Gloria Estefan Born Gloria Fajardo was born in Cuba. Her ancestors were from Galicia. Brought to Miami to escape Fidel while still a young girl. Her father suffered through a long illness and died when she was about 18 years of age. Started out singing for friends and relatives at parties. Was swept away by a svengali like Emilio Estefan. She was 15 he was 28. Quite proficient in cranking out Commercial pop.