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Emilio and Gloria Estefan embracing each other super imposed on a geometric background.

Emilio & Gloria Estefan

From the moment I started singing, I was drawn to the iconic songs of the immensely talented Gershwin brothers and have had the privilege to record several of them. I am deeply honored, along with Emilio Estefan, my beloved husband of 40 years, to be the 2019 recipients of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.
—Gloria Estefan

2019 Gershwin Emilio & Gloria Estefan Videos

Married since 1978, the Cuban-American Estefans started their extraordinary rise to global fame in 1985 with Miami Sound Machine, creating a unique sound that blended Latin and pop styles and rhythms. Many of their iconic hits, including “Conga,” “Turn the Beat Around,” “Get on Your Feet” and “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,” reflect the perfect marriage of creative lyrics, high-octane rhythms and spirited vocals. In 2017 “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You” was named to the National Recording Registry, an exclusive group of sound recordings selected for preservation because of cultural, historic and aesthetic importance to the nation’s audio heritage.

The Estefans have both been named BMI’s “Songwriter of the Year” and have garnered 26 Grammy Awards between them. Their life story and music were showcased in the Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical “On Your Feet!,” which they executive produced. In addition to their musical talents, they are also successful entrepreneurs, philanthropists and humanitarians. The Estefans have received countless awards, most notably the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.

Image gallery

Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden interviewing a joyful Emilio Estefan on stage at the Coolidge Auditorium of the Library of Congress Emilio Estefan signing autographs for audience members just off stage at the Coolidge Auditorium of the Library of Congress Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden taking Emilio Estefan by the hand as he is being interviewed on stage at the Coolidge Auditorium of the Library of Congress Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden and Emilio Estefan sharing a joyful side-hug on stage at the Coolidge Auditorium of the Library of Congress Close up shot of Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden and Gloria Estefan sharing a moment at the Gershwin Prize dinner at the Hay-Adams Hotel. Gloria and Emilio Estefan standing behind a clear plexiglass podium addressing dinner audience at the Gershwin reception at the Hay-Adams hotel. Gloria and Emilio Estefan with Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden in front of a Library of Congress step-and-repeat before the Gershwin Prize concert Gloria and Emilio Estefan pose with Cyndi Lauper in front of a Library of Congress step-and-repeat before the Gershwin Prize concert Gloria and Emilio Estefan clapping while standing in the honoree's box at the Gershwin Prize concert Gloria and Emilio Estefan accepting the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song from Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden on stage at the Gershwin Prize concert Gloria and Emilio Estefan performing on stage at the Gershwin Prize concert Gloria and Emilio Estefan with Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden and guests all clapping while watching the Gershwin Prize concert Close-up of Gloria and Emilio Estefan accepting the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song from Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden on stage at the Gershwin Prize concert Emilio and Gloria Estefan performing with guest stars at the Gershwin Prize concert Dancer Kevin Tellez leads the all-star line-up in the finale. Gloria Estefan performing with José Feliciano at the Gershwin Prize concert Gloria Estefan performing with her daughter Emily Estefan at the Gershwin Prize concert Emilio, Emily and Gloria Estefan viewing rare items from the Library's collections Emilio Estefan viewing rare items from the Library's collections Emilio and Gloria Estefan viewing rare items from the Library's collections Emilio and Gloria Estefan viewing the Main Reading Room at the Library of Congress Gloria and Emilio Estefan conversing with Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden in the Main Reading Room at the Library of Congress Gloria and Emilio Estefan and guests conversing with Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden in the Main Reading Room at the Library of Congress Emilio and Gloria Estefan with Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden posing with the National Recording Registry certificate for “Rhythm is Gonna Get You” in the Librarian's ceremonial office Emilio and Gloria Estefan smiling and posing with their Gershwin Prize lapel pins while in the Librarian’s ceremonial office.