5 Times Gloria Estefan Taught Us About Strength

Need some inspiration? Look no further than international superstar, Gloria Estefan. With seven Grammy Awards® under her belt and matching stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame with her husband, Emilio, Gloria is the picture of success—but it wasn’t always so easy. The journey to the top was full of struggle, but she never gave up without a fight. Now, in celebration of her hit Broadway musical ON YOUR FEET!, here are five times Gloria inspired all of us to look tragedy in the eye and get back on our feet!

Emigration from Cuba

Gloria Estefan was born in Havana, Cuba and only two years later the Cuban Revolution forced her family to flee the country. They settled in Miami, Florida, but Gloria’s father, José, was sent back as part of a military campaign and captured. He spent two years in a Cuban jail, leaving a young Gloria and her family unsure if they would ever see him again. He was eventually reunited with his family who, though far away, would never forget their Cuban roots. Gloria was frequently inspired by her homeland, releasing an album in 1993 as homage to her culture.

Caring for her Father

Gloria’s father, José Fajardo, joined the US Army and spent two years fighting in Vietnam. Upon his return, José was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. A teenage Gloria spent much of her time caring for her father. It was then that Gloria found comfort in music. As she told Washington Post reporter, Richard Harrington, "I would lock myself up in my room for hours and just sing. I wouldn't cry—I refused to cry. ... Music was the only way I had to just let go, so I sang for fun and for emotional catharsis."*

Pressure from Record Execs

Despite Miami Sound Machine’s popularity, records execs still insisted the Estefans change the band name and music to sound “less Hispanic.” Gloria and Emilio, didn’t give in to the pressure—they believed in the power of their music and knew audiences would respond. And respond they did—to the tune of over 100 million record sales!

Tour Bus Crash

In 1990, Gloria was on tour with Emilio and their son when a truck hit their tour bus during a snowstorm. The serious accident left Gloria with a fractured spine and forced her to undergo intense surgery. Doctors feared that Gloria might never walk again, much less perform on stage. But Gloria Estefan had a different plan…

A Long Recovery

With her family by her side, Gloria was determined to make a full recovery. Inspired by the support of her fans and the desire to make music once again, she worked harder than ever during extensive physical therapy sessions. Even when dealing with excruciating pain, Gloria never gave up, pushing towards an unbelievable recovery. Only one year later, Gloria took the stage at the American Music Awards to perform, making her comeback official. Talk about determination!

For Gloria and Emilio Estefan the journey to the top was certainly never easy, but their passion and determination got them through. Now, the journey continues today in the hit Broadway musical, ON YOUR FEET! directed by two-time Tony Award® winner Jerry Mitchell, and starring Ana Villafañe as Gloria Estefan.

Click here to learn more about Gloria Estefan’s music and her incredible journey!