SELENA QUINTANILLA

 Selena Quintanilla – 

Biography, Career, and Legacy

By:Dana Monserrat Mtz Sandoval 

Full Name: Selena Quintanilla-Pérez

Date of Birth: April 16, 1971

Place of Birth: Lake Jackson, Texas, USA

Date of Death: March 31, 1995

Occupation: Singer, songwriter, fashion designer, actress

Nickname: “The Queen of Tejano Music”

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Early Life and Background

Selena was born in Texas to a Mexican-American family. Her father, Abraham Quintanilla, was a former musician who discovered Selena’s talent when she was a child. He formed a band called Selena y Los Dinos, which included her brother A.B. Quintanilla as bassist and her sister Suzette on drums.

Selena began performing at the age of nine, singing in Spanish even though it wasn’t her first language. Her family struggled financially, but Selena’s talent and determination helped them gain recognition in the Texan music scene.

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Rise to Fame

Selena became known in the Tejano music genre, a blend of Mexican and American musical styles. At the time, Tejano music was dominated by male artists, but Selena broke barriers with her powerful voice, charisma, and unique style.

Major Albums and Hits

"Ven Conmigo" (1990) – First Tejano album by a female artist to go gold.

"Entre a Mi Mundo" (1992)

Included her breakout hit "Como La Flor"

"Amor Prohibido" (1994)

Hits:

"Amor Prohibido"

https://youtu.be/dvfZ95ueOcQ?si=B0Q3me1-Q8LHS578

"Bidi Bidi Bom Bom"

https://youtu.be/rbszCXdWMAE?si=BuFUXfu_ysFzDN1D

"No Me Queda Más"

https://youtu.be/tjOIUW8PMVo?si=Kytf_3sHldIUKHck

Selena won Female Vocalist of the Year multiple times at the Tejano Music Awards and earned a Grammy Award in 1994 for Best Mexican-American Album ("Live!"), becoming the first Tejano artist to win a Grammy.

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Fashion and Business Ventures

Selena was not only a music star but also a fashion icon. She launched her own clothing line and opened two boutiques, Selena Etc., in Texas. Her bold stage outfits, many of which she designed herself, influenced Latina fashion in the 1990s and beyond.

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Tragic Death

On March 31, 1995, Selena was tragically murdered at the age of 23 by Yolanda Saldívar, the president of her fan club and manager of her boutiques. Her death shocked fans around the world and led to an outpouring of grief, especially in the Latino community.

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Legacy

Despite her short life, Selena left an unforgettable impact on music and culture. She is remembered as:

The Queen of Tejano Music

A symbol of Latina empowerment

A pioneer who opened doors for future Latin artists

Posthumous Honors and Tributes

The album "Dreaming of You" (1995), released after her death, debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart.

The 1997 movie "Selena", starring Jennifer Lopez, introduced her story to new generations.

In 2020, Netflix released a series based on her life: "Selena: The Series".

Selena has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a museum dedicated to her in Corpus Christi, Texas.

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Conclusion

Selena Quintanilla's voice, talent, and cultural pride made her a legend. Her music continues to inspire millions, and her legacy lives on as a beloved icon in Latin music history.