On June 15, global music superstar Gloria Estefan chatted at the Songwriters Hall of Fame red carpet event in New York City.
She was just inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame as part of its Class of 2023. The star-studded event took place at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Manhattan. Estefan made music history as the first Latina woman to accomplish this feat.
First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt once said: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” A woman that embodies this wise quote is Gloria Estefan.
Estefan is a Grammy award-winning singer, actress, songwriter, author of two New York Times best-selling children’s books, philanthropist, and a humanitarian.
The Latin Music Queen is considered one of the world’s most recognizable and beloved performers, and Billboard proclaimed her “the most successful Latin crossover artist in music history.”
The popular songs in her catalog that she has penned include “Anything For You,” “Don’t Wanna Lose You,” “Words Get In The Way,” “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,” and “Let’s Get Loud.”
2023 Songwriters Hall of Fame induction
On getting inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Estefan said, “It feels fantastic. It feels beautiful, it feels like a dream, honestly.”
“As a songwriter, it’s the biggest honor,” she admitted.
“I’ve been nominated many times, but I never imagined that it could happen. The moment came, and it is really such a privilege and a blessing. I am thrilled to be here,” Estefan said, effusively.
The Songwriters Hall of Fame’s ongoing mission is to celebrate and honor the contributions and legacies of songwriters of all genres of music while developing and nurturing the next generation of songwriters through Master Sessions, songwriting craft forums, scholarships, and digital initiatives.
Other awards, accolades, and recognition
Estefan has sold over 100 million records worldwide, she has won eight Grammy Awards, and had an Oscar-nominated performance for the song “Music Of My Heart,” which was from the movie “Music of the Heart.”
She also received an American Music Award for “Lifetime Achievement” and was inducted into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame.
President Obama honored Gloria Estefan and her husband, Emilio, with the “Presidential Medal of Freedom,” the nation’s highest civilian honor, which is presented to individuals who have made meritorious contributions to the United States, to world peace, and cultural endeavors.
In 2017, Gloria made history as the first Cuban-American singer-songwriter to receive The Kennedy Center Honors.
‘Gonna Be You’
Estefan loved being a part of “Gonna Be You” along with Dolly Parton, Cyndi Lauper, Belinda Carlisle, and Debbie Harry, which was featured in the Paramount+ film “80 For Brady.”
“Diane Warren wrote that song, it’s an amazing song. I love Diane, we have written many things together. Diane doesn’t write with a lot of people, so I feel privileged that she chose me. It was a blast to be with those incredible and iconic women, and that movie ‘80 For Brady,’ which was so great.”
Gloria Estefan Foundation
Estefan is the founder of the Gloria Estefan Foundation whose mission is to support charitable programs for disadvantaged children and empower young people through education and opportunity. The Foundation also supports spinal cord research through the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis.
‘On Your Feet!’ on Broadway
The Tony-nominated Broadway musical “On Your Feet!” is based on the lives and music of Emilio and Gloria Estefan.
As executive producers, it is the story of two people who—through an unwavering dedication to one another and their pursuit of the American dream— showcased their talent, music, and heritage to the world in a remarkable rise to global superstardom.
“On Your Feet!” received rave reviews and nominations for Tony Awards and Drama League Awards and is now on tour worldwide.
Advice for hopefuls in music
For young and aspiring singer-songwriters, Estefan said, “Sharpen your tools, keep going to school so that you have a day job just in case, because artists need to be able to survive, so until you get to the moment where you can make a great living, you need to be able to make a living. Prepare yourself and hone your skills.”
Success
On her definition of the word success, Estefan said, “Getting up every day and doing what you love surrounded by people and relationships that mean a lot to you, and just enjoy every day doing what you love to do.”
To learn more about Gloria Estefan, check out her Linktree page.
