The Florida House of Representatives has introduced House Resolution HR 8097 to honor the 100th birthday of Celia Cruz, a legendary Cuban singer known as the "Queen of Salsa." Born on October 21, 1925, in Havana, Cruz began her professional singing career in the late 1940s and gained fame as a member of the Cuban orchestra La Sonora Matancera. Over her illustrious career, she recorded numerous songs and collaborated with prominent musicians, significantly contributing to the development of salsa music in the United States and Europe. Cruz's powerful voice and vibrant stage presence captivated audiences, earning her multiple prestigious awards, including several Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards.

The resolution highlights Cruz's numerous accolades, including the National Medal of Arts and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, as well as her honorary doctoral degrees from Florida International University and the University of Miami. It also notes her lasting impact on music and culture, as evidenced by her image appearing on U.S. postage stamps and her recognition as the first Cuban featured on U.S. currency. The resolution concludes by celebrating Cruz's remarkable legacy and contributions to the appreciation of Cuban musical forms and dances, ensuring her memory endures on the occasion of her centennial birthday.