Gloria Estefan...

I remember very well back in the mid 1980s when Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine burst onto the pop music scene.  Her big hit was called "Conga"...

Excuse the video... it was all I could get to play here in Germany, land of intellectual property rights.

"Conga" was such a sassy, fun song and just what we all needed in the 80s.  Then she followed up with "Bad Boy", a song I always liked.

This was still pretty flirty and sassy...

Next thing we know, Gloria is recording a shitload of ballads and sounds a bit like a Cuban version of Karen Carpenter.  The ballads were universally pleasant, but all kind of sounded the same.

"I Can't Stay Away From You"

"Don't Wanna Lose You"

"Cuts Both Ways"

"Words Get In The Way"

"Here We Are"

"Anything for You"

She perked up a bit with "123"...

Nice chaps...

"Rhythm is Gonna Get You" was another upbeat number.

I remember seeing Gloria Estefan on a VH1 divas program with Celine Dion, Shania Twain, Carole King, Mariah Carey and Aretha Franklin.  Next to Carole King, I think Gloria was the most down to earth of the bunch.  I also remember back in 1990 when her bus was in a terrible accident and she got hurt.  She recovered gracefully and came out with more music.

Aretha Franklin is quite the diva...

I like Gloria Estefan.  I think she has a good voice and I especially enjoy her saucy songs in Spanish. But I will admit in the late 80s and early 90s, her music was everywhere and it all sounded a little pat.    And every time I hear a song by her, I think of The Golden Girls.