The list includes all Estefan's No. 1 hits on the Hot Latin Songs and Billboard Hot 100 charts, and some classics from her days with Miami Sound Machine.
By 
Luisa Calle, Ingrid Fajardo, Griselda Flores, Sigal Ratner-Arias, Isabela Raygoza, Jessica Roiz
In English and in Spanish, with Miami Sound Machine and as a solo artist, Gloria Estefan has been a sweeping force that has made us dance and laugh, reflect and cry for more than four decades, with a unique sound and elegant, smart and profound lyrics.
With dozens of chart hits as part of the group that gifted us “Conga” and “Rhythm is Gonna Get You” in the ’80s — and later with her first Spanish album, the Grammy-winning Mi Tierra — the Cuban-American singer-songwriter (along with her husband, visionary producer Emilio Estefan) was “Abriendo Puertas (Opening Doors),” as her song says, infusing Latin flavor into English pop music while singing simultaneously in her native language.
On the Billboard charts, she has placed 29 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 — three of them reaching No. 1 (“Anything For You” in 1988, “Don’t Wanna Lose You” in 1989, and “Coming Out of the Dark” in 1991) — and 30 tracks on Hot Latin Songs, 15 of which reached the top (from “No Me Vuelvo a Enamorar” in 1986 to “Hotel Nacional” in 2012).
Estefan, who last year became the first Latin woman to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, will receive the Legend award this week at the Billboard Latin Women in Music 2024 gala. For this reason, we ranked her greatest hits in both languages — and picking a favorite was no easy task, with so many to chose from in Gloria’s robust songbook. The idea is to relive all her great music and to celebrate her craft.
Below is our staff’s ranking of all of Gloria Estefan’s No. 1 hits on Hot Latin Songs and the Hot 100, as well as some of her big early hits with Miami Sound Machine. Check out which song takes the top spot!
Billboard Latin Women in Music 2024 will air at 9 PM ET (8 PM Central) on Sunday, June 9 via Telemundo,and can also be streamed on the Telemundo app and on Peaco*ck.
"Hotel Nacional"
Chart:Hot Latin Songs
Weeks at No. 1:1
Peak date:Jan. 14, 2012With its uncanny yet catchy beat, “Hotel Nacional” boasts an upbeat tempo that stands out in Gloria Estefan’s catalog, as featured on her 2011 album Miss Little Havana. Although not her greatest hit, its distinctive rhythm propelled it onto the charts, reaching No. 1 on Hot Latin Songs, and highlighting Estefan’s versatility and broad appeal in the music scene.
"Tu Fotografía"
Chart:Hot Latin Songs
Weeks at No. 1:1
Peak date:Feb. 21, 2004Written by Peruvian singer-songwriter Gian Marco, “Tu Fotografía” is a sweet pop ballad where Estefan reminisces on some of her best life memories that now all live in a photo. “The color is no longer the same as before/ Your smile was almost erased/ And even if you are not clear, I will invent you/ In my thoughts and in my heart,” she sings. In the official video, Estefan performs the song to an audience as never-before-seen family photos are shared in the background.
"En el Jardín" with Alejandro Fernández
Chart:Hot Latin Songs
Weeks at No. 1:6
Peak date:Dec. 27, 1997Alejandro Fernández invited Gloria Estefan to accompany him in this perfect musical romance. The sensual ballad, powered by violins, boasts the magical chemistry between the deep voice of the Mexican singer and the melodious sweetness of the Cuban-American star.
"Oye"
Chart:Hot Latin Songs
Weeks at No. 1:1
Peak date:Sept. 5, 1998A bonafide party song, “Oye” is almost a call for action, urging fans to get on the dance floor. “Hey, my body wants salsa,” Gloria sings over a bright and bouncy techno-salsa tune. “And with this rhythm, let’s dance, eh-eh.” The track is part of her 1998Gloria!album.
Listen above.
"No Me Dejes de Querer"
Chart:Hot Latin Songs
Weeks at No. 1:1
Peak date:June 10, 2000This beautiful son cubano, which begins with powerful trumpets and conga rhythms, merges with the flavor of a tropical ballad. In the lyrics, Estefan asks her love to never leave her because she would not know what to do without his love: “Swear to me that I will always see myself in your eyes (kiss me)/ With your sweet lips (honey flavor)/ I just want to be by your side.”
"Cómo Me Duele Perderte"
Chart:Hot Latin Songs
Weeks at No. 1:2
Peak date:Sept. 23, 2000A melancholy classic in the purest style of Gloria Estefan, this song is a slow ballad with delicate tropical sounds that carries in each verse the emptiness of lost love. “How was it that you stopped loving/ And you forgot about yesterday/ About our looks, about our skin,” goes part of the lyrics.
