Gloria Estefan: Singing Through Struggles | THE THREAD Documentary Series

Gloria Estefan, known to most as an internationally acclaimed recording artist and performer, opens her heart to share deeply personal stories in this episode of The Thread. We learn about her life as the young daughter of Cuban parents who were in grave danger when Fidel Castro came to power in Cuba. She takes us on a harrowing journey of fleeing to America, her father’s return to Cuba as an American freedom fighter, and the childhood discovery of her extraordinary musical talent that gave her private comfort in dark times - a talent she never intended to turn into a career. How she went on to become the “Queen of Latin Pop” is an inspiring story of strength, perseverance, and the life-sustaining power of love.
Gloria Estefan was born Gloria Fajardo on September 1, 1957 in Havana, Cuba. As a toddler Estefan fled Cuba with her family to the United States when Communist dictator Fidel Castro rose to power. In 1975 she met keyboardist Emilio Estefan, who led a band called the Miami Latin Boys. Estefan became the lead singer and the band was renamed the Miami Sound Machine, before going on to score several Top 10 hits in the 1980s and 1990s. She married Emilio Estefan in September of 1978. They have a son and daughter. Estefan is one of the most successful crossover artists in Latin music history. She is a seven-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, actress and author of two New York Times best-selling children’s books. She has sold more than 100 million records worldwide and achieved 38 #1 hits across the Billboard charts. In 1997 she founded the Gloria Estefan Foundation, which promotes education, health and cultural development. Both Gloria and Emilio worked on the autobiographical musical about their lives called “On Your Feet!” that debuted on Broadway in 2015. That same year they were both honored for their trailblazing contributions to music and Latin American culture with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Subscribe for access to interviews, series, films, and educational materials that address issues of social justice, history, politics, the arts, and culture by spotlighting relatable human stories of purpose and meaning. Learn about our work and how to support our mission here: www.lifestories.org/. For extended versions of these interviews and more, visit: / @lifestoriesinterviewa... .
To teach using this episode go to: www.lifestories.org/learning/...
Follow us on Instagram: / lifestoriesinterviews
Chapter Markers:
00:00 - Opening
00:44 - Introduction
00:58 - Family Backstory
07:24 - Gloria’s Philosophy
10:36 - Raising Awareness on Sexual Abuse
12:48 - Translating Job
15:50 - Joining Miami Sound Machine
21:15 - Husband Emilio Estefan
25:48 - 1990 Accident and Recovery
29:47 - Favorite Music
Gloria Estefan, Singer
Interviewed By: David Bender
Interview Date: September 8, 2023
© Kunhardt Film Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
#GloriaEstefanInterview #lifestories

[@jelenedressler]

In October of 1988 I was a flight attendant for Piedmont Airlines. My one and only emergency landing happened to include Gloria and Emilio who were flying in my first class cabin. We were flying into Pensacola, Florida where the Miami Sound Machine was doing a practice concert for their upcoming tour. I'm happy to report that our captain landed that broken aircraft flawlessly, but the aircraft had lost hydraulics so we ran off the runway and into the grassy median where the aircraft became stuck.. There was no need to evacuate the aircraft, but we did have to wait for vans to transport all the passengers off the plane and into the airport. In the time it took to get that arranged after our harrowing experience, Gloria was kind enough to invite our crew to that evening's concert with free tickets.....of course we attended that concert especially after the day we all shared! Right before they sang their third song, she told the audience what happened on their way to Pensacola earlier that day and asked if our Piedmont crew was in attendance, we were, she pointed us out and thanked us for our professionalism during that emergency and asked everyone to applaud us! Wow!!!! She and Emilio were such kind passengers even before our emergency! I will always adore both she and Emilio, just super nice down to earth people! Listening to this story today about Gloria's life makes me respect her even more and I didn't think that was possible. LOVE this couple!!!!

[@ahimsainthekitchen]

They are such beautiful and classy people. I love them both. Just starting to read your story, I knew they would be kind and nice. I am so happy that everyone on that flight was all right.

[@kawai99100]

I'm from Pensacola, Florida. Yes great people. Glad you all were safe.

