Gloria Estefan

Bob Dylan once said, “A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom.” A hero helps people who are in need. Heroes have qualities such as fearless, strong, and kind. A true hero will try to affect someone’s life. Gloria Estefan is a famous entertainer from Cuba who is considered a hero to many people.

Gloria Estefan was born in Cuba on September 1, 1957. She moved to the United States when she was one because Fidel Castro, a dictator, took control of Cuba. It was not safe for Gloria and her family to live there. In 1975, Gloria met Emilio Estefan, a band leader. He invited Gloria to sing with them. The band became the Miami Sound Machine. In 1980 Gloria and Emilio’s band got a recording contract. They mixed Cuban styles with American pop and rock. The first four albums that they had were recorded in Spanish. They made their first English-language album in 1984.

In 2001, Gloria and Emilio Estefan were put into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame. Gloria has won many awards such as the Ellis Island Congressional Medal of Honor, a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, and an honorary Doctor of Music Degree from the University of Miami. In 1992, Gloria organized a concert that raised $3 million dollars for the victims of Hurricane Andrew. Also in 1992, she served on the Third Committee on Human Rights with the United States delegation to the United Nations. She had the opportunity to speak on behalf of the people of Cuba. She won a Grammy for best Tropical Latin Album in 1993 and in 2001. Gloria said, "As an artist, I feel like my mission is to entertain. And more importantly, to give people a way to say things."

Gloria Estefan has three very interesting qualities of a hero. One quality is a role model, because she always follows through with what her goals are. Another quality that she has is hard-working. She tries her hardest to be perfect when she is singing for her fans. The last quality that Gloria has is kind. She is kind because she helps people who are in need, such as when she raised $3 million dollars in a concert for the victims of Hurricane Andrew.

In conclusion, a hero is someone who has achieved a great deed. He or she has to have a unique ability. One entertainer from Cuba is Gloria Estefan. She is a hero to many people.