Gloria Estefan

Gloria Estefan (birth name Gloria María Milagrosa Fajardo, born September 1, 1957 in Havana, Cuba), is a five-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, who began her career as lead vocalist for the then exclusively Spanish-language band, Miami Sound Machine, in 1975, and crossed over to mainstream popular success with English-speaking audiences with the international hit singles, Dr. Beat (1984) and Conga (1986).

Author

HarperCollins announced in December, 2004 that Estefan will publish her first book, in English and Spanish, on October 11, 2005.

Related Topics:
HarperCollins - December - 2004 - 2005

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In early 2005, Estefan issued a statement that updated progress on her forthcoming children's book, which is complete. The "Magically Mysterious Adventures of Noelle the Bulldog" ("Las Magicas y Misteriosas Aventuras de Un Bulldog Llamado Noelle") is a picture book, in verse, aimed at beginning readers. The respective editions will have a new English or Spanish single CD composed and sung by Estefan. The entertainer will embark on a promotional book-signing tour beginning in October of 2005.

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The first draft of the screenplay for the Connie Francis movie is complete. Casting and other preliminary pre-production work is anticipated in the next few years.

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In January 2005, Estefan performed "My Picture"' at a pre-inaugural concert attended by President George W. Bush that saluted the U.S. military. The singer can, apparently, count President Bush among her fans. In May of 2002, she attended a celebration of the 100th anniversary of Cuba's independence hosted by President Bush. "Every time I see and hear Gloria Estefan sing, it makes my heart feel better," Bush said.

Related Topics:
George W. Bush - Heart

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After the Connie Francis movie is released, based on her public statements, it is anticipated that Estefan will focus on writing her autobiography.

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Estefan is currently planning her next album, which is the last under her current contract with Epic Records. "I already have in mind what I want to do," she said, "but I usually wait at least a couple of years between albums." Her last studio album was 2003's "Unwrapped." She confirmed in an interview "thinking" her next album will be released in 2006, and said it would be "something similar" to 1993's "Mi Tierra," having "a lot to do with roots."

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After thirty years as an entertainer, Estefan's one unfulfilled aspiration is to perform -- as a gift to her native land -- "a free concert in a free Cuba," after U.S.-Cuba relations are normalized, she said in a televised interview.

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A Biography Channel profile estimated the Estefans' current net worth at $200 million.

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Estefan currently lives with her husband and daughter on Star Island near Miami.

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