SoundExchange Celebrates Celia Cruz with Hall of Fame Award on Her 100th Birthday

SoundExchange Honors Celia Cruz with Hall of Fame Award

On November 7, 2025, SoundExchange proudly announced that the late Celia Cruz has been awarded the prestigious SoundExchange Hall of Fame Award. This celebration coincides perfectly with what would have been her 100th birthday, underscoring her monumental influence in the world of music, particularly as one of the most streamed artists in the organization’s rich history of over 20 years.

Celia Cruz, hailing from Havana, Cuba, made a lasting impression on global music and culture. Her powerful contralto voice and dynamic stage presence resonated with fans across generations, making her a true icon of the Salsa genre. During a career that spanned more than five decades, she produced over 70 albums, propelling her to extraordinary commercial success and earning her legions of devoted followers.

Cruz's legacy extends beyond her music. A cultural icon, she influenced fashion and social activism while proudly embracing her Cuban heritage. Furthermore, her choice to live in exile in the United States, as a political statement against Fidel Castro's regime, highlighted her strength and resilience as an artist and an individual.

Michael Huppe, the President and CEO of SoundExchange, expressed his admiration for Cruz, stating, "The timeless artistry of Celia Cruz continues to uplift and inspire countless musicians and enthusiasts around the globe. As we commemorate what would have been this remarkable artist's 100th birthday, her enduring joy and spirit remain vivid and influential. We are honored to present Celia Cruz with the SoundExchange Hall of Fame Award."

Omer Pardillo-Cid, Executor of the Celia Cruz Estate, reflected on the award's significance, saying, "This recognition is a testament to the lasting relevance of Celia and her extraordinary music, along with the ongoing impact of her contributions to popular culture. Our heartfelt thanks go to SoundExchange for honoring her amidst our celebration of her unrivaled legacy."

About Celia Cruz

Celia Cruz achieved immense fame as one of the most recognizable figures in Latin music. Born in Cuba, she arose from humble beginnings to attend the prestigious Conservatory of Music and became famous as part of La Sonora Matancera. Following her exile to the United States, her solo career surged, particularly through collaborations with music legends like Tito Puente and Johnny Pacheco at Fania Records, shaping the sounds of Salsa.

Cruz's accolades include multiple Grammy Awards, significant recognition posthumously, and becoming the first Afro-Latina to grace U.S. currency with her portrait on a quarter in 2024. Despite fighting a brain tumor in 2002, she continued to perform until her passing in 2003, and her legacy flourished through awards such as the National Medal of Arts and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Smithsonian Institution.

For years, her signature exclamation, ¡Azúcar!, has become a cultural rallying cry, symbolizing her spirit and influence. The name Celia Cruz has become synonymous with Salsa itself, serving as an everlasting beacon for aspiring musicians and cultural ambassadors worldwide.

About SoundExchange

Since 2003, SoundExchange has continued its profound mission to reform and simplify the music industry through innovative technology, invaluable data, and robust advocacy. As the sole organization appointed by the U.S. government to manage the Section 114 sound recording license, SoundExchange has successfully accrued and distributed over $12 billion in digital performance royalties for over 800,000 music creators. For more details, visit soundexchange.com.