NEW YORK, July 22 (UPI) -- The late legendary salsa singer Celia Cruz left a final gift to her fans -- a last album "Regalo del Alma" or "Gift From the Soul."
Barely two months after surgery for the brain tumor that killed her, Cruz was back in the recording studio, laying down the tracks for the album.
"She was very weak, but she was very determined," Sergio George, who co-produced and arranged half of the 10 songs on the CD, told the New York Daily News.
"Regalo," which goes on sale next week, was recorded in February, mostly at George's home studio in New Jersey.
George, a producer and pianist, worked with Cruz for more than 20 years.
The liner notes include a heartfelt message from the singer -- written in Spanish three months before her death -- in which she thanks her fans for their prayers and support during these "difficult moments."