"No Llores"
Chart:Hot Latin Songs
Weeks at No. 1:2
Peak date:Sept. 8, 2007Part of her album 90 Millas (90 Miles), which is the distance between Cuba and Florida, “No Llores” masterfully fuses Cuban danzón with salsa and contemporary sounds. The song features renowned musicians such as Carlos Santana, who contributes his distinctive electric guitar; José Feliciano, who contributes his acoustic guitar, and Sheila E. on the timbales. This combination results in a dynamic piece that celebrates Estefan’s Cuban roots, while incorporating a variety of modern musical influences.
"Más Allá (Beyond)"
Chart:Hot Latin Songs
Weeks at No. 1:1
Peak date:Jan. 6, 1996Charged with optimistic lyrics about peace and love, “Más Allá (Beyond)” speaks of someone who is caring, forgiving, understanding and asks for nothing in return. The track — a Christmas bolero ballad backed by captivating church bells — is part of Estefan’s 1995 holiday albumAbriendo Puertas, her second LP in Spanish. “When you give without expectations/ When you love for real/ When you offer forgiveness/ Instead of resentment/ There is peace in your heart,” she sings at the beginning.
"Turn the Beat Around"
Chart:Billboard Hot 100
Peak Position:No. 13
Peak date:Nov. 19, 1994“Turn the Beat Around” was not only the biggest Hot 100 hit off Estefan’s 1994Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Mealbum, but it became the ultimate ‘90s party tune with its dancefloor-friendly electro-tropical beat. The disco song was originally a hit in 1976 for Vicki Sue Robinson. Estefan’s version was also part of the soundtrack to the 1994 filmThe Specialist, starring Sylvester Stallone and Sharon Stone.
Listen above.
"No Pretendo"
Chart:Hot Latin Songs
Weeks at No. 1:1
Peak date: Aug.2, 1997Written by Kike Santander and released in 1997, “No Pretendo” is the Spanish version of “Steal Your Heart,” from the album Destiny. The song, which reached the top of Hot Latin Songs in August of that year, delves into Estefan’s Latin roots by incorporating more traditional elements of Cuban music with rhythmic guitars and percussion — while the lyrics, loaded with poetry, talk about unconditional and unpretentious love.
"Anything For You"
Chart:Billboard Hot 100
Weeks at No. 1:2
Peak date:May 14, 1988The ballad “Anything for You,” included on Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine’s 1987 album Let It Loose, marked a milestone by giving Estefan the first of her three No. 1s on the Billboard Hot 100. The emotional song, with its characteristic 80s sound, became one of the artist’s most emblematic hits, and helped establish her as an international superstar.
"Words Get in the Way"
Chart:Billboard Hot 100
Peak position:No. 5
Peak date:Sept. 20, 1986Capturing the tender side of ‘80s music, “Words Get In The Way” is a poignant ballad from Miami Sound Machine’s Primitive Love album. With its mellow melody and heartfelt lyrics, the song showcases Gloria’s emotive vocal prowess, making it a standout track — one that reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. This ballad resonated deeply with audiences, featuring introspective lyrics that reveal the struggles of expressing true feelings.
"Mi Buen Amor"
Chart:Hot Latin Songs
Weeks at No. 1:2
Peak date:March 13, 1994“Mi Buen Amor,” which translates to “my good love,” is one of the staples from Estefan’s 1993 albumMi Tierra.The heartfelt, modern-day bolero, backed by an enchanting flute melody, finds the Cuban artist passionately singing about an unforgettable first true love. “There are loves that take us to the abyss/ There are loves that we never forget/ Those who give all tenderness and fantasy/ They are good loves like you,” she chants.
"Con Los Años Que Me Quedan"
Chart:Hot Latin Songs
Weeks at No. 1:4
Peak date:Nov. 13, 1993“Con Los Años Que Me Quedan” is a beautiful bolero included on Estefan’s third solo studio album, and her first in Spanish, Mi Tierra (1993). Accompanied by acoustic guitars, this charming song has sincere lyrics that express deep love and plead for a second chance, complemented by Estefan’s sweet and dreamy voice.
Listen above.
