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Emilio Estefan

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Template:Spanish name

Emilio Estefan Gómez
Estefan at the 2014 Miami International Film Festival premiere of An Unbreakable Bond
Born (1953-03-04) March 4, 1953 (age 71)
Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
Occupations
  • Producer
  • actor
  • entrepreneur
Years active1974–present
Spouse
​
(m. 1978)​
Children2, including Emily
RelativesLili Estefan (niece)
Musical career
Genres
LabelsSony Music

Emilio Estefan Gómez (born March 4, 1953) is a Cuban-American musician and producer of Lebanese heritage. Emilio has won 19 Grammy Awards. Estefan first came to prominence as a member of the Miami Sound Machine. He is the husband of singer Gloria Estefan, father of son Nayib Estefan and daughter Emily Estefan, and the uncle of Spanish-language television personality Lili Estefan.

Background

Emilio Estefan Gómez was born on March 4, 1953 in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba to Emilio Estefan, Sr. (c. 1920–2003)[1] and Carmen Maria Gómez (1921–2006).[2] Carmen's parents Antonio Gómez and Carmen Vasquez were Spanish immigrants who met while the latter was working for the Bacardi family. Cuban-born Emilio Sr. was the second-to last child in his family (which consisted of eleven siblings), and he had Lebanese ancestry from his paternal side—many of whom were textile traders that traveled throughout Cuba and the Caribbean. Emilio Sr. was raised by his widowed mother Julia, as his father had died when he was still a child.[3]

In 1967, at the age of fourteen, Estefan and his father Emilio Sr. fled Cuba for Spain due to the Cuban Revolution. The Estefan family planned to reunite in the United States and, as a result, Carmen chose to remain behind because she did not want to abandon her parents. In addition, Estefan's older brother José (b. 1945) was drafted in the military and could not leave Cuba until 1980.[1] For about a year, Estefan and his father lived an impoverished life in Spain before relocating permanently in Miami, Florida. Although circumstances were far better in Miami, Estefan and Emilio Sr. still struggled as they lived in a cramped house with Estefan's aunt and 8 cousins.[4] Estefan did not reunite with his mother until 1971 when she was finally able to immigrate to the United States.

It was during his formative years that Estefan cultivated his musical sensibilities, as he had often used his accordion-playing skills to earn enough tips to support his father and family.[5]

Professional career

Early music

Further information: Miami Sound Machine and Gloria Estefan

In 1975, Gloria and her cousin Mercedes "Merci" Navarro (1957–2007)[6] met Estefan while performing at a church ensemble rehearsal. Estefan, who had formed the band the Miami Latin Boys earlier that year, learned about Gloria through a mutual acquaintance. While the Miami Latin Boys were performing at a Cuban wedding at Hotel Dupont, Gloria and Merci (who were wedding guests) performed two Cuban standards impromptu. They impressed the Miami Latin Boys so much that they were invited to join the band permanently with the band's name changing to Miami Sound Machine. Gloria, who was attending the University of Miami at the time, only agreed to perform during the weekends so that her studies would not be interrupted.[7]

Eventually, Miami Sound Machine would perform with Gloria Estefan (née Fajardo) as the lead singer and headliner.

Producer

As a producer, Estefan has shaped the careers of several music superstars. He has also produced various events for both general market and Hispanic market television. These events include the Latin Grammys, Hispanic Heritage Awards, Nuestra Navidad, and some high-profile productions on HBO and Showtime. He has also produced many musical events at the White House.[8]

In 2008, Estefan produced and directed his first full-length documentary 90 Millas to showcase the history and pioneers of Cuban music.[9]

Gloria & Emilio Estefan at the 2014 Miami International Film Festival premiere of An Unbreakable Bond

Estefan gathered dozens of Latino entertainers in 2010 to record Michael Jackson's "We Are The World" in Spanish. The Spanish language version, already written by Estefan and approved by Quincy Jones, became "Somos El Mundo". It premiered during El Show de Cristina on March 1, 2010[10] and the funds went to the Haiti relief.[11][12]

Also, in 2010, Estefan released his book The Rhythm of Success – How an Immigrant Produced his own American Dream. The following year, Estefan presented the book The Exile Experience: A Journey to Freedom in collaboration with writer Carlos Pintado and journalist Carlos Alberto Montaner, which included the personal testimonials from different generations of exiles.

