Rick Jenkins
Describe a typical day,
Get up, drink 2 shots of Cuban Coffee, work out, play with Emily (hopefully all day) Go to Park or Beach, Have Dinner with Family, Chill.
Describe a concert day.
Get up around 12 or 1 pm. Have 2 shots cuban coffee, work out, play with Emily, check Nayib is doing (schoolwork, anything else) Go to sound check, Have dinner, make-up do show, after show people, go back to Hotel.
Are you superstitious
I'm not superstitious!
What would you like to have done if you were not a popstar.?
I'd be a psychologist or an interpreter.
1) BUS CRASH
a) Veronica
What made you decide to continue singing after the terrible bus accident you had?
Six months after the accident, when my body began to feel a bit normal, I realized that with a lot of hard work I might be able to perform again. I felt I needed to get back to what I love to do and indeed it helped in my recuperation.
b) David Owings
Well the question was when the bus crashed what was your first thought when the rescue team extracted you from the wreckage of the bus?
My first thought was "Oh No here is everything I have feared ever coming true." This was because of my father's years in a wheelchair and my fears of a similar fate. But once I saw Nayib was O.K. I thought "O.K., I'll take this one moment at a time."
c) Kish
In light of the learning experiences you received after the crash, do you 100% wish you had not had the accident?
I feel everything in life is a learning experience and brings necessary changes. In light of the beautiful things that I've lived after the accident I wouldn't change it but I definitely wouldn't want to go through anything like it again.
2) TOURING/LIVE RECORDINGS
a) Alex, Sandra & Jan
You already have my questions...(fingers crossed!) But here are some more...I know it came out this is Gloria's "last tour." Does that mean that you will not be doing ANY more concerts (quitting cold turkey)? I already know one question !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is not a special question but something we ALL like to know I think:
"Will there be another world tour or is EVOLUTION the last one ?????????????"
Will this be your last tour ? Or is there a chance that you'll go on another tour in a couple of years? If you go on another tour, will you ever come to Norway?
I don't know where people get ideas like this is my last tour. Although I don't plan that far ahead, I certainly plan on touring again. When, I'm not sure. I don't think it will take 5 yrs again though and I do hope to visit Norway because we've never been there.
b) Elsa Murano
As a Cuban-American like you , Gloria, I was absolutely in tears when I saw you singing 'Mi Tierra' to the people in Guantanamo Bay. When will you release the video version of this concert?"
Perhaps in some future documentary style video, we will include footage from Guantanamo.
c) Val
During an interview before the 'Comeback concert' Emilio was talking about releasing a live album. Will you be doing this at some point in the future? Also what do you do with all the film you shoot at the concerts? One suggestion is making it available through the fan club, thereby enabling you to retain control of it.
I'm sure we'll release a live CD sometime soon, if not the Bootlegs will release one. The footage of the concerts will be gleaned for interesting moments and used sometime in the future.
d) Thorsten
Why did they decide not to do 'Anything for You' at the german concerts?
We were told by the German Sony Reps that Anything for You hadn't been heard much in Germany so we opted to sing Destiny, a new song and "Here We Are" which got radio airplay.
e) Val
Continuation from the above is why have you dropped from the initial concert in Pensacola - Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me, Always Tomorrow, and Coming Out of The Dark. (Also couldn't you squeeze in Go Away at some point, pretty please - Manchester might be a good place to do it in!!!).
Coming Out of the Dark reminded Emilio too much of a negative part of our lives and he wanted much more of a party feeling and Always Tomorrow was never really heard in Europe. Hold Me Thrill Me was cut from the U.S. because the show would be too long.
f) Shay
Why didn't she have them release a better show onto video instead of the Miami one? I had been to both the show in Sacramento, California and the one in Miami, Florida...and personally the were both a lot of fun, but the one in Sacramento sounded killer! Why not pick the better?
HBO filmed only the Miami Show. They were to film Orlando as well but I got sick and had to cancel. Even the Miami shows should've been cancelled but because of HBO we did them.
g) Tania
From which Concert....were "Destiny" and the "Dysfunctional Medley" taken from to put on the CD? Will GEIFC members be able to purchase Concert Merchandise from the Fan Club? Will there be a Miami concert at the end of the tour in April? When she was here in LA, during the concert I gave her a gift for Emily which was a little denim jumper. I've been so curious to know if she liked it or not! since I never received any response from her, I figured she probably didn't like it!!!!!!! Along with the gift I gave her a letter from one of my friends on this list and she sent my friend a personally autographed picture. So who knows if she liked it or not! She probably doesn't even remember!
