What does the American Dream sound like? In this special Fourth of July episode of Fritanga, host Antonio Tijerino sits down with one of the composers of that dream: Emilio Estefan. Long before he became a 19-time Grammy-winning producer, a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, and one of the most influential Latino cultural architects of our time, Emilio was an 11-year-old Cuban boy arriving in Miami with an accordion, no money, and a belief in something bigger. A belief in this country. In music. In himself.
What does the American Dream sound like? In this special Fourth of July episode of Fritanga, host Antonio Tijerino sits down with one of the composers of that dream: Emilio Estefan. Long before he became a 19-time Grammy-winning producer, a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, and one of the most influential Latino cultural architects of our time, Emilio was an 11-year-old Cuban boy arriving in Miami with an accordion, no money, and a belief in something bigger. A belief in this country. In music. In himself.
From creating the “Miami Sound” to launching the global careers of artists like Shakira, Ricky Martin, and Gloria Estefan, Emilio’s story is one of hustle, heart, and the rhythm of possibility.
In this episode, Antonio and Emilio dive into:
This isn’t just an interview—it’s a love letter to culture, legacy, and what it means to build something lasting from nothing.
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CONNECT: For questions or guest recommendations, email us at Fritanga@HispanicHeritage.org
Featured Resources & Mentions:
🎶 Gloria Estefan’s “Raíces” Album
🎭 Emily & Gloria Estefan’s Musical “BASURA”
TEAM:
Host: Antonio Tijerino
Executive Producer: Antonio Caro
Senior Producer: Connor Coleman
Producer: Ambrose Davis