Born: 1971 (Lake Jackson, Texas)
Died: 1995
Biography:
Selena Quintanilla-Pérez (Spanish pronunciation: [seˈlena kintaˈniʝa ˈpeɾes]; April 16, 1971 – March 31, 1995), known mononymously as Selena, was an American Tejano singer. Referred to as the Queen of Tejano Music, her contributions to music and fashion made her one of the most celebrated Mexican-American entertainers of the late 20th century.
Born in Lake Jackson, Texas, Selena showed an early passion for music. From a young age, she performed with her family’s band, Selena y Los Dinos, alongside her elder siblings A.B. Quintanilla and Suzette Quintanilla. They would often play at their parents’ restaurant, where Selena’s talent as a vocalist and performer shone through.
In the 1980s, the family band faced criticism and encountered significant obstacles due to the male-dominated Tejano music genre. Many venues across Texas refused to book them for performances. Despite these challenges, Selena’s popularity gradually grew, especially after she won the Tejano Music Award for Female Vocalist of the Year in 1987. This recognition marked a turning point in her career.
Selena’s breakthrough came when she signed with EMI Latin in 1989 and released her self-titled debut album the same year. With her brother A.B. Quintanilla as her principal music producer and songwriter, Selena’s music began to resonate with a broader audience. Her distinctive voice, combined with a charismatic stage presence, helped propel her into stardom.
In 1992, Selena released her album Entre a Mi Mundo, which reached number one on the US Billboard Regional Mexican Albums chart and remained there for eight consecutive months. It was hailed as the breakthrough recording of her career. The album featured her hit single Como la Flor, which became one of her most well-known and beloved songs.
The following year, Selena released Live! which earned her the prestigious Best Mexican/American Album award at the 1994 Grammy Awards. This historic win made her the first female Tejano artist to receive such recognition. Her talent and success not only shattered barriers but also put the Tejano genre on the map of mainstream music.
In 1994, Selena released her iconic album Amor Prohibido, which became one of the best-selling Latin albums in the United States. The album solidified her status as an influential Latin artist and played a pivotal role in popularizing the Tejano music subgenre at the time. Selena’s innovative fusion of Tejano with other genres, such as pop and R&B, made her sound unique and appealing to a diverse fanbase.
Tragically, on March 31, 1995, Selena’s life was cut short when she was shot and killed by Yolanda Saldívar, her friend and former manager of her boutiques. The news of her untimely death sent shockwaves throughout the world, leaving millions of fans devastated.
Selena’s legacy, however, endures. Posthumously, her album Dreaming of You was released in 1995 and debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 chart, making Selena the first Latin artist to achieve this feat. Her influence and impact on the music industry continue to be profound, and she remains an inspiration to aspiring artists around the world.
Recognized as a trailblazer, Selena’s contributions extend beyond her music. Her iconic fashion choices, often dubbed the Tejano Madonna, captured the attention of media outlets. She embraced her Mexican-American heritage and incorporated it into her style, showcasing her unique identity and cultural pride.
Selena’s life and career have left an indelible mark on women’s history. Through her determination, perseverance, and undeniable talent, she shattered barriers for female artists in a male-dominated industry. Her enduring popularity and the continued celebration of her music showcase the lasting impact she had on both the Latinx community and the world of music.
Awards:
– Tejano Music Award for Female Vocalist of the Year (1987 – 1995)
– Grammy Award for Best Mexican/American Album – Live! (1994)
– Billboard 200 debut at number one – Dreaming of You (1995)