Destiny and Dysfunctional Medley were taken from the Detroit show. After the tour, we will make the merchandise available through the fan club. And Yes, Tania, Emily has loved the jumper and has worn it many times. Perhaps your letter got lost on the way back stage as I would certainly have sent you a thank you.
h) KHartMSM
What is the most memorable experience you have ever had with a fan while on tour???
There have been many but on this last tour there was a very special one. A fan from Holland had sent me a letter before the tour telling me about a horrific accident where she had broken her back and was paralyzed from the neck down. I wrote her a letter and said I hoped I'd hear good news by the time I got to Holland. When I did the shows in Rotterdam someone brought me a letter back stage. It was from the fan I'd written to. She was at the show. I asked her back stage and she gave me the good news that that day she taken six steps on her own. Needless to say, I was very moved.
3) FANS
Mark
Gloria, what is the most unusual thing a fan has done to meet you?
Stake out Larios for days until I walked in one night.
4) WHEN ARE YOU COMING
a) Jose Luis Onis
Are you going to come here ?- Argentina -.
Argentina is definitely in the plans for the Latin American leg of the tour.
b) Luca
When will you come back in Italy? I missed your concert because going to Assago was too full of troubles, but I would like to see you soon.
I'm not sure when we'll be back but I love the Italian audience and am looking forward to more dates in Italy.
5) INFLUENCES/FAVOURITE SONGS
a) Sheila
Who was your greatest influence, inspiration?
On a personal level, my grandmother was my greatest influence. She was a spiritual, loving and wonderfully humble woman. As for music I enjoyed and listened to all different kinds of music and artists. I loved the Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Cuban artists, etc.
b) Jose Luis & Dr Beat
What's your favourite song ?.
What is your favourite song of all time (either your own or one by another artist)
It's virtually impossible to pick a "favourite" song but among my favourites are "Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong, "Somewhere over the Rainbow", "Imagine" and too many others to name.
c) Kevin Hock
Who your favourite singer is other than yourself. Surely you listens to other people's music!
I only listen to other people's music. I really enjoy K.D. Lang, Gino Vanelli, Luther Vandross several Brazilian artists. I have very eclectic taste in music
6) FUTURE SONG REQUESTS!
a) Luca
Did you ever think about making one song in Italian?
I hadn't thought of it but who knows? I studied French and I love languages so in the future this might happen.
b) Dr Beat
Could you write a song about you growing up?
Perhaps one day I will but actually all the songs you write are about "growing up" in many different ways.
7) CAREER
a) Maria H. Ramirez-Gregg
What and how you do to keep a balance between a successful career, a wonderful family life and still have time for presentations, media conferences and charities? I'm trying to find some answers myself because I will become a mother soon (Dec.), and I'm thinking how I'm going to juggle my career, my baby and time for me and my husband?
However, you put it, it's difficult but wonderfully rewarding. I have a lot of help in many different ways. My husband is very supportive and helpful in all aspects. But you end up with virtually no free time for "just yourself." Thankfully I really enjoy all aspects of my life.
b) Pete
Gloria, much of your early life and career were a struggle, now that you have fame, fortune, and little or no privacy, what do you miss most from your days as an average citizen?
The thing I miss most is anonimity. Being able to just "do things" without anyone noticing you.
c) Jan
According to the biography by Grace Catalano, Kiki Garcia was allegedly fired from MSM, and he has never spoken to Gloria again after this incident. Is this true? If no, why did Garcia leave the band just when things were really starting to happen for them? The biography also says that Emilio took all the credit and earned most of the money for the production work, when in reality it was "The Jerks" (Galdo, Dermer and Vigil) who did all the work. Allegedly Emilio's only contribution was to hang around in the studio once in a while, and then order Cuban food. Is there any truth at all in this?
There is no truth to this whatsoever. I never the Bio but Grace Catalano compiled it from existing interviews. The one you refer to was in Rolling Stone Magazine and when the writer spoke to The Jerks they had severe "sour grapes" syndrome. Emilio works like "an animal" and has always been the moving force behind everything. If you notice, Dermer is working with us and has written many songs with us. So remember don't believe everything you read...unless I write it, of course.
8) SONG LYRICS
a) Hesperos
How do you know that the Light is shining on you?
Because it's blinded me on occassion.
b) Tami
Explain the song "Path of the Right Love" in the context of an album with many musical influences from an African religion and your recent performance at the Vatican. In your mind/heart, who or what is the "Right Love"?
The "Right Love", to me, is the pure love of God, "All there is". It doesn't matter what religion. If you live your life with unselfish love for others it's always right.
9) SUCCESS
a) GERARDO
WHAT IS your DEFINITION OF SUCCESS?
If you love what you do (your work) and have successful or fulfilling relationships I believe that is success.
b) Jan
Did you ever believe that they would have this much success when they released their first album in the seventies?
