Celina González Zamora (16 March 1929 – 4 February 2015) was a celebrated Cuban singer-songwriter renowned for her contributions to "música campesina," the traditional music of the Cuban countryside. Born in Jovellanos, Matanzas, Cuba, González developed a passion for music that would define her career and legacy. At the age of 16, she met Reutilio Domínguez in Santiago de Cuba, who became her musical partner and husband. Together, they formed the duo Celina y Reutilio, gaining fame for their vocal harmonies and politically charged performances.

González and Domínguez co-authored the song "A Santa Bárbara," which became a major hit, further popularized by Celia Cruz's version. Another of their compositions, "Yo soy el punto cubano," achieved international success. The duo's music was deeply rooted in the European countryside guajiro style, often using the décima poetic form and punto cubano musical structure. Their collaboration with Ñico Saquito enriched their repertoire with elements of son and guaracha.

After the Cuban Revolution in 1959, González chose to remain in Cuba, supporting Fidel Castro's government, which limited her international exposure but solidified her status as a national icon. Following Domínguez's death in 1971, González continued her career as a solo artist and later performed with her son Lázaro, often accompanied by the conjunto Campo Alegre.

González's powerful voice and versatile style allowed her to perform successfully in both small acoustic groups and large bands. Her song "Santa Bárbara" is a testament to her belief in Santería, celebrating both the Catholic saint and the Yoruba god Changó. This track became widely popular and was recorded by other prominent artists.

Throughout her career, González received numerous accolades, including the Egrem's Disco de Plata award in 1980 and the Vanguardia Nacional in 1984. She toured Europe and recorded for the BBC in 1988. Her albums "La Rica Cosecha" and "Desde La Habana te Traigo" were well-received, and her CD "Cincuenta años... como una reina" was nominated for a Grammy in 2001, winning the Cubadisco award instead.

Celina González passed away in Havana, Cuba, at the age of 85, leaving behind a rich legacy as one of the greatest vocalists of Afro-Cuban music and a revered figure in Cuban cultural history.