Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Gloria Estefan
Discover the career path of Gloria Estefan, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Gloria Estefan is a highly successful Cuban-American singer, actress, and businesswoman. An eight-time Grammy Award winner and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, she's recognized as one of the greatest artists by VH1 and Billboard. Her record sales surpass 100 million globally, solidifying her status as one of the best-selling female singers ever.
21 hours ago : Gloria Estefan Defends Diddy, Dismisses Accuser's Claims as Unfounded and Unreliable.
Gloria Estefan strongly defended Diddy against accusations, dismissing the accuser's claims about a 'freak off' incident as unreliable and suggesting the accuser might be unwell. She questioned the validity of the claims.
1975: Estefan Meets Emilio Estefan, Jr.
In 1975, Gloria Estefan met Emilio Estefan, Jr. while performing at a church ensemble rehearsal.
1977: Miami Sound Machine Releases First Album
In 1977, Miami Sound Machine began recording and releasing various albums and 45s, with their first album being titled Live Again/Renacer.
1984: Beginning of hits included in 'The Essential Gloria Estefan'
In 1984, Gloria Estefan started her journey of making hits that would be compiled in the album 'The Essential Gloria Estefan' released in 2006.
1984: Miami Sound Machine Releases 'Eyes of Innocence'
In 1984, Miami Sound Machine released their first Epic/Columbia album, Eyes of Innocence, which featured the dance hit "Dr. Beat" and the ballad "I Need Your Love."
1985: Primitive Love Album Release and Success
In 1985, Miami Sound Machine released their successful album Primitive Love, which contained multiple Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including "Conga", "Words Get in the Way", and "Bad Boy".
1985: Miami Sound Machine's "Conga" Achieves Worldwide Success
In 1985, Miami Sound Machine, with Gloria Estefan as the lead singer, achieved worldwide success with their single "Conga", which became Estefan's signature song, marking a significant milestone in her career.
1987: Group Renamed Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine
In 1987, the group was redubbed as Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine with the release of their album Let It Loose.
1987: Release of Let It Loose
In 1987, the group's album, Let It Loose, went multi-platinum and featured hit songs like "Anything for You" and "1-2-3". Also in the same year, Estefan was given top billing and the band's name was changed to Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine.
1988: Album Repackaged as Anything for You
In 1988, after the worldwide chart success of single "Anything for You", the Let It Loose album was repackaged as Anything for You.
1989: Estefan Rises to Solo Stardom
In 1989, Gloria Estefan rose to solo stardom with her debut solo album Cuts Both Ways.
1989: Solo Career and Release of Cuts Both Ways
In 1989, Gloria Estefan's group name was dropped and she was credited as a solo artist. In late 1989, Estefan released her best-selling album, Cuts Both Ways, which included hit singles.
January 1991: Release of Into the Light and American Music Awards Performance
In January 1991, Gloria Estefan released the concept album Into the Light and performed "Coming Out of the Dark" at the American Music Awards to a standing ovation.
January 26, 1992: Estefan Performs at Super Bowl XXVI Halftime Show
On January 26, 1992, Gloria Estefan performed in the Super Bowl XXVI halftime show, marking a significant performance in her career.
1992: U.S. Delegation to the United Nations
In 1992, Gloria Estefan served as a public member of the U.S. Delegation to the 47th Session of the United Nations' General Assembly Opening Plenary.
June 1993: Release of Spanish-Language Album Mi Tierra
In June 1993, Gloria Estefan released her first Spanish-language album Mi Tierra, which achieved significant success and earned her a Grammy Award.
September 1993: Release of First Christmas Album
In September 1993, Gloria Estefan released her first Christmas album, Christmas Through Your Eyes, which was also notable for being the first album not produced by her husband.
October 1994: Release of Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me
In October 1994, Gloria Estefan released Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, a cover album featuring her favorite songs from the 1960s and 1970s, which achieved commercial success.
1994: Reference to album 'Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me'
In September 2013, Gloria Estefan's album 'The Standards' reached No. 20 on the US Billboard 200 chart, marking her first top 20 album since 1994's Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me.
1995: Release of Abriendo Puertas
In 1995, Estefan released her second Spanish-language album, Abriendo Puertas, which earned her a Grammy Award.
1998: Reference to 'Gloria!' album
In September 2011, Gloria Estefan released "Miss Little Havana". She described the album as resembling her 1998 hit album Gloria!.
1999: Appearance in 'Music of the Heart' film
In 1999, Gloria Estefan appeared in the live-action film Music of the Heart.
1999: Super Bowl Halftime Performance and 'Music of My Heart' Release
In 1999, Gloria Estefan performed in the Super Bowl XXXIII halftime show. Also in 1999, she performed with 'N Sync on the single "Music of My Heart," featured in the film Music of the Heart, and released a Latin hit with So Pra Contrariar, "Santo Santo".
