Selena Quintanilla-Perez was born in Lake Jackson, Texas in 1971. She started her music career with her family band, “Selena y Los Dinos,” performing at small venues. Despite not speaking or reading Spanish at first, Selena learned to sing Spanish-language songs phonetically.
After the family moved to Corpus Christi due to an oil bust, Selena y Los Dinos became their main source of income. They toured around South Texas and gained recognition after appearing on The Johnny Canales Show. Selena’s talent shone through when she won the Tejano Music Award for female vocalist of the year at just 15 years old.
EMI Records signed Selena, seeing her star potential as an individual artist. Her song “Baila Esta Cumbia” became a hit, especially in Mexico. Selena’s album “Live” won a Grammy in 1994, showcasing her brother’s songwriting skills. Despite her growing success, Selena remained humble and often expressed disbelief at her achievements.
Tragically, Selena’s life was cut short in 1995 when she was murdered by the president of her fan club. However, her legacy endured with the release of the bilingual album “Dreaming of You,” which topped the Billboard charts. A biographical movie starring Jennifer Lopez further immortalized Selena’s story.
Even almost 30 years after her passing, Selena Quintanilla’s influence in the music industry remains strong. Her music continues to be celebrated, and her image adorns various merchandise. In 2021, she posthumously received the Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award, solidifying her status as the Queen of Tejano. Selena’s impact transcends generations, proving that her reign as a music icon is truly enduring.
