Gloria Estefan Among Artists Sharing Personal Stories & Life Lessons on YouTube’s Documentary Series “The Thread”

Posted on January 17, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Gloria Estefan is opening up about her life…

The 66-year-old Cuban singer, actress and businesswoman is among some of the most exceptional Americans in the arts, media, religion and politics sharing their personal stories and life lessons in The Thread, a new documentary series coming to YouTube in March.

As part of the 16-episode series, Estefan sat down for a probing conversation with producers from Life Stories, a nonprofit media organization that makes and distributes “films about people whose lives inspire meaningful change.”

Each conversation is recorded at the highest quality by Emmy-winning filmmakers, notes a release, “and is accompanied by an educator guide so that the documentary series can be used in secondary classrooms and informal educational settings.”

“The Thread is an exploration of what it means to live a purpose-driven life,” noted George Kunhardt, executive director of Life Stories. “The voices we amplify in this series spark curiosity, ignite inspiration, and connect us to the multi-faceted people who have helped shape our society. Our mission as filmmakers is to shine a spotlight on the stories of moral leaders to help people find passion and purpose in their own lives.”

The “Get On Your Feet” singer’s episode, entitled Gloria Estefan: Singing Through Struggles, will go live on March 4.

Martin Sheen, who is of half-Spanish descent, will also appear on the series. The West Wing actor’s episode, entitled Martin Sheen: Lights, Camera, Activism, will go live on March 25.

Others Americans to be figured include The Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Lewis, New Yorker cartoonist Roz Chast, Katie Couric, actor Jason Alexander and Sen. Mitt Romney.

The episodes will roll out once a week from March 4-June 17 on the Life Stories YouTube channel and will be released as a podcast on major platforms.

Life Stories is a new division of the Kunhardt Film Foundation, “an organization that has introduced a generation of viewers to artists, cultural, political, and civil rights leaders,” according to a release. The Kunhardts – father Peter and his sons Teddy and George – have earned a combined eight Emmy Awards, two Peabody Awards, a duPont-Columbia Award, an IDA Documentary Award, and two NAACP Image Awards.

“We are bringing our longstanding dedication to quality with increased focus on the power of individual narrative,” said Teddy Kunhardt, EP of The Thread. “We believe that life stories, thoughtfully told, have the power to create change.”

This is the episode guide for season 1 of the series:

March 4 Gloria Estefan: Singing Through Struggles
March 11 Jason Reynolds: The Power of Narrative
March 18 Tova Friedman: Surviving Auschwitz
March 25 Martin Sheen: Lights, Camera, Activism
April 1 Roz Chast: Drawing From Life
April 8 Kurt “Big Boy” Alexander: A Hip Hop Odyssey
April 15 Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Lewis: Finding Wisdom in Pain
April 22 Mitt Romney: Family Ties
April 29 Cecile Richards: Championing Choice
May 6 Reginald Dwayne Betts: A Voice for the Incarcerated
May 13 Tony Hawk: Skateboarding’s Living Legend
May 20 Darren Walker: Hope and Courage in Action
May 27 Katie Couric: From Tragedies to Triumphs
June 3 Jason Alexander: The Power of Laughter
June 10 Betty Rollin: First You Cry
June 17 Father Greg Boyle: Welcoming the Unwelcome

Mattel Releases Gloria Estefan Barbie Inspired by the Grammy Winner’s “Get On Your Feet” Video

Posted on September 1, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Gloria Estefan is getting all dolled up for her birthday…

Mattel has released a Barbie doll made in the likeness of the Cuban singer, actress and businesswoman to celebrate the music icon’s 65th birthday and her 1989 hit single “Get on Your Feet.”

“I’m honored to be partnering with Barbie to create a doll in my likeness, especially as I ring in my 65th birthday and right ahead Hispanic Heritage Month,” Estefan said in a statement to Billboard. “When designing my Barbie with the team, I wanted to ensure I was staying true to my multicultural roots – and I believe we did just that.”

The collectible Barbie retails for $55 and is available at Amazon, Target and MattelCreations.com.

The release of Estefan’s signature Barbie arrives ahead of Hispanic Month, which is September 15-October 15.

Inspired by the ‘80s wardrobe in the Grammy winner’s “Get on Your Feet” music video, the Gloria Estefan Barbie is dolled up in a black jacket with intricate, gold detailing, black leggings accentuated with a gold waist chain, and thigh-high, leopard-print boots. The doll also holds a microphone spruced up with lace.

In addition to releasing the doll, Barbie will also be partnering with Artístas y Músicos Latino Americanos, a North Philadelphia nonprofit that provides young people with private music lessons, songwriting, audio and production programs.

Additionally, Barbie will be underwriting one of ALMA’s event programs and bolstering their Mentor-Fellow programs, which train children in various careers, including arts production and administration.

Gloria Estefan Releases Samba-Flavored Album “Brazil305,” Featuring 14 Reimagined Classics

Posted on August 15, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Gloria Estefan’s changing things up…

The 62-year-old Cuban Grammy-winning singer has released her first album in seven years, the vibrant, samba-flavored Brazil305.

