With a career spanning five decades, Gloria Estefan has solidified her place as a foundational figure in the Latino community and the entertainment industry in the United States. As a singer, songwriter, author, actress, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Estefan has used her voice to transcend borders while proudly celebrating her Latin heritage.
© Ebet RobertsBorn Gloria María Fajardo in Havana, Cuba, she is the daughter of José Manuel Fajardo, a soldier, and Gloria García Pérez de Fajardo, a schoolteacher. Her family left Cuba in 1959 after Fidel Castro came to power, eventually settling in Miami, in a neighborhood just behind the old Orange Bowl stadium.
In 1975, Estefan met Emilio Estefan, who was captivated by her voice. At the time, he was beginning his career as a music producer while she was a student at the University of Miami. He invited her to join his band, the Miami Sound Machine, and she accepted. Over time, their band and the collaboration between Gloria and Emilio began shaping Latin pop history, both on stage and behind the scenes. The couple married on September 2, 1978, and their bond remains strong, along with their two children, Nayib and Emily, whom they call their greatest achievements.
"I'm known in the Hispanic world as someone who's maintained her culture. Despite having recorded songs in English and having great pop hits all over the world, we've never allowed anyone to change our sound."
Their musical journey together led to iconic hits such as "Conga," "Rhythm Is Gonna Get You," "Abriendo Puertas," "Don't Wanna Lose You," "Tu Fotografía," "Anything for You," "Hotel Nacional," and "No Me Vuelvo a Enamorar." These songs became Billboard chart-toppers and helped define generations of Latin-infused pop music.
Estefan has been widely recognized for her work in both English and Spanish. She has won four Grammy Awards and four Latin Grammy Awards, bringing her total to eight golden trophies. She brings her authenticity to everything she does, including her talk show, "Red Table Talk: The Estefans," where she was joined by her daughter Emily and niece Lili Estefan in conversations exploring personal stories and family dynamics that viewers of all backgrounds could relate to.
© Getty ImagesEstefan has also broken many barriers in business. She became the first Cuban American woman to own a minority stake in an NFL team, acquiring shares in the Miami Dolphins alongside Emilio. Together, they built hospitality and entertainment empire with ventures like Estefan Kitchen and The Cardozo Hotel in Miami Beach. In 2023, she became the first Latina inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. It was another defining milestone in a life filled with resilience and innovation.
That same resilience helped her recover from a life-threatening accident in 1990, when her tour bus was struck by a truck during snowy road conditions. Estefan suffered a severe spinal injury, and doctors warned she might never walk again. After surgery and extensive rehabilitation, she returned to the stage just one year later, debuting her album "Into the Light."
In 2015, President Barack Obama awarded Gloria and Emilio Estefan the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, for their contributions to American music and culture. In 2017, Gloria became the first Cuban American artist to receive the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors.
"Music saved my life since I was a young girl. It was my escape, my catharsis. I used to read every word in the lyrics of my favorite songs, singing with my heart and letting it all out."
© Kris ConnorHer momentum hasn’t slowed. In 2024, Estefan received the Billboard Latin Women in Music Legend Award. Then in May 2025, she released "Raíces," her first Spanish-language album in 18 years and her 30th studio release. A vibrant mix of salsa, bolero, and tropical rhythms, the album is a clear celebration of her stunning 50-year career.
The title track, "Raíces," soared to the top of Billboard’s Latin Airplay, Tropical Airplay, and Latin Pop Airplay charts. Estefan described the moment as deeply emotional. To mark the release, the Empire State Building lit up in brilliant blue, green, and pink to honor the legendary career of the Queen of Latin Pop.
Alongside her daughter Emily, Estefan is currently developing a Broadway musical titled "BASURA," set to premiere in 2026. The production is based on the real-life story of Paraguay’s Recycled Orchestra of Cateura, where young musicians turn discarded materials into instruments and transform lives through music.
© Kevin WinterEstefan also dedicates time to philanthropy. She founded the Gloria Estefan Foundation, which supports programs for underprivileged children and promotes youth empowerment through education. The foundation also contributes to spinal cord research through The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis. Her generosity has extended to numerous causes. In 2010, she joined Emilio Estefan and Quincy Jones in creating a Spanish-language version of "We Are the World" to aid earthquake victims in Haiti. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she participated in "Nurse Heroes Live," a benefit concert honoring frontline nurses.
Gloria Estefan’s influence continues to shine. Her artistry, business acumen, cultural pride, and humanitarian efforts remain a beacon not just for the Latino community but for music and the world as a whole.
