History of Jenni Rivera in Timeline

Jenni Rivera, whose real name was Dolores Janney Rivera, was a multi-talented American artist celebrated for her contributions to regional Mexican music. She excelled in banda, mariachi, and norteño styles, earning recognition as a singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman, and producer. Major media outlets like CNN, Billboard, Fox News, and The New York Times have hailed her as a pivotal figure in regional Mexican music, highlighting her significant influence and commercial success as a female artist. Notably, Billboard recognized her as the top Latin artist and best-selling Latin artist of 2013.

July 2, 1969: Jenni Rivera's Birth

On July 2, 1969, Jenni Rivera was born in Long Beach, California.

1969: N/A

This date is likely an error as it is before Jenni Rivera's birth year and should be disregarded.

1985: Birth of Janney "Chiquis" Marín Rivera

Jenni Rivera gave birth to her first child, Janney, affectionately known as Chiquis, in 1985 while she was still attending high school. Chiquis would go on to follow in her mother's footsteps, pursuing a career in entertainment.

1987: Establishment of Cintas Acuario

In 1987, Pedro Rivera, Jenni Rivera's father, founded the record label Cintas Acuario, which later played a role in her own musical career.

1989: Birth of Jacqueline Marín Rivera

Jenni Rivera's second child, Jacqueline, was born in 1989. Jacqueline's birth further expanded Rivera's family and responsibilities as a young mother.

1991: Birth of Michael Marín Rivera

In 1991, Jenni Rivera welcomed her third child, Michael, with her then-husband, José Trinidad Marín. Michael's arrival marked another chapter in Rivera's life as a mother, as she balanced her growing family with her burgeoning music career.

1992: Release of Debut Album "Somos Rivera"

Jenni Rivera's debut album, "Somos Rivera" ("We Are Rivera"), was released in 1992, marking her official entry into the music industry.

1992: End of First Marriage

Jenni Rivera's first marriage to José Trinidad Marín ended in 1992. She cited physical and emotional abuse as the reasons for the separation, demonstrating her strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

1992: Recording Debut

Jenni Rivera's musical journey started in 1992 when she began recording music, marking the beginning of her career.

1993: Signing with Balboa Records

Jenni Rivera's career progressed in 1993 when she signed with Balboa Records.

1995: Release of "Adios a Selena"

Jenni Rivera paid tribute to the late Tejano music singer Selena with her album "Adios a Selena," released in 1995.

1997: Sexual Abuse Revelation and Case

In 1997, Jenni Rivera's younger sister, Rosie, revealed that Marín, Rivera's ex-husband, had sexually abused her. Further investigation revealed that he had also abused Rivera's daughters, Chiquis and Jacqie. This devastating revelation led to the opening of a molestation case, highlighting the importance of speaking out against abuse.

1997: Second Marriage and Birth of Jenicka

Jenni Rivera married her second husband, Juan López, in 1997, the same year she gave birth to their daughter, Jenicka. This period marked a time of both joy and challenges for Rivera, as she navigated the complexities of marriage, motherhood, and her music career.

1999: Signing with Fonovisa Records and Release of "Que Me Entierren Con la Banda"

In 1999, Jenni Rivera signed with Fonovisa Records, and released her first commercial album with the label, "Que Me Entierren Con la Banda", featuring the hit song "Las Malandrinas."

2001: Jenni Rivera's Dream for a Women's Shelter

In 2001, Jenni Rivera shared her dream of converting her Corona house into a shelter for women with her mother.

2001: Release of "Dejate Amar" and "Se las Voy a Dar a Otro"

Jenni Rivera released two albums in 2001, "Dejate Amar" and "Se las Voy a Dar a Otro," marking her growing presence in the music industry.

2001: Birth of Juan Angel

Jenni Rivera's family grew once more in 2001 with the birth of her son, Juan Angel, her second child with Juan López. Juan Angel's arrival brought further happiness to Rivera's life, as she embraced the joys of motherhood.

2003: Reflection on Teenage Motherhood

In 2003, Jenni Rivera candidly spoke about her experiences as a teenage mother, providing insights into her personal journey.

2003: First Latin Grammy Nomination and Release of "Homenaje a Las Grandes"

Jenni Rivera received her first Latin Grammy nomination in 2003 for Best Banda Album, solidifying her status as a respected artist. The same year she released the album "Homenaje a Las Grandes."

2003: Divorce from Juan López

Jenni Rivera's second marriage came to an end in 2003 when she divorced Juan López. Despite the challenges, she remained committed to her children and her passion for music.

2004: Release of First Compilation Album "Simplemente... La Mejor"

In 2004, Jenni Rivera released her first compilation album, "Simplemente... La Mejor", marking a significant point in her career.

