Miami Sound Machine

Miami Sound Machine formed in 1975, with Gloria Estefan at the center. Their sound mixed Latin rhythms like salsa and Cuban son with American pop, which felt fresh at the time but wasn't an immediate hit with labels.

They broke through in 1985 with 'Bad Boy,' a track that climbed the charts and introduced their crossover style to a wider audience. That same year, 'Conga' became another signature song, built around a danceable rhythm that defined their early success.

Other songs like 'Words Get In The Way' and 'Hot Summer Nights' showed their range, balancing pop ballads with uptempo grooves. The band's recordings from the mid-80s, including the album 'Primitive Love,' captured that blend of Latin percussion and accessible melodies.