Emilio and Gloria Estefan to be honoured with Gershwin Prize for Popular Song

Gloria Estefan and her musician/producer husband Emilio will make history as the first Hispanic artists to receive the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.
The Rhythm Is Gonna Get You hitmakers will also become the first married couple to receive the prestigious lifetime achievement accolade, which is named after celebrated composers and brothers George and Ira Gershwin, and awarded to musicians who enhance cultural understanding and inspire new generations through their work.
A statement issued by Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden, reads: “The Estefans symbolize the rich cultural diversity of the American musical experience. They are musical auteurs, creating a unique sound of Latin rhythms that transcends cultural boundaries, parlaying their creative genius into entrepreneurship and community activism, and propelling the careers of many of today’s Latino artists to stardom.
“During their more than 30-year career, they have built a musical empire and made listening to Cuban-infused music one of America’s favorite pastimes.”
The couple follows in the footsteps of fellow icons Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, Smokey Robinson, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Carole King, and Willie Nelson, who have all previously picked up the top honour.
The Estefans will be celebrated at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. in November (18).
It’s the latest prestigious prize for Gloria – she also made history by becoming the first Cuban-American to be recognised for her contributions to U.S. culture at the 2017 Kennedy Center Honors, while in July (18), she was presented with the Gold Medal of Merit for the Arts in Spain.