May 2000: Release of 'Alma Caribeña' album
In May 2000, Gloria Estefan released 'Alma Caribeña' (Caribbean Soul), her third Spanish-language album focusing on Caribbean rhythms, featuring Latin Hits such as "No Me Dejes De Querer", "Como Me Duele Perderte", and "Por Un Beso".
2000: Appearance in 'For Love or Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story'
In 2000, Gloria Estefan appeared in the live-action film 'For Love or Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story'.
February 2001: Grammy Award for 'Alma Caribeña'
In February 2001, Gloria Estefan's album 'Alma Caribeña' earned her a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Tropical Latin Album.
2002: Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Medallion of Excellence
In 2002, Gloria Estefan received the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Medallion of Excellence for Community Service.
2003: Ending of hits included in 'The Essential Gloria Estefan'
In 2003, Gloria Estefan continued making hits that would be compiled in the album 'The Essential Gloria Estefan' released in 2006.
2003: Release of 'Unwrapped' album
In 2003, Gloria Estefan released the album Unwrapped, promoting it with a tour across Europe, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the U.S.
April 2004: Guest Mentor on American Idol
In April 2004, Gloria Estefan appeared on the Fox Broadcasting Company's program "American Idol" as a guest mentor for the contestants during Latin Week.
July 30, 2004: Launch of Live & Re-Wrapped Tour
On July 30, 2004, Gloria Estefan embarked on the Live & Re-Wrapped Tour in support of the album Unwrapped, starting in Hidalgo, Texas.
2005: Selena Tribute and 'Dr. Pressure' Release
In 2005, Gloria Estefan participated in Selena ¡VIVE!, a tribute concert, performing "I Could Fall in Love". Also that year, she sang "Young Hearts Run Free" on the Desperate Housewives soundtrack, and the club mash-up "Dr. Pressure" was released.
2005: Publication of The Magically Mysterious Adventures of Noelle the Bulldog
In 2005, Gloria Estefan wrote her first children's book, "The Magically Mysterious Adventures of Noelle the Bulldog".
October 2006: Release of 'The Essential Gloria Estefan' compilation
In October 2006, Sony released the compilation album 'The Essential Gloria Estefan', featuring her hits from 1984 to 2003. To promote the album, Estefan made several radio and television appearances.
2006: Publication of Noelle's Treasure Tale
In 2006, Gloria Estefan released her second children's book, "Noelle's Treasure Tale", which reached No. 3 on the New York Times Bestseller list for children's books.
2007: Appointment to Univision Communications Inc. Board of Directors
In 2007, Gloria Estefan was appointed to the board of directors for Univision Communications Inc.
March 2008: Parade Magazine Report on Who's Sorry Now?
In March 2008, Parade magazine reported that filming for the biographical film "Who's Sorry Now?", starring Gloria Estefan as Connie Francis, was scheduled to begin in late 2008.
November 2008: Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year
In November 2008, Gloria Estefan was named the Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year at the Latin Grammy Awards, becoming the first female singer to receive this award. She also won the Latin Grammy for Best Traditional Tropical Album for "90 Millas", and Best Tropical Song for "Píntame De Colores", her first Grammy Award for a song.
2008: Performances and 90 Millas World Tour
In 2008, Gloria Estefan appeared on American Idol, performed at MGM Grand at Foxwoods, Casino Rama, and started her 90 Millas World Tour with concerts in London, Rotterdam, Belfast, Aruba, and Spain. She also performed a benefit concert at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
2008: Publication of Estefan Kitchen cookbook
In 2008, Gloria Estefan collaborated with her husband Emilio on a cookbook titled "Estefan Kitchen", featuring 60 traditional Cuban recipes.
2008: Cameo Appearance in 'Marley & Me'
In 2008, Gloria Estefan made a cameo appearance with her husband in the film 'Marley & Me'.
2008: Opening of Costa d'Este hotel
In 2008, Gloria and Emilio Estefan opened Costa d'Este, one of their two hotels, in Vero Beach.
July 2009: Summer Pops Music Festival Headliner
On 27 July 2009, Gloria Estefan headlined at the Summer Pops Music Festival in Liverpool as part of her "farewell tour" of Latin America and South America.
December 2009: Who's Sorry Now? Film Project Dropped
In December 2009, the biographical film project "Who's Sorry Now?" was dropped due to irreconcilable differences between Connie Francis and Gloria Estefan regarding the film's writer.
March 2010: 'Somos El Mundo' Release and Calle Ocho March
In March 2010, Gloria Estefan released "Somos El Mundo", a Spanish-language version of Michael Jackson's "We Are the World" for Haitian relief. On 24 March 2010, Estefan also led a march in Miami supporting Cuba's Las Damas de Blanco.
April 2011: The X Factor Audition Appearance
On 7 April 2011, Gloria Estefan made an unannounced appearance at The X Factor auditions in Miami, offering encouragement to the participants.
May 2011: 'Wepa' Premiere
On 31 May 2011, Gloria Estefan's song "Wepa", the first single from the album 'Miss Little Havana', premiered at AmericanAirlines Arena in a special music video for the Miami Heat.