The Exile Experience: Journey to Freedom is published in three separate editions – each tailor-made for those who arrived through Operation Pedro Pan, the Freedom Flights and the Mariel boatlift. Each edition features the names of every Cuban who arrived via one of those three exoduses, and there has been an accumulation of 400,000 and more names amongst the three editions published.[13]

He partnered with the Nederlander Group in 2013 to produce the Broadway musical extravaganza, On Your Feet![14] The musical is based on the life and musical legacy of the Estefans and Fajardos. On Your Feet! premiered on Broadway in October 2015.

Estefan also became an AARP Life Reimagined ambassador[15] in 2013. In his new role, Emilio shares his expertise on a variety of subjects, including his passion for living, mentoring, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and much more.

In February 2014, Estefan directed and produced the documentary film An Unbreakable Bond about the real-life story of father-son duo Marc and Nick Buoniconti's undying commitment towards finding a cure for paralysis.[16] The film premiered at National & International film festivals.[17]

Gloria & Emilio Estefan at the 2014 Miami International Film Festival premiere of An Unbreakable Bond

In early 2014, in a decision unanimously approved by the County Commission, Estefan was appointed Miami-Dade Special Ambassador[18] by Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jean Monestime. In his unpaid four-year non-partisan role, Emilio was set to represent the Miami-Dade community at an international level to encourage and promote the diversity of business and trade. During the same year, Estefan and Botrán Rum created a strategic marketing alliance including a personal endorsement by Estefan. Through his role, Estefan will help promote the brand throughout the U.S., leading a multi-channel marketing campaign with the mantra "The Night Begins with Botran."[19]

Estefan sits as the second vice-chair to the Commission for the National Museum of the American Latino, a bi-partisan commission charged with exploring the possibility of creating a National Latino Museum in Washington D.C.

Other business ventures

The Cardozo hotel on Ocean Drive, in Miami Beach, Florida.

Gloria and Emilio Estefan own a number of business establishments, including several Cuban-themed restaurants (Bongos Cuban Café; Larios on the Beach). The restaurants are located in Miami Beach, downtown Miami (part of the American Airlines Arena), at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida, Walt Disney World's Disney Springs in Orlando, Florida, and in Miami International Airport. They also own two hotels: Costa d'Este in Vero Beach which opened in 2008,[20] and The Cardozo in Miami Beach. In June 2009, Estefan and his wife became the first Hispanics to buy a minor ownership stake in an NFL team, the Miami Dolphins.[21][22] According to articles published in People en Español and AARP Magazine, the Estefans' estimated net worth as of 2011 was approximately $700 million.[4]

Awards

In 1994, Estefan was awarded the El Premio Billboard award for his work in the Latin music industry.[23] At the Latin Grammy Awards of 2000, he received the award for Producer of the Year for his work on the albums Ciego de Amor by Charlie Zaa, El Amor de Mi Tierra by Carlos Vives and the song "Da la Vuelta" by Marc Anthony and was recognized as Person of the Year by the Latin Recording Academy.

In 2002, he was appointed to the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities by President George W. Bush.[24] In 2005, Estefan received the BMI "Songwriter of the Year" award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.[25] Estefan has received honorary doctoral degrees from Barry University, the University of Miami, Florida International University and the Berklee College of Music.[26][27] [28] He also received the Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award by the Songwriters' Hall of Fame and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2009.[29][30]

Estefan was inducted into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2014.[31] In November 2015, President Barack Obama awarded Estefan and his wife Gloria with the nation's highest civilian honor—the Presidential Medal of Freedom.[32] They were also awarded Lo Nuestro Excellence Award in 2018.[33]

Personal life

Estefan became romantically involved with the Miami Sound Machine's lead singer Gloria Fajardo in 1976. They married on September 2, 1978 and have a son, Nayib (born September 2, 1980), and a daughter, Emily (born December 5, 1994). The family lives on Star Island.

Emily is a recording artist. Nayib is an aspiring filmmaker and owner of the Nite Owl Theater in Miami, Florida.[34][35] On June 5, 2010, Nayib married Lara Diamante Coppola in the backyard of his parents' house. On June 21, 2012, the first Estefan grandchild was born: grandson Sasha Argento Coppola Estefan. Gloria Estefan has said that “Sasha Argento,” which means “benefactor of mankind” in Arabic, was a possible name that she and Emilio thought about naming their son Nayib.