[@thelmaconnolly6002]

Wow she has been thru hell and back! She’s so brave, confident, and absolutely inspiring !!!! She could make a bottle of trials and triumphs and sell for people recovering from devastating experiences!!!!!!! God knows I’d buy it! Thank you Gloria for your honestly and humbleness! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@GloriaEstefanMusic]

She is an inspiration for millions of fans around the world ❤

[@jeanneminton5226]

Now this is how to conduct an interview! Thought provoking questions, plenty of time for answers, no camera jumping back and forth between them. David Bender has set a new standard!

[@billgreen1861]

Also there were no interruption mid sentences like so many other " interviewers " do where a story was never finished and the ending is lost for ever.

[@jafrasar1]

Truly, truly interesting story and gives insight into Gloria’s personality. He gives her the space to ‘be herself’.

[@jafrasar1]

What a down to earth woman, different side not seen in the media.

[@susheeladewprashad9226]

What an amazing lady ❤

[@EML-cv2zr]

She’s so beautiful inside and out and I’m so happy to see her happily married she’s so lucky she married her first and only sweetheart ❤

[@kristine8338]

I am a fan of you for years and I remember the devastating news of the accident. Your Cuban energy on the scene made you a one of a kind for a girl and woman living in Belgium. Thank you and enjoy life ❣️

[@philippamediwake1235]

She is a beautiful, courageous woman with an amazing life story ❤

[@karenharvey2549]

I enjoyed listening to Gloria speaking about her life. I’ve always enjoyed her singing voice. Gloria your voice has brought us joy too.

[@wickyhendy74]

Great joy..not a song I do not enjoy... !

[@Mary9beth]

What a life she had!! ❤ She should make her life into a movie!!

[@mjrotondi5086]

Gloria uses her voice to encourage change and pride . She is incredibly REAL .

[@kmanyrivers]

Outstanding life. Outstanding human being. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@argenissandoval3308]

This woman is amazing! What she built with her music is unbelivable. A true legend in the latin and mainstream world!! Thanks for this amazing episode! 👏👏👏👏

[@theresahodgins-lott4375]

I’ve followed Gloria for decades. She’s even more beautiful, gracious and an incredible artists all the way around.

[@Hawaiian80882]

early 1980's in my 20's, an enlisted U. S. Marine....listening to her beautiful voice.....Man I had a crush on her!

[@user-pj9qw8cb8v]

She a LADY! Love her❤

[@ThatWasThenThisIsNow-yn1eq]

Nothing but class and elegance with Gloria.

[@madijayne2]

What a great interview! Gloria is literally glowing! She rarely talks about the abuse she endured so I’m glad she’s talking about it some here. She’s such an inspiration for all she’s gone through. I just wish the interview was longer and went beyond her accident. She’s lived so much more life than that.

[@lifestoriesinterviews]

Thanks for watching, we're glad to hear you enjoyed the episode! The full interview will be released in a few months. Be sure to subscribe to our channel so you can be alerted when it's released!

[@madijayne2]

@@lifestoriesinterviews oh this makes me so happy to know there’s more coming!😍

[@anairenemartinez165]

People do not understand when women finaly say about the about 5, 10, 15 years later, it is a whole psychological thing, shame, guilt, lots going on.

[@madijayne2]

@@anairenemartinez165 yes I know that all too well. I wasn’t saying that as a dig to her. I watched as she revealed in on RTTE and she’s said she waited to protect her mother who felt shame and didn’t want to bring more stress to her while she was alive. But she knew she wanted and needed to talk about it eventually.

[@lizfavaro4531]

Gloria Estefan is one of my all time favorite female vocalist. Wonderful interview!

[@samanthagrantpopsoulrbdoow115]

I am a big fan of hers I have 3 vinyl albums of hers. I am autistic and her music calms me.

[@zacariasbustos]

Greatest concert I ever attend to. Gloria Estefan in Argentina. Sang for more than 2 hours and kept on singing as people wouldn't leave the venue. She is an incredible artist, and even more as a human being. Great interview btw. Thanks ❤

[@conchitascharms1438]

I’ve adored Gloria Estefan ever since I was little and to hear her life story was very moving 🥲

[@vincentenland]

Thank you for this wonderful interview. As a Cuban I feel a great respect and connection with Gloria’s story. Indeed, art is a light that helps us get through the darkness. God bless you all!

[@landedeagle4596]

Recently i have been playing her music quite often so when i saw this interview i gladly watched it, Gloria is seems to be a warm gentle soul, wishing her ongoing happiness and good health.

