Fireside Chat with Gloria & Emilio Estefan

Watch Fireside Chat with Gloria & Emilio Estefan

In 1985, Cuban-American Miami legends Gloria and Emilio Estefan proved that music could transcend language and cultural barriers. With the release of “Conga”  and major hits, Gloria and Emilio Estefan created the most successful Latin crossover in music history and paved the way for future Latin artists to break down language barriers.

On June 5, 2024, Meridian International Center had the honor to host the Grammy award winners and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients for a fireside chat with Ana Navarro, political strategist and co-host of the daytime talk show The View, during Meridian’s annual CultureFix Morning Conversations. The Honorable Fred P. Hochberg, Chair of Meridian’s Board of Trustees, delivered introductory remarks.

Here are some key takeaways from the panel:

1. Culture is confusing, but it is what allowed Gloria and Emilio to make history.

Navarro thoughtfully asked Gloria and Emilio to define their cultures. Gloria elaborated on feeling connected to her Cuban, Spanish, and American cultures while being raised in Miami, sharing that food and music always kept her in touch with Cuba. Meanwhile, her paternal family in Asturias kept her in touch with Spain. Emilio was the son of a Lebanese father and a Spanish mother raised in Cuba but spent most of his life in Miami. The couple shows how their multicultural background is “the reason [they] made so much history with music.”

2. Music as an escape from political instability. 

Do artists and performers have a duty to take positions on social and political issues? Gloria Estefan feels that nobody should be obligated to share any beliefs publicly. She recounts how music began as a form of escape from the political turmoil she and her family faced due to Cuban instability. However, the artist states that she has chosen to include political messages in songs such as “Oye mi canto,” which speaks to the importance of free speech.

3. Emilio Estefan’s agenda is to do good.  

Emilio Estefan spoke about his many visits to the White House, allegedly holding the record for the most times a civilian has been there. He explained that when facing these opportunities, he doesn’t ascribe to being a Democrat or a Republican but to being an American with no established agenda other than to “do good.”

4. Music is civility. 

An audience member asked the Estefans whether more music was necessary, specifically within diplomacy. “We need more civility,” Gloria responded. She explained that music is civility, as everyone can love many types of music and respect each other for their differences.

5. The arts will always be a beautiful ambassador of your culture.  

The Estefans have traveled the world, performing for various cultures. They have also collaborated with artists from all over the world, especially Emilio, who has produced alongside Latin icons such as Ricky Martin, Shakira, Thalia, and Marc Anthony. The couple understands that they bring their own culture into every project, but this also allows them to learn about genres and cultures outside of their direct cultures.

Project summary

Fireside Chat with Gloria & Emilio Estefan | June 2024
Number of Attendees:	750
Impact Areas:	Cultural Diplomacy
Program Areas:	Culture