References

  1. ^ a b Staff, Variety (March 26, 2003). "Emilio Estefan Sr". Variety. Retrieved October 9, 2018.
  2. ^ Who's who in Florida's Latin Community: Biographical Dictionary of the Hispanics in Florida. Worldwide Reference Publications. 1986. ISBN 9780921261001.
  3. ^ Estefan, Emilio (January 5, 2010). The Rhythm of Success: How an Immigrant Produced his Own American Dream. Penguin. ISBN 9781101159750.
  4. ^ a b Nash, Alanna. "Latin Pop Icon Gloria Estefan and Emilio Estefan, Multilingual CD The ..." AARP. Retrieved October 9, 2018.
  5. ^ "Gloria and Emilio Estefan Build a Music Empire and a Family Compound". Wall Street Journal. December 1, 2015. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved October 9, 2018.
  6. ^ "Mercedes Navarro Murciano, 50, original member of Miami Sound Machine dead". groups.google.com. Retrieved October 9, 2018. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  7. ^ "Gloria and Emilio Estefan Build a Music Empire and a Family Compound". Wall Street Journal. December 1, 2015. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved October 9, 2018.
  8. ^ "Emilio Estefan to Develop Latino-Themed Drama Series Under New Pact With 20th TV". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  9. ^ FCab, Estefan Enterprises. "Emilio Estefan – Director". Emilio Estefan. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  10. ^ "'Somos El Mundo' Video Premieres, Stars Pitbull, Shakira, Juanes, David Archuleta, Daddy Yankee – Viral Videos". Billboard. Retrieved November 17, 2012.
  11. ^ "Latino Celebrities Join Together for "Somos El Mundo" Recording". Thesilvertongueonline.com. February 20, 2010. Archived from the original on February 22, 2016. Retrieved November 17, 2012. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  12. ^ "50 Latin Stars Gather To Record 'Somos El Mundo'". Billboard. September 14, 2009. Retrieved November 17, 2012.
  13. ^ "Emilio Estefan – The Exile Experience – Gables | Books & Books". shop.booksandbooks.com. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  14. ^ "Gloria and Emilio Estefan's on Your Feet! Sets Broadway Dates & Theater". Broadway.com. Retrieved December 2, 2014.
  15. ^ "Emilio Estefan, Life Reimagined Ambassador – AARP". AARP. Retrieved December 2, 2014.
  16. ^ "Marc Buoniconti — paralyzed at 19 — says hit on the football field 'saved my life'". miamiherald. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  17. ^ "An Unbreakable Bond – The Buoniconti Fund". Themiamiproject.org. Archived from the original on December 19, 2014. Retrieved December 2, 2014. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  18. ^ "Miami-Dade County – District 2 – News Release". Miamidade.gov. Retrieved December 2, 2014.
  19. ^ "Emilio Estefan fronts new Botran Rum campaign". Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  20. ^ "Gloria & Emilio Estefan Open Costa d'Este Beach Resort". Reuters. June 19, 2008.[permanent dead link‍]
  21. ^ "Dolphins announce Estefans' stake in team", Sports Illustrated (via AP Miami), June 25, 2009
  22. ^ "Emilio and Gloria Estefan give Miami Dolphins celebrity appeal", The Miami Herald, June 26, 2009
  23. ^ Lannert, John (May 21, 1994). "Emilio Estefan Earns "El Premio Billboard"". Billboard. 106 (32). Nielsen Business Media: 50. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved June 3, 2010.
  24. ^ "President Obama Appoints Members of the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of the American Latino". whitehouse.gov. September 23, 2009. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  25. ^ "15 Latinos Shining on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!". Latina Magazine. December 6, 2013. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  26. ^ "Honorary Degree Recipients". commencement.miami.edu. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  27. ^ "Commencement 2007 | Berklee College of Music". www.berklee.edu. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  28. ^ "Emilio Estefan honored as pioneer producer". CNN. September 18, 2000. Archived from the original on September 30, 2012. Retrieved November 8, 2010. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  29. ^ FCab, Estefan Enterprises. "Emilio Estefan – Awards". Emilio Estefan. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  30. ^ "Gloria & Emilio Estefan | Songwriters Hall of Fame". www.songhall.org. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  31. ^ "Emilio Estefan, Beto Cuevas y Fonseca homenajeados en los premios La Musa". The San Diego-Union Tribune (in Spanish). October 15, 2015. Retrieved December 22, 2017.
  32. ^ "President Obama Names Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom". The White House. November 16, 2015. Retrieved November 16, 2015.
  33. ^ Mangal, Mayra (February 22, 2018). "Premio Lo Nuestro 2018: los grandes ganadores de la noche". People en Español. Retrieved May 3, 2018. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  34. ^ Herrmann, Brenda. "NAYIB ESTEFAN LOVES MAGIC, GIRLS – AND HIS POP STAR MOM". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved October 11, 2018.
  35. ^ "Nayib Estefan Keeps 35MM Alive at Nite Owl Theater". NBC 6 South Florida. Retrieved October 11, 2018.
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