Jon S. Corzine: “I rise to honor the magnificent life, and the legacy, of Celia Cruz, and to introduce legislation to award her…”

“I rise to honor the magnificent life, and the legacy, of Celia Cruz, and to introduce legislation to award her posthumously our Nation's highest civilian award, the Congressional Gold Medal. This award would be an appropriate tribute to Ms. Cruz's life, given her innumerable accomplishments in the world of entertainment, her work as an ambassador of Latino culture, and her many contributions to American society. Celia de la Caridad Cruz Alonso was born on October 21 during the 1920's. She died on July 17, 2003, at her home in Fort Lee, NJ. Over a prolific 50-year career as an entertainer, Celia Cruz, the ``Queen of Salsa,'' recorded more than 50 albums. Each was a showcase of her talent, flair, and the passion she brought to her work. Her collaborative efforts ranged from work with legendary salsa artist Tito Puente, pop star David Byrne, and hip-hop producer Wyclef Jean. Through those cross-cultural efforts, Cruz's music reached over four generations of fans, and helped break down ethnic and cultural barriers. Celia Cruz's gifts as an entertainer were recognized throughout the world, and she won hundreds of awards, most notably a 1990 Grammy Award and Billboard Magazine's ``Lifetime Achievement Award'' in 1995. In 1994, Ms. Cruz was recognized by President Clinton with a National Endowment of the Arts award. While best known for her work as an entertainer, Celia Cruz was much more than a singer to her fans, especially to Latinos in America.”