AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH GLORIA ESTEFAN
When a musician reaches legendary status, everything he or she does is remarkable and that can be said about the iconic Gloria Estefan’s new album The Standards. Last night Press Pass LA received an exclusive invite to an intimate evening with the legend to celebrate her new album that also included a Q & A session hosted by comedian Kathy Griffin.
The special night took place in the heart of Hollywood at the Bardot which was hosted by Gilt City Los Angeles who partnered with Sony-BMG Music Entertainment, Pop Water, and Bacardi to create an unforgettable night. The occasion was Gilt City’s’ first album release festivity. The evening gave family, friends, and devoted Gloria Estefan fans an up close and personal look at the global superstar as she discussed the making of her new album. “I recorded the whole album in four days on purpose to capture that raw emotion and to work with real musicians. It was a wonderful feeling and exchange in the studio sessions” says the icon.
The album is a collection of thirteen cover songs of the groundbreaking artists’ favorite classics that range from Bob Thiele and George David Weiss’ “What A Wonderful World”, to Irene Higginbotham, Erivn Drake, and Dan Fishers’ “Good Morning Heartache”. She revealed that her mother influenced her to do the album as she noted, “My mom was a singer and she would let me listen to all these great artists. I always wanted to do these records as they were my heart and I told my mom that one day, I’ll do this, and now I can finally say I did it”.
Gloria treated the audience by singing some of her memorable hits, reminisced on her days on the Johnny Carson Showwhere she sang her first cover, and shared some of her special moments with her celebrity friends that included Jennifer Lopez, Cher, and Pitbull. Long time friend Kathy Griffin read questions asked by fans on Twitter and Gloria also answered audience questions where one fan asked “Were there any obstacles you were faced with as a woman in the music industry?” Gloria responded by saying, “It was hard at first and different because at the time, there were no girl singers in bands, and I became the first female lead in a Miami band. People where always telling us to change but we did whatever we wanted and they eventually listened”.
The legend discussed with the audience what her favorite song was which she revealed to be “Mi Tierra” adding, “It’s my dirt, and my heart, and I feel like that record put our culture on the map and out to the world. I felt it, it’s like home to me, and everyone can relate to missing their homeland and missing things that you love”. The star wrapped up the night by telling the audience that her musical influence is Carole King, whom she shared the stage with in 2009 at the Foxwoods Casino where they sung ‘Natural Woman” together. Gloria mentioned that it was her ‘huge moment’.
The last question of the night came from a fan who asked for advice about starting a singing career, Gloria answered, “If you love to sing, do it. Do what you love and take the time to sharpen your tools. Most importantly, stay true to who you are and who you want to be. Don’t let anyone tell you to change and stick to your guns”. She adds, “Think about how music makes you feel and how you can use it to change the world”.
Gloria’s album,The Standards, is available now on iTunes.
