Estefan, Gloria, << EHS teh `fahn` or ehs TEH fahn, GLOH ree uh >> (1957-…), is a popular Cuban-born singer and songwriter. She was a major star in Latin American music but crossed over to gain popularity in other styles, including pop music and rhythm and blues. Estefan has won a number of Grammy Awards for her music.
Estefan was born on Sept. 1, 1957, in Havana, Cuba. Her original name was Gloria María Fajardo. Her family moved to Miami in 1959. She began to appear with a Cuban American band called the Miami Latin Boys in 1975. The group was soon renamed the Miami Sound Machine. Estefan received a degree in psychology from the University of Miami in 1978 but decided to pursue a music career instead. She married Emilio Estefan, Jr., the Miami Sound Machine’s leader and keyboard player, in 1978.
The Miami Sound Machine had its first hit in “Conga” (1985). Estefan was the group’s lead singer. She also composed many of its songs, including the hits “Words Get in the Way” (1986) and “Anything for You” (1987). She co-wrote the group’s hit “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You” (1987). In 1989, Estefan began a successful solo career. Her first hit songs as a solo performer were “Don’t Wanna Lose You” and “Here We Are” (both 1989). Her other solo hits include “Cuts Both Ways” (1990), “Live for Loving You” and “Coming Out of the Dark” (both 1991), “Always Tomorrow” (1992), and “Go Away” (1993).
Estefan has won numerous humanitarian awards for her support of social causes. She wrote two best-selling children’s books, The Magically Mysterious Adventures of Noelle the Bulldog (2005) and Noelle’s Treasure Tale (2006). In 2015, On Your Feet!, a musical about Estefan’s life produced by Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Jr., opened on Broadway.