The 18-track Sony Music Latin release will transport listeners not only to the South American country, while giving them a trip to the past.

The album, an homage to Brazil and samba instrumentation, features 14 reimagined versions of Estefan’s classic songs, including a new rendition of her hit “Mi Tierra,” a song dedicated to her native Cuba and to immigrants the world over coping with departing from their homeland.

BRAZIL305, bringing together Brazil and Miami’s 305 area code, the set kicks off with a bang with a new version, titled “Samba,” of her global, seminal 1985 hit “Conga,” which takes a life of its own now with Brazilian rhythms.

Other re-imagined versions of Estefan’s timeless hits included in the concept album are “Get On Your Feet” and “Ayer.”

The first single from the album, “Cuando Hay Amor,” penned by Nicolás Tovar, Emilio Estefan and Andrea López, stands out with a message of unity and a celebration of love.

“I really wanted an original song as the first single,” Estefan previously told Billboard.

BRAZIL305 was produced by Estefan, Emilio and Afo Verde, chairman and CEO of Sony Music Latin Iberia, and was recorded between Brazil and Miami.

Ana Villafañe to Star in CBS’ Comedy Pilot “To Whom It May Concern”

Posted on March 19, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Ana Villafañehas reason for concern…

The 29-year-old Cuban and Salvadoran American actress has landed a series regular role opposite Michael Angarano and Briga Heelan in To Whom It May Concern, CBS’ comedy pilot from Gail Berman’s The Jackal Group and CBS Television Studios.

Mark Cendrowski willdirectthe pilot, which will also star Raymond Ablack, Michael Cassidy and Taylor Dearden.

Written by Mike Metz, To Whom It May Concern centers on Evan (Angarano), who with the help of his group of 20-something friends, sets out to accomplish a list of challenges he wrote for himself years ago in an effort to turn around his banal life.

Villafañe will play Lea Carter, an elementary school English teacher, who’s breezy and cool – like the Pittsburgh weather never is. Life decisions have always come easily, but when she reconnects with Evan and friends, she wonders for the first time if there’s more out there. The ever-smitten Evan has hoped that means him… since 9th grade.

Villafañe is best known for originating the role of Gloria Estefanin the Tony Awardnominated hit bio-musical about Estefan’s life, On Your Feet. She was most recently seen off-Broadwaystarring in the critically acclaimed production of Collective Rage.

Last year she booked the CBS pilot History of Them.

Gloria & Emilio Estefan: First Hispanic Musicians to Receive the Library of Congress’ Gershwin Prize

Posted on October 1, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Gloria and Emilio Estefan have earned an extra special prize…

The 61-year-old Cuban singer and her 65-year-old Cuban producer husband will receive this year’s Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.

The Estefans usher in two firsts for the prize: This year marks the first time it has been awarded to a married couple and the first time it’s awarded to musicians/songwriters of Hispanic descent.

“Emilio and Gloria Estefan… are the creative force behind the popularity of music steeped in the Latino culture,” said Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. “This dynamic couple’s professional and personal journey truly mirrors the American dream and we are so pleased to honor their musical legacy.”

Married since 1978, the Estefans catapulted to global fame in 1985 with Miami Sound Machine, creating a unique sound that blended Latin and pop rhythms that pulsed through hits including “Conga,” “Turn the Beat Around,” “Get on Your Feet” and “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You.”

The Estefans were each named BMI’s songwriter of the year and between them have garnered 26 Grammys. 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.

Gloria is having a banner year of acknowledgment by the vaunted cultural institutions of the nation’s capital. This past December, Gloria was inducted into the Kennedy Center Honors. She also was part of the ensemble who last year feted 2017’s Gershwin Prize tribute to Tony Bennett.

The Estefans will receive the prize at an all-star tribute concert in March in Washington, D.C., that will later be aired on PBS.

Broadway Cast Recording of “On Your Feet!,” Feat. Villafañe, to be Released in April

Posted on March 31, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Ana Villafañe will have you on your feet, even if you’re nowhere near the Great White Way…

The original Broadway cast recording of On Your Feet!, the musical based on Gloria and Emilio Estefan’s life and starring the Cuban/Salvadoran-American actress and singer will be released on April 29 via Masterworks Broadway.

The album, which features Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine’s classic tracks in a new light, was recorded live at the Broadway Marquis Theatre and produced by the Estefans.

The musical chronicles the Estefan’s journey to stardom and features a string of hits like “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,” “Conga,” “1-2-3,” “Get On Your Feet,” “Mi Tierra,” “Don’t Want To Lose You Now,” and “Reach.”

Following the family tradition, it also includes an original song, “If I Never Got To Tell You,” written by Gloria and her daughter Emily Estefan.

The live album also features the musical’s orchestra, which includes several members of The Miami Sound Machine.

On Your Feet!, which premiered last November, features Villafañe in the role of Gloria and Josh Segarra as Emilio Estefan.

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