Latino Music Legends Honored By Being Immortalized on U.S. Postage Stamps

On Wednesday, March 16, 2011, five Latino musical legends were honored by having their likenesses emblazoned on "Forever" postage stamps as part of the U.S. Postal Service's "Latin Music Legends (Forever)." The stamps were designed by Ethel Kessler and painted by San Diego-based artist Rafael López. Those honored are Tito Puente, Celiz Cruz, Carmen Miranda, Carlos Gardel and Selena.

"The United States Postal Service has a long-standing tradition of honoring and depicting the events and people who have influenced American culture and history and have helped to define our nation," said Marie-Therese Domínguez, vice president of Government Relations and Public Policy for the U.S. Postal Service. "In the spirit of this rich tradition, we issue these new Forever stamps to celebrate Latin music legends and the distinctive musical genres and styles they each represented." The stamps were unveiled at the SXSW Music Festival in Austin, Texas, U.S.