Greatest Hits [Digipak]

Performer: Celia Cruz
Artist: Johnny Pacheco; Willie Colon; Fania All-Stars; Adalberto Santiago; Ray Barretto; Justo Betancourt; Papo Lucca; Tito Puente
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: Cuban/American salsa superstar Celia Cruz contributed many classic songs to the Latin music canon during her tenure, 16 of which are included on her Fania-compiled Greatest Hits. Both bigger and lesser hits are found here, from "Quimbara" to "Besito de Coco," from "Yerbero Moderno" to "Lo Tuyo Es Mental." All of the tracks have contributions from some of Cruz's favorite collaborators (Willie Col�n, Papo Lucca, and of course Johnny Pacheco), although Greatest Hits ends on the solo piece with which the singer closed most of her live shows, "Bemba Colora," which marked her recording debut back in Cuba in 1951 with the group Sonora Matancera, but was reworked for her 1975 Fania All-Stars performance (found on the 1976 album Live at Yankee Stadium, Vol. 2). It's a perfect way to close an already strong set, the way Cruz herself would have decided, and makes Greatest Hits a very nice, representative collection. ~ Marisa Brown

Universally acknowledged as the "Queen of Salsa," Cuban exile Celia Cruz infused her impassioned, Spanish-language songs with nostalgia for the natural beauty of her homeland, and was often influenced by the Afro-Cuban Santeria religion. Cruz's more than 40 years (1960-2003) as an international salsa star proved that she was blessed with a rich voice, flexibility, and energy. Her talents even extended onto the silver screen, with featured roles in films such as THE MAMBO KINGS. In July 2003, Cruz passed away, and fans the world over mourned the loss of their beloved performer, "La Unica."

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