Ritmo Al Exito

Estefan, one of the Latino world's best-known musicians, is head of an entertainment empire that includes music production, TV and film production, and ownership of various restaurants and hotels. As a musician, he has been nominated for a Grammy 28 times and has won 14 times. Here, he shares his life story and the values and beliefs that underpin his success. From the time that he fled Cuba with his father, leaving his mother and brother behind, to the moment in 2009 when he and his wife, Gloria Estefan, received the Ellis Island Family Heritage Award for their contributions to American society, Estefan's desire to reunite and provide for his family has been his prime motivation to succeed. Like many immigrants, when he started life in the United States, he could not speak English and relied on family and friends for housing and support. As a musician, he started out playing the accordion in restaurants and soon had his own band; he was head of the Latin marketing department of Bacardi Imports, where he started in the mailroom, before finally leaving to devote himself full time to music. The beliefs that made him a success may be tried-and-true principles, but Estefan's story will inspire entrepreneurs, musicians, and creative artists alike. Highly recommended for all public libraries, academic libraries, special music and business libraries, and general bookstores.—Yolanda J. Cuesta, Cuesta MultiCultural Consulting, Sacramento, CA