Gloria Estefan has been a force to be reckoned with since she hit the pop music scene, rising to global fame in the 1980’s. Not only has she single-handedly been our beloved pop icon during a time when there was no such thing as the “Latin Explosion,” she became a pop star who incorporated signature Latin fusions, immersing us in a whole new type of music with timeless songs such as “Conga,” and “Rhythm is Gonna Get You.” This was something we hadn’t heard before in mainstream pop music.
Yet, she established a space for our traditional musical sounds and characteristics that allowed a new culture to embrace music that, for us, sounded like home. As a result, she influenced an entire generation. It is no surprise that she has become the very first Latina woman to be inducted into the Songwriter Hall of Fame.
She thanked her family and her fans who have supported her every step of the way in her career. “Ever since I can remember, music has saved my life,” Estefan said. ” That is the beauty and danger of being a songwriter: We lay ourselves bare.”
She is truly our Queen of Latin Pop.
