Selena

ABOUT

Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, known simply as Selena, was an iconic American singer, songwriter, spokesperson, businesswoman, model, actress, and fashion designer. Born on April 16, 1971, in Lake Jackson, Texas, Selena was often referred to as the "Queen of Tejano music." Her talent and charisma earned her the title of the most celebrated Mexican-American entertainer of the late 20th century. Selena's contributions to music and fashion made her one of the most influential Latin artists in history. Tragically, her life was cut short when she was murdered at the age of 23 by Yolanda Saldívar, her friend and former manager of her boutiques, on March 31, 1995.

BEFORE FAME

Selena's musical journey began at a very early age. Influenced by her father, Abraham Quintanilla Jr., she started singing in a family band named Selena y Los Dinos. The group initially performed at weddings, quinceañeras, and local fairs. Despite facing numerous challenges and financial hardships, Selena's talent shone brightly. In 1984, she released her first LP album "Selena y Los Dinos – Mis Primeras Grabaciones" under Freddie Records. Selena's passion for music propelled her to learn Spanish phonetically to better connect with her audience since English was her first language.

TRIVIA

• Selena won the Tejano Music Award for Female Vocalist of the Year nine consecutive times from 1987 to 1995.
• She was the first female Tejano artist to win a Grammy Award. Her 1993 album "Live!" won Best Mexican/American Album.
• In addition to her musical career, Selena was a burgeoning entrepreneur. She opened two boutiques named Selena Etc. in Corpus Christi and San Antonio, where she showcased her fashion designs.
• In 1997, two years after her death, Warner Bros. produced a biographical film named "Selena," which starred Jennifer Lopez in the title role. The film brought renewed attention to her life and legacy.

FAMILY LIFE

Selena was born to Mexican-American parents, Abraham Quintanilla Jr. and Marcella Ofelia Quintanilla. She had two older siblings, A.B. Quintanilla III and Suzette Quintanilla, who were also part of Selena y Los Dinos. On April 2, 1992, Selena married Chris Pérez, the lead guitarist of her band, despite initial resistance from her father. Their marriage was a testament to their deep love and partnership, both personally and artistically.

ASSOCIATED WITH

Selena's music not only revolutionized the Tejano genre but also earned her the admiration of numerous artists across different genres. She collaborated with artists like Álvaro Torres and David Byrne. Her influence on the Latin music scene has been acknowledged by contemporary artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Demi Lovato, and Selena Gomez, who was named after her.

Selena's legacy continues to inspire fans and artists around the world, cementing her status as an irreplaceable star in the pantheon of Latin music legends.