Posted on Nov 27, 2015
Did you know Gloria and Emilio Estefan received the Presidential Medal of Freedom? How many out there actually know who they are? :)
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President Barack Obama draped the Presidential Medal of Freedom around the necks of Gloria and Emilio Estefan Tuesday, honoring the iconic couple's contributions to American music.
The Estefans were part of a star-studded group of Americans - musicians, entertainers, filmmakers, sports heroes, politicians, government leaders and a NASA mathematician - who received what is considered the highest civilian honor.
"Some worried they were too American for Latins and too Latin for Americans," Obama said about the Estefans before the medals were awarded. "Turns out everybody just wanted to dance and do the conga."
"Conga" was a 1985 hit song written and sung by Gloria and performed by the band Miami Sound Machine, the Estefan's band.
Both born in Cuba, the two are considered key in helping bring Latin sounds to the American mainstream and pop music scenes. Both are multiple Grammy winners. Gloria holds seven and Emilio, who also is a music producer holds 19.
"Together their fusion sound has sold more than 100 million records," Obama said. "And as proud Cuban Americans they've promoted their cultural heritage and inspired fans all over the world."
Obama had a little fun with the recipients during the White House ceremony. He told Barbara Streisand he didn't know she was Jewish and joked that everybody considers James Taylor their friend because "that's what happens when you spend four decades telling people, just call out my name and I'll come runnin'.'"
Obama was quoting a lyric of "You Got a Friend," a song written by Carole King and later sung by Taylor.
For the Estefans, he shared their story of how they met. It was 1975, Obama said, and Gloria walked into a wedding reception and saw a handsome, young man named Emilio, playing "Do the Hustle" on an accordion.
"I'm quoting now," Obama said, chuckling as he tried to deliver the punch line. "She said she found this sexy and brave." Obama then said, "I can understand the brave," to much laughter.
Just before the medal was given to them, Emilio was credited with creating a wholly new American sound and Gloria was feted as a "music powerhouse" whose music broke down barriers.
Most recently, the couple made the song and video "We're All Mexican" in protest of the campaign rhetoric of Donald Trump.
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/gloria-emilio-estefan-receive-presidential-medal-freedom-n469206
The Estefans were part of a star-studded group of Americans - musicians, entertainers, filmmakers, sports heroes, politicians, government leaders and a NASA mathematician - who received what is considered the highest civilian honor.
"Some worried they were too American for Latins and too Latin for Americans," Obama said about the Estefans before the medals were awarded. "Turns out everybody just wanted to dance and do the conga."
"Conga" was a 1985 hit song written and sung by Gloria and performed by the band Miami Sound Machine, the Estefan's band.
Both born in Cuba, the two are considered key in helping bring Latin sounds to the American mainstream and pop music scenes. Both are multiple Grammy winners. Gloria holds seven and Emilio, who also is a music producer holds 19.
"Together their fusion sound has sold more than 100 million records," Obama said. "And as proud Cuban Americans they've promoted their cultural heritage and inspired fans all over the world."
Obama had a little fun with the recipients during the White House ceremony. He told Barbara Streisand he didn't know she was Jewish and joked that everybody considers James Taylor their friend because "that's what happens when you spend four decades telling people, just call out my name and I'll come runnin'.'"
Obama was quoting a lyric of "You Got a Friend," a song written by Carole King and later sung by Taylor.
For the Estefans, he shared their story of how they met. It was 1975, Obama said, and Gloria walked into a wedding reception and saw a handsome, young man named Emilio, playing "Do the Hustle" on an accordion.
"I'm quoting now," Obama said, chuckling as he tried to deliver the punch line. "She said she found this sexy and brave." Obama then said, "I can understand the brave," to much laughter.
Just before the medal was given to them, Emilio was credited with creating a wholly new American sound and Gloria was feted as a "music powerhouse" whose music broke down barriers.
Most recently, the couple made the song and video "We're All Mexican" in protest of the campaign rhetoric of Donald Trump.
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/gloria-emilio-estefan-receive-presidential-medal-freedom-n469206
Freedom
Music Production
Office of the President (POTUS)
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 8
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Presidential Medal of Freedom for Musicians, Sports Heroes, Filmmakers...etc. Really? And all this time I thought the medal actually had some substance? Next, the Medal of Freedom will be awarded to the best dance group or the Nathan's hot dog eating champion!
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MSgt Curtis Ellis
SSG (Join to see) You are aware that this award, awarded by congress, recognizes those individuals who have made a "meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors". This is one that was awarded appropriately and for what it was in!ended for.
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SSG (Join to see)
I do, but they are directly responsible for that earwig of a song "Conga" that had been rattling around in my head since the 80's!!!!
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