the Miami Latin Boys, later renamed Miami Sound Machine, with family and friends. It was with this group that she began to create a unique fusion of Latin rhythms, pop, and dance music, leading to extraordinary global success.

In the 1980s, Miami Sound Machine broke into the mainstream with chart-topping hits that captivated audiences worldwide. Their 1984 single, "Dr. Beat," ignited their rise, but it was "Conga" from their 1985 album Primitive Love that became Estefan's signature hit and solidified her status as a pop sensation. The band continued to soar in popularity with subsequent releases, particularly after rebranding as Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine. The album Let It Loose (1988), featuring hits like “Anything for You” and "Rhythm Is Gonna Get You," achieved triple-platinum status, underscoring her significant impact on pop music.

Tragedy struck in 1990 when Estefan sustained a life-threatening spinal injury from a tragic bus accident. After undergoing extensive surgery and rehabilitation, she made a triumphant return to music with her album Into the Light in 1991. Her resilience shone through, propelling her career forward once again and marking her comeback with a successful world tour.

In 1993, Estefan released Mi Tierra, her first Spanish-language album in a decade, winning her a Grammy Award for Best Tropical Latin Album and becoming the first Diamond album in Spain. This marked a significant milestone in her career, further cementing her status as the "Queen of Latin Pop." She continued to release successful albums, including Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me (1994) and Abriendo Puertas (1995), which produced the iconic anthem "Reach" for the 1996 Summer Olympics—showcasing her ability to resonate with both Latin and broader audiences.

Over the years, Estefan has received numerous accolades for her contributions to music, including five Grammy Awards, a Presidential Medal of Freedom, and induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. With record sales surpassing 100 million, she is recognized as one of the best-selling female artists of all time. Her achievements have garnered her stars on the Hollywood and Las Vegas Walks of Fame, and in 2017, she was honored at the Kennedy Center for her significant contributions to American cultural life.

Estefan's creative spirit remains vibrant, as evidenced by her recent projects including a Christmas album released in 2022 featuring her family, and her contribution to the soundtrack of the film 80 for Brady in 2023, where she performed the song "Gonna Be You" alongside other iconic female artists. Additionally, she demonstrated her relevance by releasing songs reflecting her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, including "Put on Your Mask" in 2020, a playful take on her classic "Get on Your Feet."