Intelligence Squared Gloria Estefan on the Latin American Dream
Dec 31, 2021
Gloria Estefan, a legendary singer with over 120 million records sold and three Grammys, shares her inspiring life story. She discusses her childhood in Cuba and the challenges of political upheaval, emphasizing music as a source of strength. Estefan reflects on her early days with the Miami Sound Machine and her emotional songwriting process. She recounts her harrowing bus accident, her remarkable recovery, and her dedication to cultural heritage through music, blending personal narratives with broader reflections on identity and resilience.
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Early Life and Exile
- Gloria Estefan's early life in Cuba was marked by her father's imprisonment and the family's eventual exile to the US.
- She discovered her passion for singing at a young age, emulating songs on the radio, including revolutionary anthems.
Father's Imprisonment and Military Service
- Gloria Estefan's father was imprisoned after the Bay of Pigs invasion.
- He was later released in a prisoner exchange and joined the US Army.
Life as Exiles
- Gloria Estefan's family moved to Florida as exiles, and her father later participated in the Bay of Pigs invasion.
- While her father was imprisoned in Cuba, Estefan's mother created a supportive community with other wives of political prisoners.