Gloria And Emilio Estefan Receive Gershwin Prize

First Time Award Honors Married Couple/Musicians-Songwriters Of Hispanic Descent

The Library of Congress has named international superstars Emilio and Gloria Estefan as recipients of the Gershwin Prize for popular song. For the first time in history the award is honoring a married couple and musicians-songwriters of Hispanic descent. The Estefans have been influential leaders infusing rich cultural diversity into the American musical experience. Over the course of their more than 30-year career, their unique Latin rhythms have transcended cultural boundaries, extending into entrepreneurship, community activism and driving Latino artists of today to stardom. In memory of the legendary songwriting team of George and Ira Gershwin the prize recognizes a living musical artist’s lifetime achievement in promoting the genre of song as a vehicle of entertainment, information, inspiration and cultural understanding. Past honorees have included Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Sir Paul McCartney, songwriting duo Burt Bacharach and the late Hal David, Carole King, Billy Joel, Willie Nelson, Smokey Robinson and Tony Bennett.

“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,” said Gloria Estefan. “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. This award celebrates lifetime achievement in promoting song as a vehicle of musical expression and cultural understanding and we feel privileged to have been able to live our lives making and sharing music. We are profoundly humbled to have been chosen for this singular accolade.”

“My life and career in music has been a blessing and I’m humbled by this amazing honor and to be sharing it with my wife,” said Emilio Estefan. “I can only hope that our careers will influence a new generation of songwriters and producers. Throughout my career my wish has always been to inspire minorities and to be an example that with hard work and dedication all your dreams can come true.”

The Gershwin prize will be given to The Estefans at an all-star tribute concert in Washington, D.C., in March 2019 later airing on PBS stations nationwide in spring 2019 on a date to be announced.

Read more at https://www.loc.gov/item/prn-18-124/?loclr=twloc

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