« A Solemn Anniversary - Photo | Babalu Blog - Main Page | Deadly Arsenal in Cuba? »

The dollar uber alles.

Ditto. It's the bling-bling and the ca-ching that will always sing.

OK hate me for saying this - but I have always thought that Gloria Estefan is a big ditz when it comes to anything relating to Cuba - yeah sure she might be greedy and all - that's how she got ahead by basically playing inferior music so don't even classify her music as "Cuban". There are far better Cuban artists in exile then her that no one has ever heard of. Look how lame she acted during the whole Elian thing. She probably doesn't even know who Che is and she probably doesn't even know the whole controversy surrounding Santana.

Lets put it this way:
Gloria Estefan is to Cuban music what Chef Boyardee is to Italian food.

So flame me, ban me, hate me, but don't go talking to me about Gloria because stunts like she is pulling here are expected. Yeah, it's all about the ka-ching!

You want real Cuban modern music and who would never sell out his soul to the $$$$ go here:
http://www.myspace.com/juancarlosformell

mandingo:

I visited Juan Carlos Fornell's MySpace page and found this: Evocando los escritos del poeta cubano negrista Nicolás Guillen, el patriota José Marti y las raíces africanas de la experiencia caribeña...

Evoking the poetry of Nicolás Guillen and José Martí (in that order, no less)? Does he mean the Nicolás Guillen who was Communist Cuba's "National Poet," the lifetime Communist, the shameless adulator of Fidel Castro, "Che" Guevara and the firing squad? This odious individual who profaned his colossal talent and placed it at the service of the tyrant? Who wrote odes — many odes — to Castro and "Che" Guevara? Formell's music is inspired by Guillen's poetry?

Gloria Estefan may be stupid and her music may be vapid, but at least she is stupid enough and vapid enough not to associate herself with Nicolás Guillen's legacy.

Has Formell ever heard of Emilio Ballagas?

This is like deja vu all over again.

I don't know people...

Gloria's association with Santana for this album is dubious, but she HAS been outspoken about (against) fidel and the regime in Cuba. She and Andy Garcia spoke out in front of media cameras against Elian's removal. Also remember, her father fought in the Bay of Pigs and from all accounts I've heard, she was proud of that and was by his side during his last days.

Should we also incriminate Andy Garcia and Arturo Sandoval, who are also performing on the album?

Who can blame the poor girl? $200 million or $300 million are not enough to survive in this cruel world without without compromising one's principles.

I have to agree with Manuel about the dollar signs. I also agree with Mandingo regarding Gloria's musical output. I think is tepid and middle of the road. Nothing out of the ordinary. In fact, my wife's aunt who was an opera singer for many years onec told me: "Why hasn't anyone told that girl she sings completly out of tune and off key?" Chef Boyardee indeed! Happily, I don't own any of her records. I prefer Albita any day. That girl can sing.

I agree with the assessment of Gloria's music as tepid and middle of the road. Unfortunately, that's precisely what sells.

Ah, but the worst is yet to come when the media accuses Cuban exiles of "censorship" and "banning" for objecting to Estefan's collaboration with Santana. In fact, I know and you know who will be the first idiot to raise that banner and where. He is probably preparing the post as we speak.

A mi me importa porque una vez me tope con los dos estefans y ella me cayo pesada y el tiene su aire de pajariaco.

Does anyone really think she "needed" Santana on this album to make it sell? She's already a huge superstar his presence on the album isn't going to make a difference in my opinion (in terms of sales), except possibly negatively now.

As for the quality of her music, perhaps she's is Chef Boyardee but as someone noted, that stuff sells. How else do you explain Britney Spears et al ?

And regarding Andy and Arturo Sandoval, that depends on whether or not they knew about Santana appearing on the album or not.

I dont get it. This whole argument is absurd.

First, no one here what music will be on the album. No one knows the lyrics of any of said music. For all we know, the entire album may be an anti-castro medley.

