It is indisputable that Gloria Estefan is an icon, not only in music, but also in the Latino community in the United States. The Cuban-American singer has reached the pinnacle of the industry thanks to her extraordinary talent and ability to connect with audiences. With three Grammy Awards, five Latin Grammys and more than 75 million albums sold worldwide, her career is inspiring. In addition, Gloria has shared her story, full of love for music, even revealing some of her most difficult moments.
Your family
Gloria Estefan’s real name is Gloria María Milagrosa Fajardo García. She was born in Havana, Cuba, on September 1, 1957. She is the daughter of José Fajardo and Gloria García. Her maternal grandparents were Spanish immigrants in Cuba; her grandfather, Leonardo García, had come from Pola de Siero, Asturias, where he married her grandmother, who was from Logroño.
Before the Cuban Revolution, his father was a soldier and bodyguard to Fulgencio Batista’s wife. At 16 months old, the family left Cuba and settled in Miami, in a small apartment near the Orange Bowl. His father participated in the Bay of Pigs invasion.
His father was captured
Gloria Estefan’s father, José, was captured and imprisoned in Cuba for almost two years by his cousin, a member of Fidel Castro’s army, after the failed Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961.
Jose was part of a group of Cuban refugees who supported the United States in its attempt to overthrow Castro during this invasion. After returning from the Vietnam War, Jose became ill with multiple sclerosis, possibly due to exposure to Agent Orange. Gloria took care of him.
What did Gloria study?
Gloria attended St. Michael-Archangel School and Our Lady of Lourdes Academy in Miami, where she was a member of the National Honor Society student organization. In 1979, Gloria earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Miami.
During her college years, she worked in the Customs Department of the Miami International Airport, where she translated French and English. However, her studies always came first. It was during her studies that her father returned from Vietnam and became ill.
Did you work for the CIA?
From a young age, she stood out for her command of several languages and, as a result of her good performance in the Customs Department, the CIA offered her to work with them, proposing her to do her training in Atlanta. The agency emphasized her discreet profile and assured her that no one would ever suspect her.
However, her mother, concerned about the dangers that this job might entail and considering the suffering Gloria had already experienced with her father, persuaded her to turn down the offer, which she finally did.
His beginnings in music
In 1975, Estefan and her cousin Mercedes “Merci” Navarro met Emilio Estefan while performing at a church band rehearsal. Emilio, who had formed the Miami Latin Boys band earlier that year, met Gloria through a mutual friend.
During a performance by the Miami Latin Boys at a Cuban wedding at the Dupont Plaza Hotel, Gloria and Merci, who were also guests, spontaneously performed two Cuban classics. The performance impressed the band members so much that they invited them to join permanently; therefore, the band changed its name: Miami Sound Machine.
Dating and marriage
Gloria and Emilio began a romantic relationship and the couple married on September 2, 1978. Together they had two children: Nayib, who was born on September 2, 1980, and Emily, who was born on December 5, 1994. Both have grown up surrounded by music and success.
Although Nayib has pursued a career in family business management, Emily has ventured into the world of entertainment. Gloria Estefan and Emilio Estefan have been one of the most iconic couples in Latin music and continue to be a pillar of mutual support in their personal and professional lives.
The first albums
During their early years as a band, they recorded three albums entitled Renacer, Miami Sound Machine and Imported under small local labels, mixing songs in Spanish and English. In 1981, they signed with CBS International and released albums such as MSM, Otra vez, Río and A toda máquina. Thanks to these albums, they achieved great popularity in Central and South America until 1983.
The album Mi Tierra (1993), focusing on her Latin roots, earned Gloria Estefan a Grammy and recognition from the Hispanic community. She followed up her success with Abriendo puertas, which also received an award.
Did they succeed?
In 1985, they released Primitive Love, which included the hit song “Conga”. This album sold 5 million copies and thanks to it, Gloria won two American Music Awards. In 1986, Gloria recorded “Suave” for the movie Cobra and “Hot Summer Nights” for Top Gun. In 1987, they released Let It Loose, which was recognized as the 101st best album in the history of female artists.
The first single, “Betcha Say That”, reached number 36 on the Billboard Hot 100. The single “Can’t Stay Away From You” reached number three on the same chart. In early 1989, they also began a collaborative project with singer Placido Domingo for the musical Goya… A Life In Song.
His solo career
Gloria Estefan launched her solo career with the album Cuts Both Ways, released in 1989, which was a global hit, selling more than 24 million copies. Her first single, “Don’t Wanna Lose You”, reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks.
Other songs such as “Cuts Both Ways”, “Get on Your Feet” and “Oye mi Canto” also dominated the Billboard Adult Contemporary. The same year, he started the Get On Your Feet World Tour, which included countries such as Canada, Japan and the United Kingdom.
Guinness World Record Holder
In 1988, Gloria Estefan was named Queen of Carnival Miami, a recognition that few know about. That same year, the singer broke a Guinness World Record for the longest conga line on record, with 119,969 people moving to the rhythm of her famous song “Conga”.
