Cuban-American musician Emilio Estefan received the “Producer of the Century” award Wednesday at Billboard’s Latin Music Week for having the most No. 1 songs on the pop charts in the last 25 years, with 14.
“Incredible, (I am) very happy, when we started (50 years ago) it was almost impossible, a dream, to have our Latin music where it is right now and we have worked so hard and to be recognized by the industry and by Billboard is very important,” stated Estefan.
The artist, who received the recognition at The Fillmore Theater in Miami Beach, has produced 50 songs that have entered the Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart so far this century, from 2000 to 2024, including 14 at the top spot, according to the organization.
Among them are ‘Déjame entrar’ by Carlos Vives, ‘Te quise tanto’ by Paulina Rubio, as well as those he has done with his wife, Gloria Estefan, such as ‘No me dejes de querer’, ‘Tu fotografía’ and ‘Hotel Nacional’.
Emilio Estefan’s achievements
Music executives credit the 72-year-old Cuban, who has received 19 Grammys and the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom, with popularizing Latin songs in English-speaking markets.
“Now the door is open to do great things, I am proud to leave excellence to my children and to a community of new producers, new writers that we now have,” he said.
Emilio and Gloria have also questioned current U.S. immigration policies, particularly mass deportations.
The producer said that the “most important thing” for him is “that they see the value of Latinos who have come to contribute and work.
The award was presented on the last day of Billboard Latin Music Week 2025, considered the most important gathering of the Spanish-language music industry, and which will have its awards night on Thursday.
The week and the awards ceremony will feature singers such as Pablo Alborán, Aitana, Laura Pausini, Daddy Yankee, Peso Pluma, Daddy Yankee, Silvana Estrada, Anuel AA, Guaynaa, Ela Taubert, Carín León, Goyo, Grupo 5, and Kali Uchis, reported Agencia EFE.
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