Second, no one here knows how much money to charities and anti-castro organizations the estefans give each year. No one knows how many cuban exiles they have hired and helped throughout the years. No one knows how many Cuban exile musicians they have helped throughout the years.

Third, not only did Gloria's father serve honorably in the Bay of Pigs, but the US armed forces as well, including a couple of stints in Vietnam. her father died of complications from agent orange im told.

Fourth, we live in the United States America, a capitalist nation. Who the hell are we to tell anyone how to use their God given talents and make money?

Fifth, while I may not be a big fan of the music, I know the work the estefans put into their careers and music. And those who mention formell, a known commie and castro bootlicker for years, as a better representative of our community are barking up the wrong tree.

Sixth, as for Albita, it was the Estefans that first supported her and gave her her start here in exile.

Seventh, Im fucking sick and fucking tired of watching Cuban Americans shit on their own.

hey, you dont like glorias music? Fine. Youre entitled to your opinion. You think she and emilio could do more for Cuba? Thats fine as well. But whats the purpose of criticizing the fact that they will make some money off an album of Cuban music? isnt that what ALL FUCKING musicians want to do with their music? Make money?

Does anyone here know in absolute terms what exactly the estefans will do with all the money thaey may make from this new album?

And as for carlos santana being on same, does anyone here know whether or not Gloria and Emilio have bitch slapped the guy into understanding who, exactly, che guevara was?

Im so fucking tired of people shitting on their own - because whether or not you like it, Gloria and Emilio are one of us - for apparently "not doing enough for Cuba". It's exactly this kind of bahavior that the castro regime expects and pupeteers our community into.

I'm gonna have to disagree on this one Val. Why did we protest target for their Che CD case then? Certainly, they were entitled to sell it. But we were entitled to be offended by it.

Carlos Santana has never acknowledged any of the crimes of Che Guevara publicly and has never apologized for wearing his image (like Thalia did). Remember I talked with the guy a year ago. Apologetic was the least thing he was.

Simply put, there is no good reason for Gloria to seek this guy out and give him exposure on her album about Cuba. Maybe next time she'll ask Silvio Rodriguez or los Van Van.

Like I said earlier, it's deja vu.

Every time this topic has come up, there has been some rather heated discussion. First it was Andy Garcia and Gloria Estefan, but Andy was exonerated when he made The Lost City.

Now we're left with Gloria Estefan. Personally, I don't get the criticism of her track record which according to some is not "anti-castro enough". She has never shied away from criticizing castro. She came up with the "Cuba BC" t-shirts a few years back. She has always represented Cuban-Americans and Miami with class (something we should never take for granted). And I noted initially and Val expanded on, her father served in the Bay of Pigs and Vietnam, and yes did die of complications from Agent Orange exposure. She has never denied or even criticized her father's service as far as I know. She has always been present in events surrounding the Cuban-American community.

My personal taste for her music aside, I respect her for her character and ideals. She may not be a perfect anti-castro militant (having Santana on her record is dubious), but if that's what we demand from everyone, then we'll always be left disappointed.

All I'm saying is, consider her entire track record.

Henry,

Dont get me wrong, I will be the first to criticize the Estefans for the santana thing, if in fact, they havent starightened his ass out on che guevara. But as you state yourself, the estefans have been stalwart, hard line anti-castro their entire lives, and without any proof to the contrary, I certainly wont start slandering them publicly and jump on the "Gloria and Emilio love fidel and their music sucks ass" bandwagon.

One other thing, lots of criticism here about the Estefans music, with, as stated above, all evidence to the contrary as if their music truly did suck, they would not have the level of fame and fortune that they do.

And personally, "Mi Tierra" is one of my favorite albums.

If she asked Santana to appear on the album, then she had to be prepared to deal with the issue of Che Guevara. If she released a press release (as I assume that's how USA today got the story) touting Santana's appearance on the album then she should be ready to address his unapologetic idolatry of Guevara.

