Selena Quintanilla Perez, known stage name Selena, is an iconic American singer who has left an indelible mark on the music industry.
Known 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.
Selena’s rise to fame began with a string of hit albums, including live! and Forbidden Loveshowcasing her strong vocals and versatility as a performer.
contour
- Full name: Selena Quintanilla Perez
- Stage name: Selena
- Date of Birth: April 16, 1971
- Date of death: March 31, 1995
- Age: 23 (at time of death)
- Birthplace: Lake Jackson, Texas, USA
- Country: United States
- Occupation: Singer-songwriter
- Height: Unknown
- Parents: Marcella Ofelia Quintanilla and Abraham Quintanilla Jr.
- Siblings: AB Quintanilla and Suzette Quintanilla
- Spouse: Chris Perez
- Children: Unknown
- Relationship: Married
- Net worth: $5 million
Early life and education
Selena Quintanilla Perez was born on April 16, 1971, in Lake Jackson, Texas, United States. She is the youngest child of Marcela Ophelia Quintanilla, who claims to be of Cherokee descent, and Abraham Quintanilla II, a Mexican-American former musician. Selena grew up with her siblings AB Quintanilla and Suzette Quintanilla.
At 17, Selena earned her high school diploma from the American Correspondence School in Chicago. She was also accepted to Louisiana State University, but ultimately chose to attend Pacific Western University, majoring in business administration.
Profession
Selena Quintanilla Perez began her music career at a very young age, around the age of 10, as the lead singer of her family band, Selena y Los Dinos. The band played a unique Tejano sound that blended Mexican musical influences with country and western music. Despite some initial challenges, Selena’s immense talent and captivating stage presence soon became apparent.
In 1987, Selena reached the pinnacle of her career when she won the Tejano Music Award for Female Vocalist of the Year. This was a turning point in her career, and she won the award for nine consecutive years.
Selena launched her solo career in 1989 with her self-titled debut album. The 1990s were a golden era for the rising star. Mr. Kang Mige (Follow me) and Enter my world (Enter My World) firmly established Selena as a major force in Tejano music.
In addition to her musical achievements, Selena became a fashion icon, and her entrepreneurial spirit led her to launch a successful clothing line. Unfortunately, Selena passed away in 1995 at the age of 23. However, her legacy as a groundbreaking Tejano artist and cultural icon lives on to this day.
Awards and nominations
- 86 nominations, 67 awards
- Major awards include:
- Grammy Award for Best Mexican American Album (1994) Selena Live! (The first female Tejano artist to win the award)
- 14th Annual Billboard Latin Music Awards
- 10 Lo Nuestro Awards
- 36th Tejano Music Awards
- Inducted into the Billboard Latin Music Hall of Fame (1995)
- Nominated for the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Awards
social media
- Instagram account: @selenaqofficial
personal life
In 1990, Chris Perez joined the band Selena y Los Dinos as the lead guitarist. Chris and the band’s lead singer Selena were attracted to each other and began dating in secret. Selena’s father did not approve of their relationship, but Chris and Selena decided to elope and got married in 1992. Their marriage lasted for nearly three years until Selena’s tragic death.
On March 31, 1995, Selena was murdered by Yolanda Saldívar. The cause of death was hypovolemic shock caused by a bullet in her artery.
Discography
- Selena and the Dinosaur (in 1989)
- Extension of distance (1990)
- Mr. Kang Mige (year 1991)
- Enter my world (1992)
- Selena Live! (1993) (live album)
- Forbidden Love (1994)
- dream about you (1995) (English album)
- Selena (the year 1995)
- The last concert (2001) (Live version)
- legend (year 2004)
- Intimate moments (2002)
- Selena: Anthology (year 2010)
net worth
Selena Quintanilla Pérez, known simply as Selena, was an American singer and songwriter who rose to fame in the 1990s. At the time of her untimely death in 1995, Selena’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million. Selena’s impressive net worth is a testament to her immense popularity and success as a musical artist.
