Book excerpt: Knows as "The Queen of Salsa," Celia Cruz's influence went well beyond the dance floor and music studio, as her style, creativity and success established her not only as an innovative entertainer but also as an ambassador of Latino culture. She helped reinvent the sound of modern Latin music, with its tropical background and drumbeats that set-off swift, hip shaking, swirling and whirling dance moves for more than half a century. Published in the same month as Celia's birthday (October 21st) and Hispanic Heritage Month, her style and charisma are captured in more than 100 full-color photographs and anecdotes and essays from celebrity friends in Presenting Celia Cruz.