our love affair with gloria estefan

Those who have met her describe her as warm, loving and genuinely friendly in manner. Those who have not actually met this superstar still perceive those qualities from afar. For over a decade, the world has had a not-so-secret love affair with Gloria Estefan. Locals trade stories of chance meetings or sightings. Step into any room full of women and say the name “Gloria Estefan” and you are sure to have to either become part of a spontaneous sing-along or hose somebody down. All the way around, our love affair with Gloria is clear.

And what’s not to love? Through her music, Gloria has united worlds and is haled as one of the most successful crossover artists of all time. Albums, be they in English, Spanish, or a combination thereof, go single-double-triple-infinity platinum when they carry this woman’s voice upon them. Like a wonderful laugh, Gloria is contagious.

Since 1985’s release of “Conga,” when she caught our attention as the lead singer of Miami Sound Machine, Gloria has evolved and blossomed before us. We’ve seen her as pop star, dance queen, and sultry songstress. We’ve even seen her perform with her own mirror-image, reflected by female impersonators.

We held our breaths and hearts during her recovery from near fatal accident that many feared would leave her paralyzed from spinal cord injuries. As her recuperation began, Gloria made sure that “Thank You” cards were sent to each of the many thousands of fans who sent her notes with well wishes. (Our photographer still has one of those special cards.) Gloria’s inner strength and love touched the hearts of millions.

In 1993, her release of “Mi Tierra” transcended the boundaries of language, reminding us all of the importance of homeland and country.

We rejoiced with Gloria when successful fallopian tube reconstruction surgery (necessitated from an additional injury in the accident) allowed her to conceive her daughter, Emily, whom is so like her mother, that Gloria affectionately calls her, “Mini-Me.”

She’s performed everywhere from the shower to the Superbowl, the Olympics and the Vatican. Wherever Gloria goes, she is heralded as a diva (even the Pope gave Gloria the nod of approval).

Over the years, Gloria has made sure that the love of her fans has not gone unnoticed or unreeiprieated. Through the Gloria Estefan Foundation, she quietly yet abundantly gives back to the world. This foundation provides financial support for artists, musicians and endeavors of the arts. Disaster relief, health (such as Spinal Cord injury research) and other urban concerns have also gained support much needed. Countless children have benefited from the Foundation through tuition and education expense funds, as well as pediatric AIDS research. Gloria is especially concerned with meeting children’s needs and safeguarding their
well-being. Through the Foundation, her lifelong commitment to children will undoubtedly endure.

Freedom and equal rights have also held a large part of Gloria’s attention. The situation in he rhomeland of Cuba has made this fight part of her soul. Most people don’t have a lot of information and when they ask, she tells them candidly about the “drama of the xiles, the repression, the firing squads, the horror of communism.” Gloria left cuba at two years old. She truly feels that her country was taken from her and that “the most intimate thing a human being can have,” was stolen. She can never forget that Fidel Castro was the person who “did her so much harm.”

Sometimes speaking about Cuba is not easy, yet she remains undaunted by adversity. When Gloria was invited to sing at the Vatican, Vatican Officials asked what she was going to say. Estefan told them that she planned to ask the Holy Father for Cuba’s freedom. The Vatican officials informed her that she could not make a political request. Gloria matter of factly responded that if they didn’t let her ask for Cuba’s freedom, they would have to get someone else. Eventually, they gave in and as soon as Gloria took the microphone, very clearly she said, “Holy Father, do not forget to ask for Cuba’s freedom in your prayers.”

Gloria’s entire family paid a heavy price for freedom. Her father not only fought in the Bay of Pigs, but also volunteered to fight in Vietnam. He fought for freedom. Gloria watched him “die a slow death for 14 years.” She is not about to let anyone stomp on the ideals of human rights and freedom.

Currently Gloria is a very busy woman. Her acting debut and performance on the Music of the Heart soundtrack has netted her yet another Grammy nomination. She’s helping Latin Rock Star, Shakira write lyrics for her first album in English. Also a recent winner of the American Music Award’s producing a screenplay with a freind, as well as writing and producing a TV movie based on the book of past-life therapy guide, Brian Weiss, M.D.

As if all that’s not enough, Gloria is gearing up for the release of her new Spanish album, Caribbean Soul, set to hit the stores on May 29, 2000. It is her first Spanish release in five years – an exciting blend of Caribbean, fusion and Afro-Cuban music.

This album release will bring a major promoting tour and then a World Mega-Tour set to begin in the summer of 2000. She will perform in 20 cities in the U.S., Asia, Europe and then finish in Latin America in the beginning of 2001.

The accomplishments and goals of this woman in her more 40+ years are remarkable. And while Forbes Magazine estimated the worth of Gloria and Estefan Enterprises at well over $200 million, the millions of people touched by and involved in this grand love affair with Glo, consider her priceless.

Discography

Primitive Love                                1985

Let it Loose                                    1987

Cuts Both Ways                             1989

Into the Light                                  1991

Greates Hits                                    1992

Mi Tierra                                        1993

Christmas Through Your Eyes         1993

Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me          1994

Abriendo Puertas                            1995

Destiny                                           1996

Gloria!                                            1998

Music of the Heart                          1999

Caribbean Soul                 May 29, 2000

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