The 2004 tour hasn't ended. I still have to finish Latin America and Europe. [Celia Cruz and I] were good friends. Emilio did her first video; we wrote a song for her. I would have loved to have had her there [when recording '90 Millas']. But she was there. I felt her. That's the beauty of a legacy. Celia was economical and tasty in her choices. And in the pocket like you wouldn't believe? [Which means] It's like a rhythm, from son music. To have it it is to be locked in, like a tuned engine. Once you're in the pocket, you're free. That's why, for most of these songs, I sang and I sang until I had the emotion, then . . . one take. {Couldn't you be considered the heiress to Celia Cruz?] you can't give youself a title! That's crazy! If I ever start talking like that, please put me out of my misery. I don't care if I'm 80, with my butt to my ankles, put me down.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker honors Celia Cruz's legacy by feeling her presence during recording and describes the freedom found in musical precision.
- In plain terms
- Celia Cruz is still felt in the music, and finding the right rhythm brings freedom.
- What can you take from it?
- Master your craft so well that you feel free within the structure.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you honor those who came before you?
- What does freedom feel like in your craft?
Another view
Claiming someone else's title can seem arrogant regardless of merit.
More from Gloria Estefan
This blend of musicians on '90 Millas' is historically significant on a number of levels. This is the first and quite possibly the last time that all of these …
Permalink to quote #24 The phenomenal Celia Cruz [is missing]. But although she couln't be here physically [Cruz died in 2003], I felt her presence throughout the entire recording of…
Permalink to quote #26 What I wanted to be on this album ['90 Millas'] is me, with everything I have experienced so far.
Permalink to quote #23
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