Remembering Latin Music Icon Selena Quintanilla-Prez on Her 27
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Today marks what would have been Selena Quintanilla-Prez’s 27th birthday. The Mexican-American singer, who was tragically killed at the age of 23, is remembered by her fans as a Latin music icon.
Introduction
It’s been 27 years since the release of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez’s self-titled debut album, and the beloved Tejano singer’s influence is still very much alive. Born in Texas to Mexican-American parents, Selena was raised in a bilingual and bicultural household. She began performing with her family’s band, Los Dinos, at a very young age and quickly developed a strong following in the Hispanic community. In 1987, Selena signed her first recording contract with EMI Latin and released her debut album a year later.
Though she faced many challenges throughout her career, Selena ultimately became one of the most successful Latin artists of all time. She won multiple Grammys, released five studio albums and even crossed over into the mainstream pop world before her untimely death in 1995. Today, she is remembered as an icon who helped break down barriers for Latin artists in the United States. On the anniversary of her debut album, we’re taking a look back at Selena’s life and career.
Early Life and musical career
Selena Quintanilla was born on April 16, 1971, in Lake Jackson, Texas. She was the youngest child of Marcella Quintanilla and Abraham Quintanilla, Jr. Selena’s father Martial Abraham Quintanilla, Jr. was a Mexican-American musician who had two other children: A.B. Quintanilla and Suzette Quintanilla. Selena’s mother Marcella Quintanilla was of Mexican descent. Selena’s older sister Suzette Quintanilla was born on June 17, 1970.
Her musical style
Selena’s musical style was a melding of Tejano, pop, hip hop, country and rock. Her music was also noted for its danceable beats and Goodson’s Enganchado productions. The media dubbed her the “Queen of Tejano music”. Selena’s posthumous crossover album Dreaming of You, which was released on July 18, 1995, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. It became the first Latino album to do so and helped propel Latin music into mainstream success.
Her album sales
Selena’s album sales were increasing throughout the early 1990s. By the time of her death, Selena had sold more than 60 million records worldwide.[1] In the United States, she had five number-one albums on the Billboard 200 chart: Selena Live! (1993), Amor Prohibido (1994),Dreaming of You (1995), and posthumously, Selena: Quintanilla-Pérez and Miscellaneous (1997). She also had nineteen top-ten singles on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart, including twelve that peaked within the top five.
The murder of Selena
It’s been 27 years since the world lost Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, and her memory still lives on through her music. The Mexican-American singer was shot and killed by Yolanda Saldívar, her fan club president and former personal assistant, on March 31, 1995. She was only 23 years old.
The events leading up to her death
On March 31, 1995, Tejano music star Selena Quintanilla-Prez was fatally shot by Yolanda Saldívar, her friend and former president of her fan club. The events leading up to Selena’s untimely death began several months earlier when Saldívar was fired from her position. At first, Selena allowed Saldívar to continue living in one of her houses and working at her clothing boutique, but after several confrontations, Selena decided to cut ties with her former friend.
Saldívar began stalking Selena and on March 30, 1995, she lured the singer to a motel in Corpus Christi, Texas under the pretense of giving her a laptop computer that contained important business documents. Once there, Saldívar pulled out a gun and shot Selena in the back. Selena tried to flee but collapsed in the motel lobby where she later died from her injuries. Saldívar was arrested and sentenced to life in prison where she remains today.
The aftermath of her death
It was a warm day in Corpus Christi, Texas on March 31, 1995. Thousands of fans had gathered at the Astrodome to see Selena perform. The concert was sold out.
At around 11:00 p.m., as the crowd was leaving, Selena’s fan club president Yolanda Saldívar shot her in the back. Selena was rushed to the hospital but died later that day.
Saldívar was arrested and convicted of first-degree murder. She is currently serving a life sentence in prison.
Selena’s death left a void in the Latin music world. She was only 23 years old at the time of her death, but she had already accomplished so much. She was a talented singer, songwriter, and actress. She won numerous awards and sold millions of records.
Selena’s legacy continues to live on through her music and her fans. Her sister, Suzette Quintanilla-Arriaga, has kept Selena’s memory alive by starting the Selena Foundation and working on several tribute albums.
Conclusion
It’s been over two decades since Latin music icon Selena Quintanilla-Prez was tragically killed at the age of just 23. Selena was a groundbreaking artist who achieved massive success in a short period of time, and her influence can still be felt today. On what would have been her 27th birthday, let’s take a look back at her life and legacy.
