Photo: Getty Images
Celia Cruz, the Queen of Salsa, is getting honored in a big way.
The Afro-Cuban music pioneer will be recognized for her achievements and legacy, becoming the latest woman icon to join Barbie's Role Model Collection.
"As a stage performer, on-screen actor, and recording artist who succeeded in a male-dominated music scene, Celia Cruz is also known as the 'Latin Triple Threat,'" Barbie said in a statement. "Her long and storied career serves as an endless inspiration for aspiring musicians. Through the Celia Cruz Foundation, her legacy continues to provide scholarships for young Latino students."
Cruz made history in 1950 after becoming the first Black woman to be the lead singer of the famed La Sonora Matancera orchestra. In her career, she earned three Grammys and four Latin Grammy Awards, according to Because of Them We Can.
Celia Cruz was born in Havana, Cuba in 1925 and started her career after winning a talent show at an early age. After the Cuban Revolution, she migrated first to Mexico then to the US, seeing widespread fame during the early 70s for her brightly colored ensembles and opera-like vocal prowess.
The honor comes as the company and national recognize Hispanic Heritage Month. Mattel is also honoring novelist Julia Alvarez.
The Celia Cruz and Julia Alvarez Barbie Doll are available for purchase at www.barbie.com.
Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.