Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Selena

Role / Field:

The "Queen of Tejano Music," Selena pioneered Latin American pop and fashion.

Born:

1971-04-16

Died:

1995-03-31

Century / Era:

1971s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Selena Quintanilla-Pérez (Latin American Spanish: [seˈlena kintaˈniʝa ˈpeɾes]; April 16, 1971 – March 31, 1995), known mononymously as Selena, was an American singer-songwriter, fashion designer and business owner. Known as the "Queen of Tejano Music", she is known for her contributions to popular music and fashion, which made her one of the most celebrated Mexican-American entertainers of the late 20th century. Media outlets called her the "Tejano Madonna" for her clothing choices. She also ranks among the most influential Latin artists of all time and is credited for catapulting the Tejano genre into the mainstream market.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

The youngest child of the Quintanilla family, she debuted on the music scene as a member of the band Selena y Los Dinos, which also included her elder siblings A.B. Quintanilla and Suzette Quintanilla. In the 1980s, she was often criticized and refused bookings at venues across Texas for performing Tejano music—a male-dominated music genre. However, her popularity grew after she won the Tejano Music Award for Female Vocalist of the Year in 1987, which she won nine consecutive times. She signed with EMI Latin in 1989 and released her self-titled debut album the...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abd El-Razzak El-Sanhuri — Contemporary (Died in 1971) (1971): Pioneering Egyptian jurist, celebrated for authoring the revised Civil Code of 1948.
• Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi — Contemporary (Born in 1971) (1971): Iraqi militant leader and founder of the Islamic State (IS)
• Aditya Chopra — Contemporary (Born in 1971) (1971): Pioneering figure in Hindi Cinema, known for producing blockbuster films and leading Yash Raj Films.
• Adolfo Pedernera — Contemporary (Died in 1995) (1995): Argentine football legend, nicknamed 'El Maestro,' pivotal in the 1940s.
• Alexander Knox — Contemporary (Died in 1995) (1995): Esteemed Canadian actor and writer, known for dramatic roles and literary contributions.
• Annie M.G. Schmidt — Contemporary (Died in 1995) (1995): A celebrated Dutch writer, hailed as the mother of Dutch theatrical song and children's literature.
• Akon — Shared historical date (04-16 · Born) (1973): Senegalese-American singer, songwriter, and influential figure in world music.
• Alexey Pajitnov — Shared historical date (04-16 · Born) (1955): Pioneering computer engineer and video game designer, best known for creating Tetris.
• Ahmed Urabi — Shared historical date (03-31 · Born) (1841): Pioneering Egyptian military and political leader who spearheaded the 'Urabi Revolt.
• Al Gore — Shared historical date (03-31 · Born) (1948): American politician, businessman, and leading voice on environmental issues.
• 1971 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1971
• April 16 (04-16) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on April 16
• 1995 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1995
• March 31 (03-31) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on March 31

Frequently Asked Questions about Selena