Remembering Selena Quintanilla The Iconic Tejano Music Superstar
Selena Quintanilla was an American singer, songwriter, actress, and fashion designer. She was born on April 16, 1971, in Lake Jackson, Texas, and began her music career as a child, performing with her siblings in a family band called Selena y Los Dinos.
As she grew older, Selena became a rising star in the Tejano music scene, blending traditional Mexican-American music with contemporary pop influences. She released several successful albums and singles, including “Como La Flor” and “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom,” and won several awards for her music.
Selena’s life was tragically cut short when she was murdered by the president of her fan club, Yolanda Saldívar, on March 31, 1995, at the age of 23. Her death was a shock to the music world and to her many fans, and she has since become an icon and a cultural symbol, particularly within the Latinx community.
Selena’s Early Life
Selena Quintanilla was born on April 16, 1971, in Lake Jackson, Texas, to Abraham Quintanilla Jr. and Marcella Quintanilla. She was the youngest of three children and had an older brother named Abraham III and an older sister named Suzette.
Selena’s father was a former musician who saw potential in his children’s musical talents and formed a family band called Selena y Los Dinos. Selena started singing at a young age, and by the age of 10, she was the lead vocalist of the band. The family performed at various gigs around Texas, and Selena was homeschooled so that she could focus on her music career.
Despite facing discrimination as a Mexican-American in the predominantly white music industry, Selena and her family continued to perform and record music. Selena’s talent and charisma helped her to break through barriers and gain a growing fan base, particularly in the Tejano music scene.
In 1989, Selena signed with EMI Latin, a major record label, and released her first album, “Selena,” which included the hit single “Contigo Quiero Estar.” This marked the beginning of Selena’s rise to fame, and she would go on to become one of the most successful and beloved Tejano artists of all time.
Selena’s Career
Selena Quintanilla’s career began when she was a child and performed with her family band, Selena y Los Dinos. As she grew older, she became a rising star in the Tejano music scene, blending traditional Mexican-American music with contemporary pop influences.
In 1989, Selena signed with EMI Latin and released her first album, “Selena,” which included the hit single “Contigo Quiero Estar.” She went on to release several successful albums and singles, including “Entre A Mi Mundo,” “Live!,” and “Amor Prohibido,” which became one of the best-selling Latin albums in the United States.
Selena’s music and performances were known for their energy, passion, and charisma. She became a fashion icon as well, with her signature style of tight-fitting outfits and bold accessories.
Selena was also an accomplished actress, appearing in the film “Don Juan DeMarco” alongside Johnny Depp and Marlon Brando. She was in the process of recording her first English-language album when she was tragically murdered in 1995.
Despite her short career, Selena’s impact on music and culture has been significant. She has been recognized with numerous awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Mexican-American Album in 1994, and she has been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Selena’s Tragic Murder
Selena Quintanilla was tragically murdered on March 31, 1995, at the age of 23. The murderer was Yolanda Saldívar, the president of Selena’s fan club, who had been caught embezzling money from the fan club.
On the day of the murder, Selena met with Saldívar in a hotel room in Corpus Christi, Texas, to retrieve financial records. During the meeting, Saldívar pulled out a gun and shot Selena, who was rushed to a hospital but later died from her injuries.
After a nine-and-a-half-hour standoff with police, Saldívar was arrested and charged with Selena’s murder. She was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Selena’s death was a shock to the music world and to her many fans, who mourned her passing and celebrated her life and legacy. In the years since her death, Selena has become an icon and a cultural symbol, particularly within the Latinx community. Her memory is honored through numerous tributes, including a biopic film, “Selena,” starring Jennifer Lopez in the title role.