This event consolidated her legacy as one of the most influential artists in Latin music and reaffirmed her role as an ambassador of Cuban culture in the world.
The automobile accident
In March 1990, while Gloria Estefan was on tour near Scranton, Pennsylvania, she suffered a terrible accident. She refused the limousine her husband Emilio had offered her and decided to travel by bus. While resting, Emilio was on the phone with his brother, reading an article that read, “Gloria and Emilio Estefan have the world in their hands.”
Suddenly, they felt an explosion and fell to the ground. An 18-wheeler had hit them and pushed them against another truck loaded with steel cables. These cables cut the bus, and Gloria, unable to move, knew that her back was broken.
Faith and perseverance
Despite the severity of the accident, Gloria remained steadfast in her belief that everything would get better. During the hour and a half it took for the paramedics to arrive, and as she received medical attention and her family was distraught to see her, she assured them, “I promise you I will be fine.” Although they thought she was not accepting of the situation, she was convinced of her recovery.
Rehabilitation was long and painful, but one day her husband, noticing her progress, suggested she accompany him to the studio, knowing that music had been therapeutic for her. Gloria reflected on how challenges can make us stronger and wiser.
Met with George H. W. Bush
In an important meeting, President George W. Bush and singer Gloria Estefan met to address issues of social and cultural importance, especially in the fight against drugs. In addition, the symbolically charged meeting highlighted Gloria’s influence in the Latino community and her commitment to social causes.
The two shared ideas on strengthening Hispanic culture in the United States, as well as on education and immigrant outreach initiatives, showing a mutual interest in supporting minorities and promoting inclusion.
How many albums did you record?
In 1992, Gloria Estefan released a compilation of her hits from the 80’s, highlighting the single “Megamix”. In addition to the 10 popular tracks, it included four unreleased songs: “Christmas Through Your Eyes”, “I See Your Smile”, “Go Away” and “Always Tomorrow”.
This album sold 4 million copies in the United States and more than 10 million worldwide. In 1993, he released his first Spanish-language album, Mi Tierra, which fused Latin and Cuban styles, becoming the best-selling Spanish-language album, selling more than 13 million copies. He also released his only Christmas album, Christmas Through Your Eyes.
More albums
In 1994, Gloria Estefan returned to English with the album Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, composed of her favorite songs from the 1970s. Songs such as “Turn the Beat Around” and “Everlasting Love” topped the Billboard charts. “Turn the Beat Around” was part of the soundtrack of The Specialist, a film starring Stallone and Stone, and produced by her husband, Emilio Estefan.
The album sold 2 million copies in the US and over 600,000 in the UK. In 1995, he released Abriendo puertas, an album with Colombian and tropical influences, which was very successful, selling more than 10 million copies.
He continued to release great albums
In 1996, Gloria Estefan released her album Destiny, which included the hit song “Reach”, which reached number two on the Billboard Hot Dance Singles chart and was nominated for a Grammy in the category of “Best Pop Song Performed by Female Voice”.
The song was covered in Spanish under the title “Puedes llegar”, with the collaboration of artists such as Ricky Martin, José Luis “el Puma” Rodríguez, Plácido Domingo, Carlos Vives, and others. It was also the official song of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. The album sold more than 8 million copies worldwide.
His philanthropic facet
In 1997, Gloria and Emilio founded the Gloria Estefan Foundation, with the purpose of supporting areas such as health, education and culture. Since childhood, Gloria dedicated much of her life to caring for her father, who suffered from multiple sclerosis.
This experience, along with her husband’s commitment, led them to become advocates for the Brain Center, an institution focused on the treatment and research of neurological diseases.
More albums throughout his career
In 2000, Gloria Estefan released her ninth solo album, Alma caribeña, which included the hit single “No me dejes de querer”, winner of a Latin Grammy. The song also reached #77 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album was very successful and sold 6.5 million copies globally, including 500,000 in the United States.
In 2001, he participated in Michael Jackson’s 30th anniversary concert. In 2002, he released Greatest Hits VOL.2, and in 2003 he released Unwrapped, with hits such as “Hoy” and “Tu fotografía”, closing with his Live & Re-wrapped Tour in 2004.
It was recognized by a president
In 2015, President Barack Obama awarded Gloria Estefan and Emilio Estefan the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States. This award is given to those who have made significant contributions to the country, global peace and culture.
In 2017, Gloria stood out as the first Cuban-American artist to be recognized with the prestigious Kennedy Center honors, another important achievement in her career.
His business facet
Gloria Estefan made her mark as an entrepreneur by becoming, along with her husband Emilio, the first Cuban-American to acquire a minority stake in a National Football League (NFL) team, buying a share of the Miami Dolphins. In an interview with the NFL, she commented, “It’s our community, the place where we live and love.”
