Gloria Estefan Celebrates Heritage with New Album "Raices"
Gloria Estefan, a Miami icon and nine-time Grammy winner, has unveiled "Raices," her first Spanish-language album in 18 years. The title translates to "roots," reflecting a deep connection to her heritage and personal history. This album, she reveals, is fundamentally a love story—specifically, the narrative of her enduring relationship with husband Emilio Estefan.
“A love story first of all, big time,” Estefan stated, emphasizing that most tracks revolve around their romance. “Emilio brought me these amazing songs and he said to me, ‘I wrote you a love song.’ I went, ‘Oh, you’re gonna sing it for me?’ He said, ‘No, you’re gonna sing it to me.’” Laughter punctuated her words as she recalled the moment.
Collaborating closely with Emilio, who has been her partner for 46 years, Gloria managed to create this project amidst a whirlwind of other commitments. Currently, she is also developing a Broadway musical titled "Basura" alongside her daughter Emily and producing the children's show "Gaby's Dollhouse." Yet, it was the title track penned by Emilio that resonated most deeply with her.
The music video for "Raices" was filmed at Fairchild Tropical Gardens, where innovative artificial intelligence technology displayed images of Gloria as a child. “That’s me in Miami,” she explained, gesturing toward the visuals projected on the walls of the Estefans' Miami Beach offices. “I am in between the roots of the tree that is in the ‘Raices’ video that I am singing from the middle of these two roots and this is Emilio in Cuba.”
“Raices” serves as an autobiographical musical journey for the Estefan family, aiming to inspire audiences, particularly immigrants. “Their contributions aren’t ever really held for what they are, which is a lot because this country is built on immigrants,” she noted. “I just wanted to put positivity and love out there into the universe.”
In her vibrant new single and video "La Vecina," which translates to "the neighbor," Gloria returned to her original neighborhood after fleeing Cuba. The filming took place near LoanDepot Park, a location rich with personal significance. “The day that I sang ‘La Vecina’ in the studio, I got the whole video in my head, and I went, ‘Oh my God,’” she recalled. “I started in this place when we came to the United States from Cuba, and look at where we are now.”
Her journey began 50 years ago when she joined a band called Miami Latin Boys, led by percussionist Emilio Estefan. “I told Gloria that I found out she had played at a friend of mine’s bar mitzvah,” Emilio shared. “Oh, of course I did, absolutely,” Gloria responded with a chuckle.
This connection forged in Miami has remained strong over the decades. Gloria expresses gratitude for the affection she receives from fans daily. “Are you kidding me? There’s nothing like it,” she said. “People will say ‘I just want to hug you,’ and when they put their arms around me, they say these beautiful things. ‘I feel like you’re my family. I feel like you’re my tia or my grandma or, you know, my mom, my sister.’ It’s a beautiful, beautiful thing.”
"Raices" is scheduled for release on May 29. Additionally, her Broadway musical "Basura" is set to debut in 2026, while "Gaby's Dollhouse" will premiere this Fall.
Lisa Petrillo serves as the entertainment and lifestyle reporter for CBS4 News and hosts the CBS4 "Taste of the Town" series, highlighting South Florida's culinary scene along with fashion and travel trends.