[@rbk7876]

Stunning Eyes ! great singer, as a percussionist I love her music, fantastic lady.🙏 God Bless her.

[@lpri]

I've been a huge fan of Gloria since the 1980s, huge repect and love to her ❤❤

[@mirnacollins6514]

I saw Gloria in Concert before her tragic accident. She sang beautifully in Spanish while playing her guitar. It was a magical night.

[@GLopezMad]

Love Gloria, always have. Never forget the night I met her back in 1997 at Madison Square Garden in New York City after her concert. My sister was part of her team, she was sweet and kind, gave her a big hug and took a picture with me. By the way, Gloria was a great concert performer, loved her concert. As an artist, she has always been true to herself, unique. Glad to see her now, happy, serene and still beautiful ❤️

[@31Alden]

Gloria Estefan is JOY ! ❤

[@scat4me]

I met Gloria and Emilio many many years ago( although I doubt they remember). Her story is truly inspirational. We are the same age and as I listened to her musical history and her idols growing up it was a mirror to mine (excluding the fame) of course. Life's twists and turns are so unusual. I was offered a scholarship to the UM Music School of Voice. I turned it down. It was later given to Jon Secada (good choice) he was later mentored by the Estefans...

[@heaven8639]

I saw Gloria and Miami Sound Machine in Phoenix after the bus crash . She was beautiful the concert was beautiful & I’ve seen many, many concerts.🥰💐🥰

[@angelaarnold3740]

I Saw Gloria In Concert after The Tragic Accident, We ALL Had Letters Asking Us To Save The TKT's Because She Would Still Perform.The Night She Actually Walked On Stage In England The Arena Just Erupted With "Cheer's Of "Joy" and She Was "INCREDIBLE " HER VOICE AND MUSIC 🎶 WERE SO "SPECIAL " AND SHE IS ONE OF THE"NICEST PEOPLE YOU COULD EVER SEE IN CONCERT "I WILL REMEMBER THAT NIGHT FOREVER. THANK YOU GLORIA ❤❤❤

[@patmatt1987]

This was a pleasure to listen to. I recall watching her on the Spanish channel when I was a little immigrant kid and have enjoyed seeing her career flourish. By the time I was 21 and a newlywed in 1987, that was when she branched over to singing pop songs in English and the rest is history. Lovely lady with an amazing story. When you follow someone’s career you cannot help but feel like you know them. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to go see her Broadway Show “Get On Your Feet.” This interview was excellently done!

[@shirleywoods6357]

Gloria Estefan was a performer that I always enjoyed listening & watching what a talented Lady! I remember when her tour bus was in the accident in Canada & I was amazed to see her perform not that many months after she got out of hospital. Such an entertainer & I am surprised to hear that she never intended to be the centre of attention!❤️❤️

[@di4085]

The song that Gloria is sang once she recovered from her accident sends shivers up and down my spine. So moving. What an excellent interview on Gloria Estefan.

[@chapelhill9161]

She is a inspiration! Love Gloria Esthephan!

[@tonytech100]

GLORIA ESTEFAN IS NOTHING BUT A CLASS ACT! HER MUSIC BRINGS BACK GREAT MEMORIES OF MY YOUTH! HER MUSIC, VOICE AND STYLE ARE UNIQUE!

[@evelynramos445]

Suffering was over the top! Childhood till adult life!

[@joycestepancevich6591]

I have sought out and listened to many interviews with Gloria. I learned many new things here about her Father's life, Cuban history, American history. The story of the accident always makes me teary. I admire Gloria Estefan greatly for many reasons. Great interview!! LOVE U GLORIA 💓

[@mapuanakupuna3471]

Incredible! She's such an awe inspiring lady!!

[@jjf8862]

Gloria, I have always been a fan from the first time I heard your first record, and now I am a fan of you as a woman. Your amazing.

[@yumuripol6236]

She is a success story as many Cuban immigrants have been. Her story of exile from communism is the story of each Cuban exile. Stories of heroes. Their success in US is a testament to a people. Gloria Estefan is just one example, one extraordinary soul among so many

[@fsr1391]

I remember Gloria’s stunning voice. She always sounded naturally talented. I was raising my kids in Florida when I first heard her voice and think I first saw her in TV. She is a beautiful soul. Thank you Gloria for sharing this wonderful interview about your life. Congrats on your stardom. You deserve it. Best wishes for you & family. ⭐️🌻🌷💐

[@p.cullen8877]

Beautiful interview! Gloria is so real, humble and intelligent...with all the fame she still knows and honors her beginnings.God Bless Gloria & Emilio & familia❤❤❤

[@cheribee968]

She is still so beautiful Has not aged

[@cultureclique2173]

Gloria is an international treasure!