If he is NOT on the album, or if HE HAS CHANGED his views, then all they need to do is make a simple statement. But we'll never know if we just assume everything is OK.

For the record, I never attacked her politics. As I said in the post she's always been on what I consider the right side of the issues (unless I missed something). That's why the post is entitled what it is.

But just like Joe Jackson, sometimes our heroes let us down.

Henry,

I agree with you 100%. She should be prepared to address the Santana issue, but until she does, I will not, given her history and track record and support for anti-castro issues, begin to denigrate nor criticize hermor Emilio, until said santana issue has been addressed. that's all Im trying to say, really. I dont think its prudent for us to go all chicken little on this until all facts are on the table.

Val, I was gearing up to write a response, but you took all the words right out of my mouth. I agree 100%.

I'll add some Abe Lincoln: A house divided against itself cannot stand.

The Estefans have always been strongly anti-castro, and to turn against her, makes Ana Menendez and the MSM right about us. LET'S NOT GIVE THEM THE SATISFACTION.

I support Gloria Estefan. This album should unite us, but instead it's dividing us. Think of how that would play out in the MSM? We need to put Che aside for the moment and look at the BIG PICTURE.

I support all anti-castro artists.

Aqui lo que importa es el CAAAA$$$$HHH!!!!

Caballeros, this is America, where rap music (gasp!) makes pople into billionaire$.

Let's chill and see if Gloria gets it straight with Santana. We all understand the principle of the thing, it's not so much about Estefan-bashing, no one should get into that, I agree on that one. IMHO, Santana will remain unrepetant; but either way, with all the talent oozing from the Cuban community, why can't Gloria find an alternative to Santana?

Oye paren de comer mierda con los Estefan. Merece la pena? No. Y el tal Santana, por favor... Just say No to Drugs!

Lets put it this way:
Gloria Estefan is to Cuban music what Chef Boyardee is to Italian food.
Mandingo you fool you should have put a warning before that statement I spit up the water I was drinking and almost fried my laptop!! It shut off and I was nervous as shit but it restarted fine. Thanks for the laugh but please, warn us next time

Dave,

I gotta say, tho, should Gloria and Co opt to have santana on said album, they will certainly be hearing from Babalu.

Fair enough. Here's my take on che: some people, like the execs at Target, think that che is "macho" and a "rebel," because let's be honest, that's what it looks like. That's why it sells. People don't know better.

So is Carlos Santana just some Mexican guitarist (not a politician) who grew up among other Mexicans and Mexican-Americans and sees the shirt as a "badass" statement? Does he know the bloody truth behind the shirt?

I don't know the man, so I can't say if Carlos supports oppressive means to maintain communist dictatorships. If so, you know where he can go.

Paquito D'Rivera sent Santana a pretty scathing open letter about the meaning of the shirt, so by now Santana should know. Has he worn a che shirt since that time? Important question.

Finally, Paquito had to play the game in Cuba to be a musician. So did Arturo Sandoval (no relation). I don't know about Juan Carlos Formell when he was in Cuba, but now, his songs are passionately and fervently anti-castro. He tells his story about how he had no freedom when he was in Cuba. Maybe he had to live el "doble moral." But even, for the sake of argument, let's say he WAS pro-castro. Now he's not. If he was on their side, he's seen the light and come over to ours (even though I think he was persecuted in Cuba). And he's an amazing musician.

As I said, I support any anti-castro artist. Formell is. Paquito and Arturo are (even though they had to play along in Cuba). Gloria is. Santana -- is he misinformed, or is he actually pro-che? That matters, I think.

Dave,

Fair points. The reason I feel so strongly about it is that I had a chance encounter with Santana in Feb of 2006 (almost a full year after the Oscars appearance and subsequent letter from Paquito). I explained all of the atrocities to him and he refused to listen to reason. He was unapologetic and tried to tell me about all of the great things the Cuban Revolution had given the Cuban people. Read the account by clicking the link on the original post.

