Best of Rebel Girls: Celia Cruz read by Justina Machado

This Summer we're reuniting with the stories of some of our favorite Rebel Girls. This week, Celia Cruz! Once upon a time, a girl learned to sing before she could talk. Her name was Celia. She began singing to her siblings and cousins at bedtime, but a voice like that needed to be shared. Everywhere she went, she sang. She sang when she was in pain and she sang when she felt incredible joy—shouting an exuberant “¡Azúcar!” to her adoring fans. In glittering gowns and extravagant, ruffled ensembles, Celia filled the airwaves with her unique sound. Her talent earned her the name “The Queen of Salsa” as she spread Cuban music throughout the world. About the Narrator: Justina Machado is a talented and versatile actress, known for her roles across TV and Broadway. Credits: This episode of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls is produced by Elena Favilli, Joy Fowlkes, and Meg Murnane, with writing by Tori Telfer and narration by Justina Machado. Jestine Ware edited all scripts and Janice Weaver fact-checked all scripts. Sound design and original theme music by Elettra Bargiacchi. Mattia Marcelli was the sound mixer. Special thanks to Clio McClure who coordinated all credit recordings and narrator donations. Sponsored by: www.rebelgirls.com Use promocode REBELPODCAST to get 15% off your first purchase! Resources: Celia Cruz: At the Top of Salsa by John Pareles (New York Times) Celia Cruz, Petite Powerhouse of Latin Music, Dies at 77 by John Pareles (New York Times) Amid the Gravestones, a Final Love Song by Emily Brady (New York Times) Celia Eterna by Achy Obejas (Chicago Tribune) Celia Cruz: The Voice From Havana (NPR) Celia Cruz's “Son Con Guaguancó” And The Bridge To Fame In Exile (NPR) Celia Cruz's Manager on What Fidel Castro's Death Would Mean to Her: Exclusive by Omer Pardillo Cid (Billboard) All Havana Broke Loose: An Oral History of Tropicana by Jean Stein (Vanity Fair) An El Nuevo Herald photographer’s tale: My moment with Celia Cruz BY C.M. Guerrero (The Miami Herald) Una leyenda para toda la vida (The Orlando Sentinel) Pedro Knight by Sue Steward (The Guardian)