[@kimim2702]

A woman of substance!

[@luissanchez-ii2rl]

... well as she described it, besides all the singers she mentioned, in my personal life Gloria's sings brings me a lot of joy in my life.

[@thenena7777]

I have always admired this woman, her music and her resilience helped me go through horrible advise, I also identify with her so much. A lot of the things she went through I did too. She is an icon. Felicidades Gloria y gracias por todo lo que nos has brindado.

[@jorgeocampo650]

Gloria stefan has a powerful soul, could lift up anybody who is down.

[@josephineahelle5094]

Great interview!!! I saw Gloria once before the bus accident and once after. No matter what, she is an outstanding person and performer. I have so much respect for her and her talent!❤ Thank you!

[@dalieralmeidamarcos5703]

Cuban pride!! 🇨🇺

[@constancewhite6906]

Thank you for being who you are Gloria. God bless you and your family 🙏🏼🩷🙏🏼

[@maryb.9463]

I was working in a Hotel shop in Frankfurt when Gloria came in and her son. She was quite and hiding behind her sunglasses but her sun spoke to me and asked questions about German money etc. but my English was so bad I couldn’t talk to him that much. He was maybe 10 at that time. I always liked her music.

[@CarolineShalom]

Gloria was working so many jobs simultaneously. She has been focused and faced every challenge bravely. It isn't difficult for her to be with One God, one man, one vision and stick to them without swaying to the left or to the right.

[@misreal2548]

Gloria, I’ve loved you and your music for many many years. God bless you and your family 🙏🏽❤️

[@CarlosGonzalez-th3mp]

Thank you for sharing your story with the world and for being an inspiration to so many.

[@beckiedaniel5115]

I just love this woman and always have; and always will…in 1991 I got to see her when in concert which was in San Antonio, TX I was sitting in the front row and boy was it an awesome concert. ❤❤

[@jazzyflorida3757]

Te queremos Glorita! You are an inspiration to all of us Cuban families in America. 🇨🇺 🇺🇸 thank you, for everything you have done for our Latino community ❤

[@cindyashruf8152]

Gloria is a virgo like me❤❤❤

[@nancysmith3400]

🤗She is a very strong, wise inspiring women. I have always admired her and appreciate how she shares her life with us with great courage. An excellent human being. !!!

[@ncavlleguy]

Such Beauty and grace A truly lovely spirit ! I just love her ! ❤️ And she brings us so much JOY !

[@orlandoalas5708]

Your music has also brought us joy. Thank you, Gloria. 🥰

[@Ladollsad]

💛 🌹 Ms. Gloria you are a 🌟 blessed woman!

[@chilloften]

He so lovedHloria and brought out her best. And she loved it and we did to. What a blast Gloria!!

[@amyhunter5309]

My most incredible daughter, Madi Jayne P. Shared this with me. It brought me to tears. Happy and sad ones. Mostly happy. 🥰🙏🏼☮️

[@Hummingbird64]

I am a huge fan ❤ what an inspiration to the world.

[@carolalexander4933]

What a beautiful soulful artist, with so much depth. I have always loved their music...thank you for sharing this interview.

[@williamhartz8707]

Such an interesting interview with Gloria. Refreshing to hear her story.

[@TheQHBlend1]

An absolute power house, Gloria Estefan is everything. ❤

[@Jonesy795]

Such a beautiful story of triumph and hope! I love everything Gloria and her Emilio represent. They are so genuine and blessed with an incredible sense of gratitude for all they’ve overcome. The Estefan’s are a true powerhouse and musical royalty. Unlike so many artists today they authentically live life and perform for the love of music. They are true role models. God bless them!

[@baronlowe9579]

Total class act…wonderful interview!❤

[@smalls9852]

She is such an incredible human being. Her songs bring me such sunshine and love. ❤

[@RA-rl4mx]

Wonderful interview. I've always loved their music but was surprised at how little I knew of her. I guess she is definitely a private person. Thank you for giving us a glimpse into your upbringing and life. This was a great timeline. I enjoyed hearing of the closeness and culture of her family. Blessings always 🙏🏽💜

[@ClaudineiOliveiraOficial]

Tão linda!!! Te quiero mucho, mi Glorita amada!!! ❤🇧🇷

[@sallyroddy6566]

just seems like a really lovely human being. love her music too

[@Eileen49654]

Class intelligence, beauty,faithfulness.