Incredible as this may sound to us, it is entirely possible that the Estefans have never heard about the whole Santana che-tee-shirt controversy.

In fact, I'm sure that's the case and I am serious.

That would mean that they are bit detached from Cuban affairs nowadays; but no more than personally naive when they sought Santana's collaboration.

Val and Henry:

Why don't you debate this issue on the next Babalú Radio Hour? Show the world what democracy means and that we Cubans can practice it too.

manuel,

I dont think that Henry and I are on opposite sides of this argument. In fact, I wholeheartedly agree with Henry, my only beef here in this thread has been the treatment of Gloria and Emilio Estefan. Notwithstanding one's own personal take on their music, they have been demeaned and criticized here, to the point of near libel, based on A REPORT FROM THE MSM and nothing else. Their support for what we all strive for is on record, and while others may think they dont do enough, given their stature, they are on our side nonetheless. So basing arguments as to their notbeing anti-castro or not on the very same source that we here on this blog criticize and take to task on a daily basis is kinda ridiculous, knowwhatImean?

perhaps I may have to eat crow if in fact Gloria and Emilio will be having Santana play on their new album without regard for his pro-che stance, but until I have solid proof of same, I will not throw them to the wolves.

Don't do it, Gloria - we love you! At least get Carlos to apologize and make amends!

Val,

* "Fourth, we live in the United States America, a capitalist nation. Who the hell are we to tell anyone how to use their God given talents and make money?"

Then why email Cingular about the che ringtone? Why get upset at the Miami Herald? The MSM?

Don't get me wrong, I agree with both of you, but I think someone with Gloria's fame her in Miami should know better.

freedom4cuba,

Again, you are basing your statement on a "blurb" from the very same MSM that constantly distorts, misinterprets,misunderstands and blatantly lies vis a vis Cuba. Do you have tangible proof, as in a quote from either santana or Gloria herself that he will in fact be on said album? Until we do, I think it best to keep the mudslinging to a minimum, especially against someone like Gloria, who, in my opinion, has more than earned and merits respect from this community.

And my remark number four was in response to comments about Gloria and Emilio's music as being "vapid, tepid, middle of the road." etc...They can create whatever music they want to create and make as much money from it as they want.

It's not personal, it's just business.

When it comes to the music business, the target is always the market –the bigger the market to better. Also, when it comes to recording, there is no guarantee that the Estfans and santana had much time together in the same room.

Most recordings are done on seperate tracks meaning that not everybody has to be in the same room at the same time. Thus, I doubt that they had much time to meet up, I doubt that they chatted much, and I especially doubt that they when they did chat they chatted politics.

Here's a similar and less known case:

Nelson Gonzalez is a Tresero (Cuban Tres player) from Puerto Rico who is featured in Estefan's Alma Caribeña. Gonzalez has, in his history, recorded music with Papi Oviedo a Tresero still living in Cuba and who is featured in records like: "Hasta Siempre Comandante" (which is a tribute to mr. guevara.) Shall we ring up Gonzalez for his association with Oviedo? And subsequently Gloria for her association with Gonzalez. And what about everyone who bought that album?

The cold hard cash fact is that it's nothing personal, it's business. Moreover, it's the American way.

HOWEVER, though I do not support the trashing of the Estefan's, I do believe that there is an accountability that must be reckoned with in public figures. If she is speaking out against castro, and then through satana is tacitly accepting an image and ideaology of mr. guevara, then we must ASK Gloria to please explain this contradiction.

Guy's, if we succumb to rapid judgment, blind condemnation, and ad hominum attacks, without hearing her side of the story first then not only shamelessly striking one of our own, but we are doing it in the most un-American thing possible -declairing someone guilty before proven innocent.

Let's not derail from this post! Henry gave us the address; lets contact them and demand an explanation.

Let me re-set the topic here a second because I think nobody is really reading what the others are saying. I spoke with Val on the phone and we agree.

