Gloria Estefan

Gloria Estefan is an eight-time Grammy award-winning singer, actor, songwriter, author of two New York Times best-selling children’s books, philanthropist, and humanitarian. Recognized as the most successful Latin crossover artist in music history according to Billboard Magazine, she has sold over 100 million records worldwide. Estefan is a Cuban-American who emerged as a significant star in the mid-80s, well before the Latin pop explosion, and is considered one of the world’s most recognizable and beloved performers.

Born in Havana, Cuba, Gloria Estefan and her family fled to Miami, Florida, during the Cuban Revolution. She gained prominence in the 1980s as the lead singer of Miami Sound Machine, a band she formed with her husband, Emilio Estefan. Known for hits like “Conga,” “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You," "Turn the Beat Around," and “Anything for You,” her music blends pop, Latin, and dance elements, achieving major success in both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking markets. Her album "Mi Tierra" won a Grammy for Best Tropical Latin Album, and she won another Grammy for Best Music Video for "No Me Dehes de Querer" at the first annual Latin Grammy Awards.

In 1990, Estefan was severely injured in a bus accident, which led to extensive surgery and rehabilitation. She made a remarkable recovery, returning to the stage with the hit album "Into the Light," which included the inspired track "Coming Out of the Dark." Her resilience and continued musical success have solidified her status as an iconic figure in music.

In addition to music, Estefan has ventured into acting and producing. She has appeared in several films and television shows, and voiced the character Marta in the animated film "Vivo" in 2021. Her role in the 2023 film "Father of the Bride" on HBOMAX drew significant viewership. Gloria is also the Executive Producer of the TONY Award-nominated Broadway musical "ON YOUR FEET!" based on her life and music.

Beyond entertainment, Estefan is a dedicated philanthropist, supporting various causes through the Gloria Estefan Foundation, particularly those related to disadvantaged children and spinal cord research. She has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015 and the Kennedy Center Honors in 2017. Additionally, she will be the first Latina to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, highlighting her influence and contributions to music and culture.