Gloria Estefan is one of the most important and influential figures in Latin music, credited with bringing Cuban rhythms and wider Latin sounds into the international pop mainstream. Born in Havana, Cuba, in 1957, her family fled to Miami following the Cuban Revolution, joining the wave of exiles who helped shape the cultural life of the city.

Her career began with Miami Sound Machine, the band she fronted with her husband Emilio in the late 1970s. Together they fused Cuban and Caribbean rhythms with pop hooks, creating a sound that resonated across borders. By the mid-1980s, Estefan had become a global star. Hits such as Conga (1985) and Rhythm Is Gonna Get You (1987) didn’t just dominate charts, they introduced millions of listeners to Latin-inspired sounds at a time when no other Spanish-speaking artist had done so at that scale.

Estefan’s success continued into the 1990s, marked by resilience as well as triumph. In 1990 she survived a near-fatal tour bus crash that left her with a fractured spine and the possibility she might never walk again. Against all odds, she returned to performing, her comeback single Coming Out of the Dark (1991), which embodied her determination. In 1993, she released Mi Tierra, her first full Spanish-language album, which became a landmark record. At a time when industry executives were sceptical of a fully Spanish album, Estefan insisted, describing herself as a “cultural ambassador” for Cuban music. The record’s success proved her right, winning a Grammy and opening the door for future Spanish-language albums to reach global audiences.

Throughout her career, Estefan has sold over 100 million records worldwide and earned multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards. Her legacy is also celebrated through On Your Feet!, the Broadway and West End bioplay based on her life, which highlights not only her chart success but also her struggles, sacrifices, and determination to stay true to her Cuban heritage.

Beyond music, Estefan has been a powerful advocate for Latin identity and a role model for artists navigating both English- and Spanish-speaking markets. She has collaborated with stars across generations and genres, while always keeping her Cuban roots central to her artistry. In recent years, she has continued to release music, including her 2025 project Raíces (“Roots”), which reimagines traditional Cuban sounds for contemporary audiences.