Val's comments about making money have to do with the idea that Gloria is a commercial artist not that she should be able to have Santana on her album without criticism.

The instant reaction of some of the comments was that she "sold out" her anti-castro ideals to make a quick buck. But that argument doesn't wash because Gloria is a HUGE artist and doesn't need Santana to help her sell records. So the answer has to lie elsewhere.

Perhaps as has been noted here, she didn't know about the Guevara controversy with Santana, though I doubt it.

My bet is that they simply didn't think this thing through to its logical conclusion. These artists view their work as just that, art and so they try to be non-judgemental.

But the thing is that the regime uses art and culture as a weapon in the battle and thus our side has to be careful not use these idiots that are useful to the other side.

I went to her website and there is no email for you to contact her. Anybody find anything?

And that's the other point Val was making. That we need to get confirmation on the santana angle. Because it could be a wrong report.

That's why calling or writing them is appropriate.

Val,

I am basing my info from contactmusic.com and more importantly www.gloriaestefan.com/pdf/usaToday021607.jpg.
If it's on her website, then it's official. Check it out.

Freedom,

Then Gloria has some major 'splainin' to do.

That was the purpose of me sending you and Henry the email about this topic, not to trash Gloria. She does not live under a rock. She has to know what the jerk did, whether it's from a friend or she actually saw it herself.

Here's the email address for her Media Relations Director:

dnaranjo@estefan.com

M/F ?

David Naranjo

Hey David Sandoval! Gloria should forget about Santana on her album and have you and your band play with her instead! Santana is not Cuban and you are.

Esperamos que Gloria Estefan pueda hablar con todos nosotros a traves de BABALU Radio , mañana martes 8 pm EST ... no se lo pierdan Tune in , habra sorpresas

In 1999 the Estefans (200 million empire) were ranked No. 31 on the Forbes list of the world's richest entertainers. I don’t believe they are hurting for money.

As to Carlos Santana… He is an anti-war LEFTIE who injects his liberal politics into his concerts. Not to mention that his music is not anywhere near the quality that it was in the past. Why Gloria Estefan, Andy Garcia and Arturo Sandoval included such an excrement in their album -when there are other more successful and talented musicians- is beyond me.

Anti-castro Talk ALONE is cheap… You need to WALK THE TALK

Finally I get into the Cuban Matrix. OK people....aqui estar my personal letter to Gloria in all its Glory mailed out today:
(pleeze read below)

Hola Mrs. Estefan,

I hope this communication finds you well. Today I read the famous Babalublog.com and I hear that you are collaborating on a musical project with a person who is well known for loving the Fidel communist style of governance and dons the Che Guevara T-shirt as his support for a doctored false history promoted by the leftists in the Americas. I was very sad to hear this and I needed to share my collective thoughts on this delicate matter. It is my opinion that you need not to associate yourself with musicians like this man because it really hurts the hearts of the Cuban community throughout South Florida and the continental United States. My elderly dad in the Northeast could not believe his ears of this news and my brother in North Florida says he will stop buying CDs and delete your licensed music currently on his PC hard drive. These are Cubans that will not let the dream die and in their own Cuban way do this to support the cause for a free Cuba.

I remember of another Cuban singer who unfortunately passed away a few years ago without seeing her homeland one last time. You said in the past that this singer from Cuba was your inspiration, mentor and idol. Her name is Celia Cruz and she never sold her people out for profits over principals. In the late 1970, or early 1980s, Celia Cruz was scheduled to sing in an open stadium collaboration in San Juan, Puerto Rico, with a diverse group of Hispanic super star musicians that resembled the Fania All-Stars (but not under that name). One of the singers in the group had gone to Cuba and came back brain washed touting the praises of communism. This singer was named Andy Montanez of El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico! This musical group was the jewel of PR and continues to be a popular band.

