Gloria Estefan spoke about how music helped her get through some of the most difficult moments of her life after fleeing Cuba EFE/EPA/GETTY IMAGES POOL
Renowned singer Gloria Estefan shared how music has been a pillar in her life, especially during difficult times, in the first episode of YouTube interview documentary series The Thread. In this room, personalities such as: Martin Sheen, Tony Hawk and Katie CouricEstefan expresses that music has brought him unconditional joy throughout his life.
During the preview of her episode titled “Gloria Estefan: Singing Through Struggles,” the singer of hits like “Conga” reveals how music served as her refuge and survival in the face of adversity, including her family's exile from Cuba following her rise to power . of the forces of Fidel Castro. Music not only moved her emotionally, but also became her refuge in these stormy times. Although Estefan initially did not expect the fame he would achieve, he sees his public recognition as a tool to inspire others who find themselves in difficult situations.
“The music touched me. “It was my escape route,” says Gloria Estefan in the preview of “The Thread.”
“The music touched me. It was my escape route. (…) I never imagined being an artist. But I can inspire people who are going through their own problems and that has given my fame a lot of meaning.”
During the Cuban Revolution, which took place over much of the 1950s, there were many figures close to the dictator's regime Fulgencio Batista They were imprisoned and/or murdered. In the case of Jose Fajardo, Gloria's father, the situation was much more delicate He was the bodyguard of Batista's wifeTherefore, he had to flee to the United States to protect his family.
José Fajardo, father of Gloria Estefan, was a bodyguard for then dictator Fulgencio Batista, and when the Cuban Revolution broke out, he took his family with him to the United States (In the photo, José Fajardo smiles with his daughter Gloria Estefan and his wife Gloria García) (Source: YouTube/The Tread)
However, Fajardo remained so aware of the political movements on the Caribbean island that he took part in the 1961 Bay of Pigs Invasion He was arrested for about two years by his own cousin, who was part of Castro's ranks.
At the same time, Gloria and her husband are musicians and producers Emilio Estefan, In 2023 they celebrated their 45th marriage anniversary. Emilio, 70, expressed his desire to inspire future generations of singers to believe in their origins and the musical richness of their countries, urging artists not to forget their roots and to give them a personal touch. In his opinion, this commitment to authenticity is crucial to earning respect in the long term.
“I hope the door is open now.” [para que los artistas] they create at their place of origin. They have a sound for Colombian, Spanish, Merengue or Cuban, Puerto Rican music. Don't forget your country. Make it yours… In the long run, people will respect thatThe musician told People.
Emilio Estefan, husband of Gloria Estefan, reiterated the importance of celebrating Latin American roots through musicians in the region Portal/Mario Anzuoni
Gloria Estefan emphasizes not only the importance of music in her life, but also the solid team she forms with her husband, who was a great support to her from the beginning and motivated her to overcome her reluctance to be the center of attention and to try new things discover, overcome. his artistic potential.
The series “The Thread” begins its weekly broadcast on YouTube March 4th to June 17thand offers viewers a glimpse into the lives and struggles of various personalities from the world of entertainment, sports and journalism.