Pedro Knight facts for kids

Pedro Knight Caraballo (born September 30, 1921 – died February 3, 2007) was a talented Cuban musician. He was best known as the husband and manager of the famous singer Celia Cruz. Pedro Knight played the trumpet and helped Celia Cruz become a global music star.

Early Life and Music Career

Pedro Knight Caraballo was born in Havana, Cuba, on September 30, 1921. He learned to play the trumpet and became a very expressive musician.

When he was 23, Pedro joined a popular Afro-Cuban band called La Sonora Matancera. This band was known for its lively dance music. Their sound came from traditional African-based styles like son and guaracha. The band's music featured trumpets, drums, Cuban guitar, and piano.

In the 1950s, La Sonora Matancera became very famous. They performed on live radio and their music was part of Cuba's "golden age" of music. They even performed with American singers like Nat King Cole and Sarah Vaughan.

Life with Celia Cruz

Pedro Knight met Celia Cruz while they were both in La Sonora Matancera. They became good friends over several years. At first, Celia was not sure about a romantic relationship with Pedro.

In July 1960, La Sonora Matancera went to Mexico City for a tour. The band decided not to return to Cuba. After a year and a half, they moved to Los Angeles, California. They had a long-term contract to perform at the Hollywood Palladium.

By this time, Celia Cruz and Pedro Knight had fallen in love. They moved to New York and got married on July 14, 1962. Pedro stopped playing music himself to become Celia's manager. They were always together. Celia Cruz once said, "Pedro is my 50%. I am the one that sings, but he takes care of everything else."

Celia Cruz and Pedro Knight in May 1992, with other people.

In 1963, Pedro helped Celia work with musician Johnny Pacheco. They made an album called Celia y Johnny. This started a long friendship and led to even more success for Celia. She toured six continents in the 1970s and 1980s.

By the mid-1990s, Celia Cruz was a huge international star. She often included Pedro in her performances. She would hug him and call him Mi cabecita de algodon, which means my little cottonhead. This was because of his white hair.

At home, in Queens, New York and later in Fort Lee, New Jersey, Celia said she was a traditional wife. She would cook for Pedro and take care of their home.

Later Years and Passing

In early 2005, Pedro Knight attended an exhibition about Celia Cruz. It was held at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington. He also worked on a biography and new CD releases of Celia's music.

Pedro had diabetes for many years, which caused health problems. He had a mild stroke and then a more serious one in February 2006.

Pedro Knight passed away on February 3, 2007. He was 85 years old. He died from complications related to diabetes and other health issues. He is buried next to Celia Cruz in a mausoleum he built for them in 2003.

Pedro is survived by his daughter, Ernestina Knight, and his other four children, Emilia, Gladys, Pedro, and Roberto. His other children remained in Cuba.