"Si Voy a Perderte" / "Don't Wanna Lose You"
Charts:Hot Latin Songs / Billboard Hot 100
Weeks at No. 1:5 / 1
Peak date:Sept. 16, 1989 / Sept. 16, 1989Part of her debut solo album, “Don’t Wanna Lose You” — and its respective Spanish version, “Si Voy a Perderte” — is a quintessential Gloria Estefan pop ballad song thrives on her evocative vocals and emotive lyrics. Penned by Gloria and produced by her husband, Emilio Estefan, the song topped the charts in both languages, leading the Hot 100 in English and Hot Latin Songs in Spanish.
Listenhere in Spanishand above in English.
"Hoy"
Chart:Hot Latin Songs
Weeks at No. 1:4
Peak date:Oct. 4, 2003Penned by Peruvian singer-songwriter Gian Marco, “Hoy” is a gorgeously written song about the urgency of reuniting with a person (or even a place) that instantly calls for a celebration. “Today I’m going to see you again/ I’m going to brighten your sadness/ Let’s have a party/ So that this love grows more,” she sings over an Andean-style carnival beat, also infused with ason cubano, which matches the song’s celebratory theme.
Listen above.
"Abriendo Puertas"
Chart:Hot Latin Songs
Weeks at No. 1:2
Peak date:Oct. 21, 1995“Abriendo Puertas,” which lent its title to Estefan’s sixth studio album, is a fusion of vallenato and Cuban son written by Kike Santander. Released as the album’s lead single in September 1995, the song metaphorically speaks of opening doors and closing wounds. In addition to Hot Latin Songs, it topped Billboard’s Tropical Airplay chart, and won the Grammy for best tropical Latin performance.
"Coming Out of the Dark"
Chart:Billboard Hot 100
Weeks at No. 1:2
Peak date:March 30, 1991For her first release following the March 20, 1990 accident that nearly claimed her life — when a truck crashed into her tour bus and left her temporarily paralyzed — Estefan wrote this powerful ballad about getting up and out of the darkness, grateful for the support from her husband Emilio and her family, as well as the prayers of her fans. The Spanish version, “Desde La Oscuridad,” reached No. 4 on Hot Latin Songs.
Listen above.
"Oye Mi Canto"
Chart:Hot Latin Songs
Peak position:No. 10
Peak date:March 3, 1990Like many Gloria Estefan songs, this one calls for everyone to get on their feet. An irresistibly catchy club song, “Oye Mi Canto” subtly and effortlessly fuses house music with Gloria’s signature conga and rumba elements. It was the fourth single from her debut solo album,Cuts Both Ways(1989).
Listen above.
“Rhythm Is Gonna Get You”
Chart:Billboard Hot 100
Peak position:No. 5
Peak date:Aug. 1, 1987“Rhythm Is Gonna Get You” epitomizes the quintessential ‘80s sound with its vibrant percussion and neon-hued synth riffs, blending the allure of Caribbean rhythms with the era’s distinctive freestyle coolness. Featured on the 1987 album Let It Loose, the track stands out with its fusion of English and occasional Spanish verses. Climbing to No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, this song not only achieved remarkable chart success but also solidified Gloria Estefan’s crossover appeal, further embedding Latin rhythms into the fabric of American pop music.
Listen above.
"Conga"
Chart:Billboard Hot 100
Peak position:No. 10
Peak date:Feb. 8, 1986“Conga” is the electrifying hit that introduced Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine to the global stage, found on their 1985 album, Primitive Love. This English-language track bursts with exuberant Latin rhythms and Caribbean flair, reflective of Estefan’s Cuban roots, and features commanding horn sections that beckon listeners to dance.
It was a pioneering song, released at a time when Latin music was largely absent from American mainstream airwaves. Achieving huge milestones, “Conga” reached No. 10 on the Hot 100, and its ubiquitous appeal helped pave the way for future Latin influences in the American music industry, making it a cultural phenomenon and an enduring dancefloor classic.
Listen above.
"Mi Tierra"
Chart:Hot Latin Songs
Weeks at No. 1:6
Peak date:Aug. 7, 1993When we asked Gloria Estefan ahead of her Songwriters Hall of Fame induction, “if you could sing one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?” the star replied with no hesitation: “‘Mi Tierra’. I didn’t write it [alone], but it touches my heart.” And we couldn’t agree more.
Co-written by Colombian musician Estéfano, and produced by Emilio Estefan, Jorge Casas and Clay Ostwald, the song that lent its title to Estefan’s first album in Spanish is a son montuno that speaks nostalgically of the longing for the native country that one has left behind — something that any immigrant can relate to.
“Mi Tierra” received the Billboard Latin Music Award for tropical/salsa song of the year in 1994, among other honors, and the album of the same name earned Estefan her first of three Grammys, for best Latin tropical album.
Listen above.
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