A Tribute to an Icon in Music
The U.S. Mint is paying tribute to a legend with the release of the 2024 Celia Cruz Quarter, the 14th coin in the American Women Quarters™ Program. Celia Cruz, the Cuban-American powerhouse whose voice and spirit electrified stages worldwide, now graces the reverse side of the quarter, reminding us of her lasting impact on music and culture.
Born Celia Caridad Cruz Alfonso in Havana, Cuba, on October 21, 1925, Cruz’s early life in the vibrant neighborhood of Santos Suárez was steeped in music. By her teens, she was performing in cabarets, and she honed her craft studying voice, theory, and piano at Havana’s National Conservatory of Music.
Cruz’s big break came in the late 1940s when she won over listeners on the radio show “The Tea Hour.” Her undeniable talent caught the eye of industry heavyweights, leading to her role as the singer for Las Mulatas Del Fuego and later as the lead female vocalist for Cuba’s top orchestra, La Sonora Matancera.
As the Cuban Revolution unfolded, Cruz made the life-changing decision to move to the U.S., where she became a pivotal figure in the burgeoning salsa movement of the 1960s and ’70s. With her fiery performances, she redefined the genre and became the only woman in the Fania All-Stars, solidifying her place as a salsa icon.
Cruz’s legacy is marked by numerous accolades, including four Latin Grammy Awards, three Grammy Awards, a Presidential Medal of Arts, and a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Grammy. Beyond her music, Cruz was a beacon of Afro-Latino pride, celebrating her roots and inspiring generations to embrace their heritage.
The reverse side of the new quarter captures Celia in her element—radiant, smiling, and dressed in a rumba style gown. Her iconic catchphrase “¡AZÚCAR!” is emblazoned on the right, symbolizing the energy and joy she brought to the world.
Celia Cruz passed away on July 16, 2003, but her influence resonates far beyond her lifetime. This quarter ensures that her legacy will continue to shine for generations to come.
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