The Library of Congress said powerhouse couple Emilio and Gloria Estefan will be the next recipients of the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.
Emilio and Gloria, married since 1978, rose to prominence with the success of Miami Sound Machine. Gloria joined the Miami Sound Machine, first named as the Miami Latin Boys, in 1977.
The Estefans and the Miami Sound Machine's most popular songs include "Get on Your Feet," "Rhythm is Gonna Get You," "Turn the Beat Around," "Oye!" and "Conga."
"The honorees represent two historic firsts for the prize – the first time it has been awarded to a married couple or to musicians-songwriters of Hispanic descent," the Library of Congress said in a statement on Monday.
Previous prize recipients include Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, Carole King, Billy Joel, Willie Nelson, Smokey Robinson and Tony Bennett.
“The music created by Emilio and Gloria Estefan makes you want to listen to the beat and get on your feet,” Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden said in a statement. “They are the creative force behind the popularity of music steeped in the Latino culture. This dynamic couple’s professional and personal journey truly mirrors the American dream and we are so pleased to honor their musical legacy.”
The life story of Emilio and Gloria, who've earned countless awards including Grammy Awards, was developed into a jukebox Broadway musical named "On Your Feet!"
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The Gershwin Prize for Popular Song "honors living musical artists whose lifetime contributions in the field of popular song exemplify the standard of excellence associated with George and Ira Gershwin," the Library of Congress said.
The Gershwin brothers were American composers who created classic songs and melodies of great influence, such as "Rhapsody in Blue" and "An American In Paris."
“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,” Gloria Estefan said in a statement. “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. ... We are profoundly humbled to have been chosen for this singular accolade.”
