Selena Quintanilla: Age, Date of Birth & other info
Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, often referred to as the “Queen of Tejano Music,” was a Mexican-American singer, songwriter, fashion designer, and businesswoman. Despite her short life, she made a lasting impact on Latin music and pop culture.
- Age: 23 Years
- Date of Birth: April 16, 1971
- Birth Place: Lake Jackson, Texas, USA
- Weight: 57 kg (125 lbs)
- Height: 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall
- Net Worth: $5 million
Early Life and Family Background
Selena Quintanilla was born on April 16, 1971, in Lake Jackson, Texas, USA. She was the youngest child of Abraham Quintanilla Jr. and Marcella Ofelia Quintanilla (née Samora). Selena had two older siblings: Abraham “A.B.” Quintanilla III, who became a producer and songwriter, and Suzette Quintanilla, who played the drums in their family band.Selena’s father, Abraham, was a former musician who had been part of the band Los Dinos in the 1950s and 1960s. He recognized his daughter’s musical talent at a young age and decided to form a family band. Selena’s musical journey began when she was just six years old, singing in her father’s restaurant, Papa Gayo’s. However, financial struggles forced the family to close the restaurant and relocate to Corpus Christi, Texas, where they continued to perform at local events to make ends meet.
The Rise of Selena y Los Dinos
At the age of nine, Selena became the lead singer of the family band Selena y Los Dinos, which her father managed. Initially, Selena faced resistance in the Tejano music industry, which was male-dominated. However, her talent and charisma quickly helped her gain recognition.The band performed at fairs, weddings, and clubs, slowly building a loyal fan base. By the late 1980s, Selena y Los Dinos had established themselves as one of the most popular Tejano music acts. Selena’s ability to blend cumbia, pop, R&B, and Tejano styles helped her stand out from other artists.In 1987, at just 15 years old, Selena won the Female Vocalist of the Year award at the Tejano Music Awards, an achievement she would repeat nine years in a row.
Music Career and Breakthrough Success
Signing with EMI Latin
In 1989, Selena caught the attention of Jose Behar, an executive at EMI Latin Records. He saw her potential to become a crossover star and signed her to the label. That same year, she released her first self-titled album, Selena, which marked the beginning of her professional music career.
Major Albums and Hit Songs
- Entre a Mi Mundo (1992)
- This album became Selena’s breakthrough, topping the Billboard Regional Mexican Albums chart for eight consecutive months.
- The single “Como la Flor” became one of her signature songs.
- Live! (1993)
- This live album won Best Mexican-American Album at the 36th Grammy Awards, making Selena the first female Tejano artist to win a Grammy.
- Amor Prohibido (1994)
- This album was one of the best-selling Latin albums of all time.
- It included hit singles like “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom”, “No Me Queda Más”, and “Amor Prohibido”.
Crossover into English Music
Selena was preparing to crossover into the English-language market with her first English album, Dreaming of You. She had already recorded several tracks before her tragic passing.
Selena’s Personal Life
Marriage to Chris Pérez
Selena met Chris Pérez, a guitarist who joined her band, in the late 1980s. The two fell in love, but her father disapproved of their relationship. Despite this, Selena and Chris eloped on April 2, 1992. Eventually, her family accepted their marriage, and Chris became an integral part of her career.
Business Ventures and Fashion Career
Selena was not only a musician but also a fashion icon. She launched her own clothing line and opened two Selena Etc. boutiques, which featured her own designs. She was involved in every detail of her brand, from choosing fabrics to modeling her creations.Additionally, Selena served as a spokesperson for major brands like Coca-Cola, earning lucrative endorsement deals.
The Tragic Death of Selena
On March 31, 1995, Selena was murdered by Yolanda Saldívar, the president of her fan club and manager of her boutiques. Saldívar had been embezzling money, and when Selena confronted her at a motel in Corpus Christi, Texas, she shot Selena in the back.Selena ran to the hotel lobby, where she collapsed. She was rushed to the hospital but died from blood loss at 1:05 PM. She was only 23 years old.Her funeral was attended by tens of thousands of fans, and her death sent shockwaves through the Latin music industry.
Selena’s Legacy
Posthumous Success
- Just a few months after her death, her crossover album Dreaming of You (1995) debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, making her the first Latin artist to achieve this feat.
- The album included songs like “I Could Fall in Love” and “Dreaming of You”, which became massive hits.
Impact on Music and Pop Culture
Selena remains a symbol of Latin music and continues to inspire new generations. Her influence has extended into fashion, media, and even academia, with college courses dedicated to her legacy.In 1997, Jennifer Lopez starred in the biopic Selena, which introduced Selena’s story to an even wider audience.In 2020, Netflix released Selena: The Series, which provided a deeper look into her life and career.
Selena’s Honors and Recognitions
- Selena Museum: Established in Corpus Christi by her family.
- Madame Tussauds Wax Figures: Selena has been immortalized in multiple museums.
- Hollywood Walk of Fame: Selena received a star in 2017, which drew record-breaking crowds.
Selena’s Net Worth
At the time of her death, Selena’s net worth was estimated to be $5 million.
Her estate, managed by the Quintanilla family, has continued to grow due to:
- Music sales
- Merchandise
- Tributes and biopics
- Netflix series and documentaries
Even decades after her passing, Selena remains one of the highest-earning deceased celebrities in the Latin music industry.
Conclusion
Selena Quintanilla’s life was tragically cut short, but her impact on music and culture remains unmatched. She broke barriers in the Latin music industry, paved the way for future artists, and left behind an enduring legacy.Her fans continue to celebrate her music, fashion, and spirit, proving that her legacy will live on forever.
