-Ms. Colón/Mr. Feeley Spring 2011
My famous person is (E1) __Celia Cruz____________________________
Year of birth (E2)__October 21, 1929 (?) Year of death (E2) _July 16, 2003
Five important facts about my famous person (E3):
1. ___Celia Cruz was born in the late 1920’s. Her precise birthday is unknown because she chose to never disclose it. Celia Cruz grew up in
Santos Suarez, a district of Havana, in an extended family of 14. Celia enjoyed singing in school productions and at community gatherings. Celia’s first pair of shoes was a gift from a tourist for whom she sang.
______________________________________.
2. __Celia studied to become a literature teacher, but after winning a talent show she left that course of study to pursue a singing career. She enrolled in
Cuba’s Conservatory of Music and drew inspiration from vocalist Paulina
Alvarez’ Afro-Cuban singing style. ________________________.
3. __Celia’s big break came in 1950 when she was invited to replace lead singer Myrta Silva in the acclaimed orchestra Sonora Matancera. Celia sang with the band for 15 years, touring the world and making frequent television and radio appearances.
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4. ___Celia left Cuba after the revolution of 1959. She continued her musical career in Mexico. In 1962 Celia married Pedro Knight, a trumpet player from
Sonora Matancera. She and her husband decided to move to New York City.
_______________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________.
5. __Celia, who sang only in her native Spanish, achieved big success in the
United States in the 1970’s when she became identified with salsa, a
Hispanic dance music that blended elements of Spanish and African music, a mix of rock, rumba, mambo, and jazz. Cruz became known for her animated and explosive performances, her flamboyant and exotic costumes and hair, and her shouts of “azúcar” while performing. She received many honors and awards and will always be remembered as the “Queen of Salsa.” Celia died on July 16, 2003, or a brain tumor.

-Ms. Colón/Mr. Feeley Spring 2011
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The most important achievement of my famous person (E4):_Celia was awarded a National Medal of the Arts, the highest award given to artists and art patrons by the U.S. Government for outstanding cultural contributions.
___________
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This was the most important achievement because (E4) __In her lifetime
Celia overcame the sadness of leaving her native Cuba, enjoyed extraordinary success as a performing artist, and made a unique and lasting contribution to music. U.S. culture, and world culture as the Queen of Salsa.
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Inspirational quote (E5): ___”Singing is my life. It has always been my life. It will always be my life.”______________________________________
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This quote is important in today’s world because (E5): ______Celia loved what she did and she did it with love and passion and tenacity. She inspires others to discover what it is they want to do and to do it no matter the obstacles. _______________
____________________________________________________________ .
The connection between my famous person’s life and work and
something happening in today’s world (E6): ___On May 15, 2011, nine
Cubans attempting to reach the U.S. in a small boat were rescued by a cruise ship. Like Celia, some Cubans today continue to take great risks and make great sacrifices to leave Cuba. The dance company Danza
Contemporánea de Cuba is currently performing in its first-ever U.S. tour.
Like Celia, they bring Afro-Cuban inspired music and dance with them.
_____________________________________________________________
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*Now you are ready to use this graphic organizer to write your report.