I joined the band "Miami Latin Boys" later to be called Miami Sound Machine as a hobby. I enjoyed every moment and never dreamed we'd do what we've done.
10) POPULARITY
a) Gerardo Gomez
WHEN you STARTED WITH MSM DID You HAVE ANY IDEA You WOULD TOUCH SO MANY PEOPLE.
I have gone far beyond my wildest dreams.
b) BS in Finaol.com
Gloria... I have been an avid fan of yours from the very beginning, in the Miami Sound Machine days. To what do you attribute your endless popularity that spans the entire globe, despite having some fans that speak no English or Spanish, yet know every word of every song you perform?
I appreciate your loyalty and feel you could probably answer that question better than I. But I do what I do from the heart. Perhaps people can feel it.
11) ALTERNATIVE CAREER
a) Christopher D Erickson
If you were not a worldwide superstar, would music still be a part of your life?
I've been singing since I spoke at the age of one. Singing has always been a catharsis for me and a great way of expressing my feelings. It will always be a part of my life and would have been even if I didn't do what I do.
b) Norma
If you had not chosen to pursue your current career, what field would you have chosen? Why?
I was studying psychology and communication with a minor in French. I was either to be a Psychologist or an interpreter.
12) FUTURE
a) Bob & Jan
I would probably ask Gloria how long you will continue to perform both in the studio and in concert
Will you continue making new albums regularly for the rest of your life? Or do you feel that there may come a time when you might retire from the music industry?
Hopefully my career will evolve as it has. I hope to record and perform as long as I have something to offer my fans and they are interested.
b) Alex & Sheila
Gloria, where do you see yourself 5, 10, 15, 20 years from now? Where do you see yourself in five years/ten years?
I don't think too far ahead. I try to live an enjoy one day at a time usually only planning about a year ahead of time.
c) Christina
Your music has shown many different sides of your personality and heritage over the years. I'm wondering what direction would you like to see your music go now? Also, with all of your accomplishments is there anything you'd like to do that you have not done?
I would like to continue to grow in an ethnic way but continuing to record in both Spanish & English. I'd like to try films if the "right thing" comes along.
d) Sheila
How would you like people to remember you?
With love.
13) THE CHILDREN
a) Bob
What are your thoughts about Nayib and Emily getting into the business.
I want them to do whatever makes them happy.
b) RickDeJesu@aol.com
Does your son Nayib have any musical aspirations? Singer, musician, composer, or manager perhaps? If it is not too early to ask, what are his inclinations at this age?
Nayib is very musically inclined. He plays guitar, drums, and is beginning to sing and write songs.
c) DBAuld
As a Mom, what do you think are the five most important things you can give to (or instill in) your children?
Respect for life and other people, honesty, integrity, love and a sense of enjoyment.
14) REISSUING MATERIAL
armando, di414 & Jan
I would ask why she can't find a way to rerelease her early albums so her fans are not under the screws of greedy "collectors" that ask ridiculous prices for her first albums...that would pop their balloons..
The first 7 albums (1.Live Again/Renancer 2.Miami Sound Machine - Two versions exist one in Spanish and the other in English 3.Imported(1979) 4.MSM(1980)-First album for a major label 5 Otra Vez 6.Rio 7.A Toda Maquina) Is there any source to obtain copys on tape (to purchase)
Will she consider re-releasing the earliest Spanish albums (Renacer, MSM, Imported and Miami Sound Machine)? They are now almost impossible to get hold of. If yes, when will they be released? If no, why not?
I am going to suggest to Sony Discos that they issue a "box set" of the first seven albums. But right now you can get from them from "Regresa A Mi" or "Otra Vez" on.
15) ANSWER MACHINES
a) Tim
Gloria, would you please record a message for my answering machine!!!
Maybe I'll do it on the next single for my fans.
b) DI414
Would Gloria be willing to make an answering machine message in her voice or be willing to add such to the next CD EXTRA on a cd.
Good idea, I think I'll steal it.
16) CUBA
Christina, Jose Luis & Jan
If Cuba were liberated from Castro and was finally an independent country would you go there and live?
If Fidel Castro falls, would you go back to Cuba ?.
Would you move back to Cuba if the Castro-regime was overthrown, and replaced by a democratic government?
I would love to be able to visit Cuba again and perhaps get involved in it's reconstruction but leaving Miami would be like leaving Cuba was for my mother. I love living in Miami.
17) SONG WRITING
Liam
Oh, this is great!!! I have only one question I would like to ask Gloria; I have been writing music since I was thirteen, (I am now 22 years old) and I write quite a bit now. I would like to ask Gloria if she would consider co-writing with a nobody, from nowhere... even if I had to remain anonymous, and give up all royalties, 'cause I would give anything to write with Gloria.