2005: Breakthrough with "Parrandera, Rebelde y Atrevida"

In 2005, Jenni Rivera rose to fame with her album "Parrandera, Rebelde y Atrevida," establishing her presence in the music scene.

2005: Release of "Parrandera, Rebelde y Atrevida" and Chart Success

Jenni Rivera's album "Parrandera, Rebelde y Atrevida", released in 2005, achieved significant success, peaking at No. 10 on the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart and achieving double-platinum certification.

April 2006: Apprehension and Conviction of José Trinidad Marín

After spending nine years as a fugitive, Jenni Rivera's ex-husband, José Trinidad Marín, was apprehended in April 2006. He was subsequently convicted of sexual assault and rape, receiving a sentence of over 31 years in prison without the possibility of parole.

2007: Juan López's Drug Conviction

In 2007, Juan López, Jenni Rivera's ex-husband, was convicted of drug-related offenses. This event added another layer of complexity to Rivera's life as she navigated the aftermath of their relationship and co-parented their children.

2007: Release of "Mi Vida Loca" and "La Diva en Vivo"

Jenni Rivera released two albums in 2007, "Mi Vida Loca" and "La Diva en Vivo," showcasing her versatility and musical prowess.

2007: First Lo Nuestro Award

Jenni Rivera's talent was recognized in 2007 when she received her first Lo Nuestro Award for Regional Mexican Female Artist of the Year.

June 2008: Arrest for Alleged Fan Assault

In June 2008, following a concert in Raleigh, North Carolina, Jenni Rivera was arrested for allegedly assaulting a fan. Reports indicate that Rivera was struck by a beer can thrown from the audience. In response, she brought the individual on stage and allegedly engaged in physical and verbal assault. Subsequently, the fan contacted the police, leading to Rivera's arrest after the concert. She was detained for a few hours and later released on $3,000 bail.

October 2008: Release of Sex Video

In October 2008, a sex video featuring Jenni Rivera began to circulate, marking a controversial event in her life.

2008: Chart-Topping Success with "Jenni"

Jenni Rivera achieved a significant milestone in 2008 when her album "Jenni" reached No. 1 on the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart, solidifying her position as a leading artist.

2008: Latin Billboard Music Award and Second Lo Nuestro Award

Jenni Rivera's album "Mi Vida Loca" earned her a Latin Billboard Music Award for Regional Mexican Album of the Year in 2008. The same year, she won her second Lo Nuestro Award for Banda Artist of the Year, making history as the first female artist to receive the award.

May 18, 2009: Arrest for Customs Violation

On May 18, 2009, Jenni Rivera was arrested by customs officials at Mexico City's international airport for failing to declare $52,467 in cash. She subsequently paid an $8,400 fine and was released.

July 9, 2009: Sold-Out Show at Nokia Theatre

On July 9, 2009, Jenni Rivera achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Latin artist to sell out the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. This accomplishment solidified her status as a prominent figure in Latin music.

2009: Release of La Gran Señora

In 2009, Jenni Rivera took a bold step in her career by recording her first full mariachi studio album, titled "La Gran Señora." This decision proved to be significant, as the album earned her a Latin Grammy nomination for Best Ranchero Album and reached the No. 2 spot on the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart in the United States.

2009: Beginning Work on Tequila La Gran Señora

Jenni Rivera started working on her tequila brand in 2009, collaborating with 3 Crowns Distributors to create the product.

2009: Death of Juan López

Juan López passed away in 2009 due to complications from pneumonia while serving his prison sentence. His death marked a somber chapter in Jenni Rivera's life, as she mourned the loss of her ex-husband and the father of her children.

2009: N/A

The mention of 2009 in this context refers to the timeframe used for the Billboard ranking and not a specific event.

August 6, 2010: Jenni Rivera Day and Philanthropic Recognition

On August 6, 2010, Jenni Rivera was acknowledged for her extensive charity work and community engagement. The Los Angeles City Council officially proclaimed August 6th as "Jenni Rivera Day." Her contributions also extended to Children's Hospital Los Angeles, where she was honored with a place on the hospital's wall of fame.

2010: Television Debut with "Jenni Rivera Presents: Chiquis & Raq-C"

Expanding her horizons, Jenni Rivera debuted on television in 2010, appearing in and producing the reality show "Jenni Rivera Presents: Chiquis & Raq-C."

2010: La Gran Señora: A Commercial Success

Jenni Rivera's album "La Gran Señora" achieved remarkable commercial success in 2010, becoming the highest-selling regional Mexican album of the year. This accomplishment highlighted her impact on the genre and her ability to connect with a wide audience.