Celia came out on TV and print media stating “Yo no canto con comunistas!” (I don’t sing with communists), and she refused to participate. She broke a contract that cost her a lot of money. The public in PR were split because they loved their Gran Combo, but were not happy with the communist ways. Andy Montanez railed against her for being extremist and closed minded in the media. The Island leftists went to town trashing her and she did not play a gig in PR for a long time. The Gran Combo fans, at the big concert held at Roberto Clemente Stadium, held a rally against Celia denouncing her as anti-Puerto Rican. Many papers trashed her image in written articles, but she stayed true to her convictions of “Viva Cuba Libre!”

Today you have an eerily similar opportunity to tell the world ….. “Yo no canto con comunistas!” Please reconsider your decision to sing with Carlos Santana no matter what the cost. Stand with Celia the way she stood in the face of popular deceived ignorance. Remember that we are strangers in this land, exiles not immigrants, even though many of us were born here. Un dia nos vamos regresar a Cuba libre, la tierra de nuestros padres and our inheritance. Please reconsider your decision por el amor de tus hermanitos y hermanitas who are living en el exilio and for those paying the ultimate price on the Island of Cuba. We love you very much and expect you to do the right thing at the end of the day. Thank you for your most valuable time and consideration in reading my communication.

Kind Regards

In a poll taken in 2000 among 500 Hispanic opinionmakers by Latino.com, Gloria Estefan and Carlos Santana were chosen as two of the Top 20 Most Influential Hispanics of the 20th century. She ranked No. 4 and he ranked No. 13 (although Santana should be happy because he beat out Pancho Villa). Finishing first was Caesar Chavez, who just managed to beat out "Che" Guevara for top honors. Castro barely made the cut at No. 19 but was the only "world leader" on the list:

1. Ceasar Chavez
2. Ernesto "Che" Guevara
3. Edward James Olmos
4. Gloria Estefan
5. Tito Puente
6. Selena
7. Ricky Martin
8. Jennifer Lopez
9. Marc Anthony
10. Dolores Huerta
11. Emiliano Zapata
12. Roberto Clemente
13. Carlos Santana
14. Pancho Villa
15. Celia Cruz
16. Rita Moreno
17. Gabriel García Márquez
18. Frida Kahlo
19. Fidel Castro
20. Rigoberta Menchu

Since at least 10 of those on the list are dead (to my knowledge), the Top Ten Most Influential Hispanics of the last century are still living in this one, are:

1. Edward James Olmos
2. Gloria Estefan
3. Ricky Martin
4. Jennifer Lopez
5. Marc Anthony
6. Carlos Santana
7. Rita Moreno
8. Gabriel García Márquez
9. Fidel Castro (?)
10. Rigoberta Menchu

Out of the running, but still receiving "Honorable Mention" was the Latino Family.

Finally, "Latino.com salutes our Hispanic Heritage Heroes and encourages our community's youth to strive for becoming heroes of the 21st century."

Latino.com has since taken down that list (I wonder why?); but the cache still survives to attest to their stupidity forever.

Come to think of it, why don't we compile our own list of "History's Top 20 Most Influential Hispanics" (their influence being understood to have been exerted in the U.S. as well). Then the list could include Bolívar, Martí, Varela and Finlay. My list would also include that greatest of all closetted Hispanics, Walt Disney.

http://www.gloriaestefanmexico.com/gestefan/

Artistas listados junto a Carlos Santana:

Jose Feliciano, Arturo Sandoval, Sheila E, Andy Garcia, Cachao, Chocolate, Generoso, Giovanni Hidalgo, India, Johnny Pacheco, Luis Enrique, Nelson Gonzales, Orestes Vilato,Papo Lucca, Paquito D'Rivera y Willie Colon.

Thanks for signing in, . Now you can comment. (sign out)

(If you haven't left a comment here before, you may need to be approved by the site owner before your comment will appear. Until then, it won't appear on the entry. Thanks for waiting.)

URL:
Remember me? YesNo

Comments: