From the very first shout of ¡Azúcar!, Celia Cruz invites us to taste life’s sweetness. Ríe y Llora is a radiant salsa anthem that reminds us that what feels good today might not feel the same tomorrow, which makes the present moment priceless. The lyrics urge us to seize every opportunity, hold on tight, and embrace both laughter and tears, because everyone’s hour eventually arrives.
Beyond its irresistible rhythm, the song teaches forgiveness and resilience: true pardon is remembering without pain. Celia playfully assures us that this negrita and her music never go out of style, celebrating life with a groove that is as timeless as it is joyful. The result is an irresistible call to dance, love, forgive, and enjoy life to the fullest, all propelled by the spicy, jubilant beat of classic Cuban salsa.
Celia Cruz, born Celia Caridad Cruz Alfonso in Havana, Cuba, on October 21, 1925, is celebrated as the "Queen of Salsa" and one of the most influential Latin music artists of the 20th century. She began her career in the 1950s with Sonora Matancera, where her powerful vocals and vibrant charisma earned her the nickname "La Guarachera de Cuba."
After leaving Cuba in 1960 due to political changes, Cruz's career flourished internationally, especially in the United States. She mastered diverse Afro-Cuban musical genres such as salsa, guaracha, son, and rumba, recording over 37 studio albums and earning multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards. Her signature catchphrase, "¡Azúcar!," symbolizes her spirited contributions to Latin music and culture, making her a lasting icon worldwide.