2010: Marriage to Esteban Loaiza

Jenni Rivera's hope for lasting love led her to marry baseball player Esteban Loaiza in 2010. The high-profile wedding generated significant media attention and public interest in her personal life.

2010: La Gran Señora Tour and Live Album

To promote her album "La Gran Señora," Jenni Rivera embarked on a tour in 2010. Following the tour's conclusion, she released "La Gran Señora en Vivo," a live album featuring a compilation of her hits in both banda and mariachi styles. The album debuted at No. 8 on the Top Latin Albums chart in the United States.

August 23, 2011: Contract Renewal with Universal Music Latin Entertainment/Fonovisa Records

On August 23, 2011, Jenni Rivera reaffirmed her commitment to Universal Music Latin Entertainment/Fonovisa Records by renewing her contract with the label. This decision reflected her continued success and the label's belief in her artistry.

2011: Interview with Billboard Magazine

In 2011, Jenni Rivera gave an interview to Billboard magazine, discussing her experiences and challenges in the music industry.

2011: Premiere of "I Love Jenni"

Jenni Rivera continued her foray into television in 2011 with the premiere of "I Love Jenni," further showcasing her life and career.

2011: Billboard Magazine Interview

Jenni Rivera shared insights into her music and personal life during an interview with Billboard magazine in 2011.

October 2012: Recognized Among People en Español's Top 25 Most Powerful Women

In October 2012, Jenni Rivera's influence and impact extended beyond the music industry as she was recognized as one of the Top 25 most powerful women by People en Español. This accolade highlighted her broader contributions to society and her status as a role model.

December 9, 2012: Jenni Rivera's Death

Jenni Rivera passed away on December 9, 2012.

December 11, 2012: Posthumous Release of La Misma Gran Señora

Two days after her tragic death, Jenni Rivera's album "La Misma Gran Señora" was released on December 11, 2012. The album quickly soared to the top of the charts, debuting at No. 1 on Billboard's Top Latin Albums chart, Billboard Regional Mexican Albums chart, and Mexico's Top 100 chart.

December 2012: Three Albums in Billboard Top Three

In December 2012, Jenni Rivera achieved an unprecedented feat by placing three albums simultaneously in the top three spots on the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart. Her albums "La Misma Gran Señora," "Joyas Prestadas: Pop," and "Joyas Prestadas: Banda" secured the No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 positions respectively.

2012: Finalizing Tequila La Gran Señora

By 2012, Jenni Rivera had finalized the taste and approved the production of her tequila brand, Tequila La Gran Señora.

2012: Production of "Chiquis 'n Control"

In 2012, Jenni Rivera produced the television show "Chiquis 'n Control", adding to her contributions to the entertainment industry.

2012: Children's Hospital Los Angeles Honor

In 2012, Jenni Rivera was recognized by Children's Hospital Los Angeles for her ongoing support and donations. She was given a place on their "wall of fame."

2012: Divorce Filing from Esteban Loaiza

In 2012, just months before her tragic death, Jenni Rivera filed for divorce from Esteban Loaiza. However, the divorce was never finalized due to her untimely passing, leaving their relationship in a state of legal limbo.

2012: Tragic Death of Jenni Rivera

Jenni Rivera's life and career were tragically cut short on December 9, 2012, when she died in a plane crash at the age of 43. Her untimely death sent shockwaves through the music industry and left a void in the hearts of her countless fans.

December 31, 2012: Burial of Jenni Rivera

After a delay due to legal issues, Jenni Rivera was laid to rest on December 31, 2012, at All Souls Cemetery in Long Beach, California. Her passing garnered significant international media attention.

April 19, 2013: Posthumous Release of Filly Brown

On April 19, 2013, Jenni Rivera's debut film, "Filly Brown," was released posthumously. In the film, she delivered a critically acclaimed performance as a drug-addicted mother in prison, showcasing her acting range and talent beyond music.

May 12, 2013: Opening of Jenni Rivera Exhibit at the Grammy Museum

The Grammy Museum opened a special exhibit dedicated to Jenni Rivera on May 12, 2013. The exhibit showcased a collection of her belongings, including stage costumes, her personal bible, driver's license, credit cards, photographs, handwritten notes, awards, concert memorabilia, and video footage. This exhibit marked the museum's first-ever dedication to a Latino or Latin American artist and became one of its most popular attractions.

July 2, 2013: Release of Unbreakable/Inquebrantable and Concert Albums

Jenni Rivera's autobiography, "Unbreakable/Inquebrantable," was released on July 2, 2013, becoming an instant New York Times bestseller. Additionally, her family released two parts of her final concert in Monterrey, titled "1969 - Siempre, En Vivo Desde Monterrey, Parte 1" and "1969 - Siempre, En Vivo Desde Monterrey, Parte 2." Both albums achieved commercial success, topping Billboard's Top Latin Albums chart and the Regional Mexican Albums chart.