Liam, whatever you do, never give up your royalties. Not because of the money but because your songs are like your children and must have your name, as they already have your heart and soul. You never know, maybe if you're ever in Miami....
18) SECURITY
a) Gerardo Gomez
DO YOU EVER FEAR FOR YOUR SAFETY, WITH ALL THE LUNATICS RUNNING AROUND DOING CRAZY STUFF TO THE PEOPLE THEY SUPPOSEDLY LOVE.
I try not to think about it. We have good security at home and on the road but I don't want to live a paranoid existence.
b) moniek hut
I would really like to know what she felt when she heard about the bomb, on the 14 of november when she gave a concert in the Ahoi in the netherlands!! How did she feel about this was she scared? or didn't she want to dissapoint her fans in any way.
I wasn't afraid because I know most of these bomb scares are mostly hoaxes but we had to be sure. I didn't want to evacuate fans needlessly because they might get trampled so we called Police immediately and they took care of business. I was very pleased that the fans were so patient.
19) ACTING
Shay
Why did she turn down the Evita role?
I didn't feel this was the right role for me. Evita was a beloved person in Argentina and as a Hispanic I didn't want to insult her memory. Besides I didn't want to carry or "star in" my first movie role. I want to take things slowly in the film industry, "If a role ever comes about."
20) MAILING LIST
Thorsen
Have you heard about this list and what do you think about it?
I just heard about it. I think it's just fine.
21) FAN CLUB/FANZINES
a) Jan
A couple of years ago, the english "Gloria Estefanzine" was told by Estefan Enterprises (EE) to stop production. Was Gloria aware of this decision? If yes, why did they order them to stop? What possible harm could such a fanzine cause, especially since EE itself was unable to provide a fan club at that time ? Will they continue making life difficult for unofficial fanclubs in the future? If no, will she consider sacking the idiot responsible for the decision.
I don't know anything about this but I'll try to find out.
b) Val
This is just an observation from recent postings on the mailing list (as we talked about it last time you were here). There has been a lot of comment about the lack of service in the fact that the last newsletter was at the beginning of the year and nothing has been heard from them since.
The Fan Club will not be shut down. Hopefully it will get better. Sometimes I make the news letter late because I've been on tour and they have to wait for my comments. But I promise I'll crack the whip when I get home.
22) GAY RIGHTS
Matt
I would be curious to know where Gloria stands on gay rights and especially on the whole gay marriage issue.
I feel anyone should be able to love and commit to anyone they feel love for, regardless of their sex.
23) MISCELLANEOUS
a) Matt
What's her favorite color?
Blue (I hear this is the favourite of the vast majority).
b) Yeudiel
Which was Gloria's first pet? Saludos desde Mexico
A German Shepard named "Dolly" when I was 9 years old.
c) Rachel
What language do you speak when you are at home with your family?
I speak Spanish at home.
24) JON SECADA
Christopher D. Erickson
Do you think that Jon Secada learned a lot musically from you (Gloria) that influenced his musical style?
I really think Jon has his own musical style but he is from the Miami which influences all of us from there.
25) BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
a) Dora
"GLORIA, would you consider allowing a company called Descriptive Video Services, (located in Boston Mas.), to describe your videos, so that those of us, who are blind and/or visually impaired, could get the full enjoyment of them, just as much as your sighted fans do?"
Of course, I think that's a great idea. They should contact Estefan Enterprise or Sony.
b) EVRLSTGLRI@aol.com
A facetious question, but please ask her if she'd like to join Angel and J.J. at Muze's for some a la carte the next time she's in Los Angeles. Thanx!!
Thanks for the invite. I like Muze although I've only eaten there once.
26) FINAL QUESTION
Sheila
Would you consider hosting a party of your fan club on star island!!
Now there's a thought! What would happen with "out of town" fans.?
27) MESSAGES
Alex
From me to her: "Do you know how much we'll miss you? That is not a plea for you to perform as it is a heartfelt expression. Gloria, don't get me wrong, I understand your decision about Emily - and stand behind it 1000%. Do you think we'll get a chance to meet either at DC and or Philly? Will you be staying long in either town? I am so looking forward to being at Landover, MD (DC) and Philly. I hope you are feeling well, and get plenty of rest over the holidays. See you in a few months...(MAJOR HUG peck on the cheek big smile!)
Alex...Is that you Mr Bleam? I'm sure I'll see you there. I'm feeling great. But I'm not retiring. Some how these things get blown out of proportion.
di414
Give the Estefans special thanks for their performance, on and off stage.
And I thank you for being there for me and us.
I love you all...
Gloria