[@lilyg4925]

WOW what an awesome interview❤ I grew up listening to some of the songs in the 80s but I had never had the opportunity to listen to Gloria speak or give an interview. I was just blown away. she’s awesome what an inspiration she is❤

[@user-sw4zl3vy9x]

Beautiful lady and beautiful music. Still have their albums.

[@torrymsimango9660]

As a young teen in the eighties I had a crush on Gloria....her music was magical...

[@user-oz7nw9sq7y]

She is such a beautiful soul!❤

[@noelenefortuin4546]

Gloria was kindhearted young lady When she stayed at hotel on Cape Town South Africa. Where i worked served her in Presidentional suite ❤

[@luciabriseno4065]

LOVE LOVE LOVED THIS INTERVIEW WITH GLORIA ❤ SHE IS SO SPECIAL ❤GOD BLESS HER AND HER FAMILY ❤🙏

[@cindyashruf8152]

I am one of the biggest fans of her.her music also calms me down❤❤❤

[@knightrats]

What an interesting and inspirational lady. I found this interview totally captivating. I so admire her strength in overcoming her life challenges with such grace and determination. A very wise soul. Love Gloria’s music too. Thank you xxxx ❤

[@cosmicowl7584]

What an amazing back story to such an an incredible emotive talent I loved her music throughout the 80s she still looks amazing excellent interview 🙏🏼❤

[@MyHanck]

I really enjoyed the Miami Sound Machine back in those days we ran a mobile disco company doing gigs all over the island

[@johnbarnett6924]

Thank you for a post of an Awesome Vocalist❤ God's speed to Gloria and All who keep her Strong❤ John Barnett revisted May 4 2024 ❤

[@karenlindley9265]

What a spiritual journey.. Such a warrior of light for humanity & an inspiration too! I am glad she is still moving forward & be herself! A powerful artist touching broken hearts & split lights waiting to be whole again..💠🙏🙏🙏💚🌸😘💕

[@imsickofindignation]

What a beautiful person you are, Gloria! Thanks for the music! 🩷 🎶 🎵 🎼 🎤 🎙️

[@TasteBudJunkie]

Gloria comes across Genuine and real

[@hibomohamed7710]

Gloria Estefan is madam president in our realm.

[@voging]

Amazing! Emotional! Thank you! ❤️

[@NunobBelo]

I've always liked you a lot, Gloria, since I was a teenager. Finding out more about yourself was... motivating! Beautiful life! Above all that. Also very happy to know that you are still there and happy with your family. Kisses from Portugal. Thank you also to Life Stories for your great and freely accessible work.

[@Terry_1111]

Love and admire her so much!

[@winnmiller6012]

Wow, this was SUCH A WONDERFUL interview...🤩!!! Could've listened to Ms. Estefan FOREVER...🥰. She's had such a wonderful and extraordinary life...and that would be even if she hadn't become such a phenomenal singer/performer/entertainer. Blessings to she and her family for ALWAYS...☺️😇😌.

[@NotchesSewing]

What a wonderful interview. I could listen to her all day.

[@winnmiller6012]

@@NotchesSewing I know!!! Gloria Estefan has had an EXTRAORDINARY life...🤩🤩🤩!!!

[@leighbrown1725]

Thank you for your music forever grateful love you from New. Zealand arohanui ❤❤❤

[@melaniamonicacraciun9900]

Music is our salvation friends, music is giving us the strength to carry on and great performers are very helpfull indeed, never stop believe in guys 🎉❤🎉

[@tuconexionlocal7516]

Music is not our salvation…Que disparate por Diossssss🙄🙄🙄🙄

[@Roz-zi1ye]

God bless you for sharing this.

[@re7416]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 - A Lady. And a Class act 🏆

[@susiearviso3032]

I thought this interview was somewhat boring, but I found later into it, I was I was caring about these human beings.

[@patrickfreeman2122]

What a fantastic story. An amazing woman and such a talent. Thanks for this.

[@parler8698]

Outstanding.