Fellow Salsa/Mambo lovers around the world, I would like to take this opportunity to ask you to pay homage to and reflect a moment on the life of “La Reina De La Salsa” - “The Queen of Salsa” — Celia Cruz. Celia Cruz was and will continue to be an inspiration to many musicians. She especially inspired me in my dancing and in the love I have for the music. Celia Cruz brought me closer to understanding my Cuban heritage and culture through her music. Celia Cruz can be often imitated but never duplicated! There will never be another Celia Cruz as she will always be the one and only in my heart. Too many people take for granted how few of our real musicians and artists are left today! We are losing the true masters of our music that we love little by little. We need to support these artists and their music or soon there will be nothing left but commercial artists and musicNow as Celia Cruz joins her fellow musicians and friends, Tito Puente, Pete “El Conde” Rodriguez, Hector Lavoe, Tito Rodriguez, Ismael Rivera, Benny More, Compay Segundo, Johnny Colon, Mongo Santamaria, La Lupe, Symphony Sid, Santos Colon, Louie Ramirez, Frankie Ruiz, and many many more, I know she will be embraced with open arms in heaven. And man, there must be a serious jam session going on as the greats are together once again playing the music as it was meant to be played and heard! When my time comes I look forward to seeing the great masters of our music throwing down! Celia Cruz…I LOVE and MISS YOU deeply! Rest in peace with our other friends and loved ones. Love Always Mario J. Gonzalez a.k.a. Mario B |
