her strong musical influence on Rodríguez. Rodríguez was so moved by Cruz's representation in the music industry that he invested in a musical about her life (Taylor, 2006).



Bibliography

Anderson, K. (2020, May 19). Celia Cruz & Johnny Pachecocelia & Johnny. Craft Recordings. https://craftrecordings.com/blogs/permanent-record/celia-cruz-johnny-pacheco-celia-johnny

Anthony, M. (2016, October 7). Marc Anthony Salutes Celia Cruz. GRAMMY.com. https://www.grammy.com/news/marc-anthony-salutes-celia-cruz

Avery, D. (2013, November 24). Jennifer Lopez wins amas with amazing Celia Cruz tribute. can a biopic be far off?. News | Logo TV. https://www.logotv.com/news/hssqls/jennifer-lopez-wins-amas-with-amazing-celia-cruz-tribute-can-a-biopic-be-far-off

Fandom, Inc. (n.d.). Quimbara. Muppet Wiki. https://muppet.fandom.com/wiki/Quimbara

Google. (n.d.-b). The life and legacy of Celia Cruz - Google Arts & Culture. Google. https://artsandculture.google.com/story/the-life-and-legacy-of-celia-cruz-intlsalsamuseum/QgUhv64RhAwaiw?hl=en

Hernandez, A. C. (2012, June 7). La India – supreme princess of salsa. Latina Lista: News from the Latinx perspective. https://latinalista.com/culture-2/la-india-supreme-princess-of-salsa

Ratner-Arias, S. (2024, June 7). Legends also do their laundry: How Gloria Estefan keeps her feet on the ground. Billboard. https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/gloria-estefan-legend-2024-latin-women-in-music-interview-1235702328/

Taylor, C. (2006, April 26). Daddy Yankee Exclusive Q&A. Billboard. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/daddy-yankee-exclusive-qa-1355180/

Why is Celia Cruz called the queen of salsa?. Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum. (2020, May 20). https://womenshistory.si.edu/blog/why-celia-cruz-called-queen-salsa#:~:text=During%20a%20career%20that%20lasted,Americans%20embrace%20their%20own%20heritage






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