“Come on, shake your body baby, do the conga I know you can’t control yourself any longer Come on, shake your body baby, do the conga” those are the famous Conga song lyrics of Salsa and Pop star Gloria Maria Milagrosa Fajardo, professionally known as Gloria Estefan. Gloria was born on September 1, 1957 in Havana, Cuba. Gloria comes from a Military background; her dad fought in the Vietnam War and grandfather in the Cuban Revolutionary war. However, her grandparents were Spanish immigrants. As a result of the Revolutionary war in Cuba, Gloria’s family decided to migrate to Miami, Florida. Gloria attended the University of Miami were she later received her Bachelors degree in psychology with a minor in French. Gloria adjusted to the Miami lifestyle very rapidly because of the Latin and fast paced lifestyle she experienced similar to Cuba’s. Gloria was always involved with music of some sort including singing, composing, or playing instruments.
In 1976 Gloria became romantically engaged with another Cuban musical genius named Emilio Estefan, who as well resided in Miami. After getting married in 1978 and having two children together as a couple, they began producing and recording various albums. These power couples, which were called “The Estefan’s”, came to Miami in search of freedom and opportunity. Furthermore, the ambience Miami provided allowed Emilio and Gloria to network and create numerous bonds with other known musicians such as Julio Iglesias, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, and many others.
Many would say Gloria was very successful throughout her music career. An estimated 100 million records were sold and she has won over seven Grammy Awards. Throughout their career, both Emilio and Gloria, would go on tours together and return back home what they call “Miami”. Over the years this power couple established many youth foundations throughout low-income communities. These organizations were created to allow kids to practice or improve at a craft such as singing, drawing, dancing, etc.
Furthermore, “The Estefan’s” have been real successful in opening businesses throughout Miami. The most known Latin Café in Miami is Bongos Cuban Café; Aside from owning Bongos they also own restaurants such as, Versailles that are known for their magnificent Cuban food and Latin culture Miami represent. The salsa spice “The Estefan’s” brought to South Florida usually influences Miami festivals and Concerts. After many years of success the “Estefan’s” family continue to live in the wealthy community of Star Island, Florida and continue to compose music for upcoming artist.