June 2011: Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame Induction and Concert
In June 2011, Gloria Estefan was inducted into the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame and performed at a special concert on 17 June 2011 to benefit the Los Angeles Philharmonic Institute's education programs.
September 2011: Release of 'Miss Little Havana' Album
On 27 September 2011, Gloria Estefan's dance-oriented album 'Miss Little Havana' was released in the U.S., with the physical CD available exclusively at Target.
November 2011: Hosting 'Gloria Estefan's Latin Beat' on BBC Radio 2
In November 2011, Gloria Estefan began hosting 'Gloria Estefan's Latin Beat', a seven-part series for BBC Radio 2 in the United Kingdom that explores the history of Latin music.
April 2013: TEDx Via della Conciliazione Speaker
On April 19, 2013, Gloria Estefan spoke at TEDx Via della Conciliazione on the theme "Religious freedom today".
May 2013: Collaboration on Paul Anka's 'Duets' album
In May 2013, Gloria Estefan appeared on Paul Anka's Duets album with the song "Think I'm in Love Again".
September 2013: Release of 'The Standards' album
In September 2013, Gloria Estefan released 'The Standards', featuring collaborations with Laura Pausini, Dave Koz and Joshua Bell, and a selection of songs from the Great American Songbook.
June 2015: Chicago Premiere of 'On Your Feet!'
In June 2015, the musical 'On Your Feet!' premiered at the Oriental Theater in Chicago, running from June 17, 2015 to July 5, 2015.
June 2015: Release of 'Soy Mujer' compilation
On 23 June 2015, Gloria Estefan released the compilation 'Soy Mujer', which consists of Estefan's Spanish-language hits.
July 2015: 'On Your Feet!' Chicago Run Ends
In July 2015, specifically July 5, 2015, the musical 'On Your Feet!' concluded its run at the Oriental Theater in Chicago.
October 2015: 'On Your Feet!' Broadway Preview
In October 2015, specifically October 5, 2015, preview shows of the musical 'On Your Feet!' opened on Broadway at the Marquis Theatre prior to its official release.
November 2015: Broadway Premiere of 'On Your Feet!'
On November 5, 2015, the jukebox musical 'On Your Feet!', about the life of Gloria and Emilio Estefan, premiered on Broadway at the Marquis Theatre after preview shows starting October 5, 2015.
June 2019: 'On Your Feet!' Plays at The Curve and Moves to London Coliseum
In June 2019, the musical 'On Your Feet!' played at The Curve in Leicester, UK before moving to the West End's London Coliseum.
August 2019: Closure of Bongos Cuban Cafe at Disney Springs
In August 2019, the Estefans closed their restaurant Bongos Cuban Cafe, which had been located at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World for 22 years.
August 2019: 'On Your Feet!' Plays at The London Coliseum Ends
In August 2019, the musical 'On Your Feet!' ended it's run at the West End's London Coliseum.
February 2020: Opening of Estefan's Kitchen at Margaritaville Resort Orlando
In February 2020, the Estefans reimagined their previous restaurant and opened Estefan's Kitchen at the Sunset Walk at Margaritaville Resort Orlando.
April 2020: Release of "Put on Your Mask"
In April 2020, Gloria Estefan released "Put on Your Mask", a parody of her 1989 song "Get on Your Feet", with the lyrics changed to reflect the importance of wearing face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
June 2020: Release of 'Cuando Hay Amor'
On 12 June 2020, Gloria Estefan released "Cuando Hay Amor", the first single from her upcoming album titled Brazil305, which will re-record her music catalog with Brazilian rhythms and contain four new songs.
2020: Co-hosting Red Table Talk: The Estefans
In 2020, Gloria Estefan began co-hosting "Red Table Talk: The Estefans", a spin-off of the Facebook Watch talk show Red Table Talk, alongside her daughter Emily Estefan and niece Lili Estefan.
2021: Voice role in Vivo
In 2021, Gloria Estefan voiced the character of Marta Sandoval in the animated film "Vivo", which features songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda and was released in theaters and on Netflix.
June 2022: 'Father of the Bride' Remake Premiere on HBO Max
On 16 June 2022, Gloria Estefan starred in a made-for-TV movie on HBO in the remake of "Father of the Bride" with Andy Garcia. The film had a Latin/Cuban America twist, which premiered on HBO Max.
2022: Release of 'Estefan Family Christmas' album
In 2022, the Estefans released a Christmas album titled Estefan Family Christmas, featuring Gloria Estefan, her daughter Emily, and her grandson.
January 20, 2023: Release of 'Gonna Be You' soundtrack single
On January 20, 2023, the soundtrack single "Gonna Be You" from the film 80 for Brady was released, written by Diane Warren, and performed by Dolly Parton, Belinda Carlisle, Cyndi Lauper, Debbie Harry and Gloria Estefan.
2023: Commonwealth Awards of Distinguished Service
In 2023, Gloria Estefan was honored for her public service at the 44th annual Commonwealth Awards of Distinguished Service, recognizing her philanthropic commitment.
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