Both have been involved in various commercial ventures, such as restaurants and hotels. One of their most recent and successful projects is the Emmy-nominated series, Red Table Talk: The Estefans.
An unexpected confession
In Red Table Talk: The Estefans the singer continues to make revealing confessions. The show seeks to bring current issues to the table from a human perspective that gives viewers a candid identification with stars of the stature of the Estefan family. In one of the latest episodes, Gloria Estefan revealed that she was abused when she was only nine years old by someone close to her circle.
Gloria claimed that the man told her that he would kill her mother if she told anyone about the abuse. However, Gloria told her mother, who alerted the police to the allegation; but no charges were filed because of the trauma Gloria might suffer from testifying against the abuser.
Gloria, the actress
Gloria Estefan also has an acting side. The multifaceted artist participated in films such as Music of the Heart ( 1999), directed by Wes Craven and starring Meryl Streep, and For Love or Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story (2000), directed by Joseph Sargent and starring Andy García.
She also participated in Glee and The Father of the Bride. In 2021, she lent her voice for a character in the animated movie Vivo, directed by Kirk DeMicco and distributed on Netflix, where she played Marta Sandoval. It is clear that she is not only a great singer, but also a great actress.
Gloria, the writer
Gloria Estefan has written two children’s books: The Magical and Mysterious Adventures of a Bulldog Named Noelle and Noelle’s Treasure Story. These stories, inspired by her own pet, seek to transmit values such as friendship and courage to children.
The first book was published in 2005, while the second came in 2006. Gloria Estefan, in addition to being a renowned singer, is an author committed to sharing positive and educational messages through children’s literature.
Estefan Kitchen
In 2008, Gloria Estefan and her husband, Emilio Estefan, published together a cookbook entitled Estefan Kitchen, which includes 60 traditional Cuban recipes. This book reflects their love for Cuban culture and gastronomy, featuring classic dishes such as ropa vieja (old clothes) and arroz con pollo (rice with chicken).
In addition to sharing their family recipes, the book also pays homage to their roots and the flavors they have both popularized in their Miami restaurants.
Gloria in The next
In 2012, Gloria was a mentor on The Next: Fame Is at Your Doorstep, a U.S. television show aired on The CW network. It is a music competition to discover new talent in which the winner receives a recording contract with Atlantic Records. In each episode, four mentors help local musicians, and then compete in an event in their hometown.
The audience, made up of friends, family and local fans, chooses the winner who advances to the semifinals. Gloria Estefan joined the main cast, attracted by the idea of mentoring without judging. The other mentors were Joe Jonas, John Rich and Nelly.
Gloria at TEDx
Gloria Estefan participated in the TEDx on April 19, 2013, where she addressed the topic “Religious Freedom Today.” In her speech, the Cuban-American singer and activist stressed the importance of respecting freedom of belief in a diverse world, defending the idea that religions should coexist peacefully.
Gloria Estefan has been recognized for her work for human rights and equality, in addition to being one of the most influential figures in Latin music.
Disney Candlelight Processional
In December 2022, Gloria Estefan was a guest narrator at Disney’s traditional “Candlelight Processional” held at Epcot, within the Walt Disney World complex in Orlando, Florida. This annual event, which takes place during the Christmas holidays, is notable for its retelling of the Christmas story, accompanied by a large orchestra and a chorus of voices.
Gloria Estefan, who is one of the most influential Latin artists, joined this special event, contributing with her unique style and great artistic trajectory.
The Estefan fortune
It is estimated that, after more than 40 years of activity, Emilio and Gloria Estefan have accumulated a joint fortune of close to 700 million dollars, although they have never confirmed it. The most conservative estimates point to a fortune of $500 million, a minimal difference for these numbers.
Although the couple’s most famous and successful periods were between 1980 and 1993 – when Gloria released the hit album Mi tierra – the family project is still going strong, and today they continue to be one of the most influential families in entertainment in Miami and the world.
Awards and achievements
Throughout her career, Gloria sold more than 100 million records worldwide and won seven Grammy Awards. In addition, she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and another on the Las Vegas Walk of Fame, along with the Ellis Island Congressional Medal of Honor, one of the highest awards for naturalized U.S. citizens.
He also received the Hispanic Heritage Award, an MTV Video Music Award, two ECA Awards and an American Music Award in recognition of his outstanding artistic career. He is in the Songwriters Hall of Fame and has won several Billboard Awards for his chart-topping hits.
His most recent works
In 2020, he released Brazil305, and the first single, “Cuando Hay Amor”, in June of that year. The album features 18 songs, fourteen of which are unreleased versions of classics from his career. That April, he released a parody entitled Put on Your Mask and then We Needed Time, inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2022, the Estefan family released a Christmas album, Estefan Family Christmas, featuring Gloria, her daughter Emily and grandson. In one of the latest posts on her Instagram account, Gloria invites her followers to listen to this album, as the holiday season that many are so passionate about is approaching.
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