September 2013: Launch of Tequila La Gran Señora

Jenni Rivera's own tequila brand, Tequila La Gran Señora, was launched in September 2013 after years of development and planning.

December 9, 2013: First Annual Jenni Vive Event

The first Jenni Vive, an annual fundraiser and tribute concert in honor of Jenni Rivera, was held on December 9, 2013, at Arena Monterrey. This venue held significance as it was the same one where Rivera performed her last concert a year prior.

2013: Awards and Recognition for La Misma Gran Señora

Following its release, "La Misma Gran Señora" garnered significant recognition, receiving a Billboard Music Award, three Latin Billboard Music Awards, and two Mexican Billboard Music Awards in 2013. The album's success at these prestigious award ceremonies underscored Jenni Rivera's enduring legacy and her impact on the music industry.

2013: Posthumous Awards and Tributes

In 2013, Jenni Rivera was honored posthumously with several awards and tributes. Univision dedicated the 25th anniversary of Premio Lo Nuestro to her, with various artists performing her songs in a tribute. She received five awards, including Artist of the Year. At the 2013 Latin Billboard Music Awards, she was posthumously given seven awards, including Artist of the Year, and her brother, Juan Rivera, performed her song "No Llega el Olvido" in her memory.

2013: Posthumous Recognition

In 2013, Jenni Rivera was recognized by Billboard magazine as the "top Latin artist" and "best selling Latin artist", solidifying her legacy in the music industry.

2013: Posthumous Release of "Filly Brown"

Jenni Rivera's acting debut in "Filly Brown" was released posthumously in 2013.

2013: Posthumous Recognition and Accolades

Jenni Rivera's legacy continued to grow in 2013, even after her passing. She was featured on Forbes' list of Top Earning Dead Celebrities, highlighting her enduring commercial success. Posthumously, she received two Oye! Awards (Mexico's equivalent to the Grammy awards) and was named "Top Latin Artist of 2013" by Billboard magazine. These accolades solidified her status as one of the most influential Latin artists of all time.

Jenni Rivera's estate initiated a copyright lawsuit against her former manager, Laura Lucio, in January 2014, alleging that Lucio was using Rivera's writings and interviews without permission for a book project, "Mi Vida Loca".

May 11, 2014: Closing of Jenni Rivera Exhibit at the Grammy Museum

On May 11, 2014, the Grammy Museum closed the exhibit dedicated to Jenni Rivera, marking the end of its successful run.

July 1, 2014: Release of 1969 - Siempre, En Vivo Desde Monterrey, Parte 2

The second part of Jenni Rivera's concert album, "1969 - Siempre, En Vivo Desde Monterrey, Parte 2," was released on July 1, 2014. The album's commercial success led to Rivera tying with Selena Quintanilla for the most No. 1 albums by a female artist on the Regional Mexican Albums chart.

In September 2014, the copyright lawsuit between Rivera's estate and Laura Lucio was moved back to state court at Lucio's request after initially being moved to federal court.

October 8, 2014: Proposal to Name Park in Honor of Jenni Rivera

Long Beach, California Councilman Dee Andrews proposed naming a park at Walnut Avenue and 20th Street the "Jenni Rivera Memorial Park" to honor the late singer and Long Beach native. The proposal was supported by Councilmembers Suzie Price and Roberto Uranga, with Andrews emphasizing Rivera's inspiration to the community. Rivera's family expressed honor and gratitude for the gesture.

October 17, 2014: Approval to Name Park After Jenni Rivera

On October 17, 2014, the Long Beach City Council voted unanimously (8-0) in favor of Councilman Dee Andrews' proposal to name a park in the 6th District after Jenni Rivera, honoring her legacy in her hometown.

December 9, 2014: Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Plane Owners and Servicers

On December 9, 2014, Rivera's estate, including her parents and five children, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Starwood Management Inc. (owner of the Learjet 25), Bombardier Inc., and Learjet Inc. (companies that serviced the aircraft). They sought unspecified damages, alleging negligence in the plane crash that resulted in Rivera's death.

December 2014: Conclusion of Plane Crash Investigation

In December 2014, the investigation into the plane crash that claimed Jenni Rivera's life concluded without determining a definitive cause. The investigation, conducted by Mexican authorities with support from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, cited "loss of control of the aircraft for undetermined reasons" as the probable cause. The plane's high-speed impact and disintegration upon hitting the ground, coupled with the destruction of the flight recorder and the missing cockpit voice recorder, hampered the investigation.

2014: Wrongful Death Lawsuit

In 2014, Esteban Loaiza, Rivera's widower, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Starwood, the company that owned the plane involved in her fatal crash. He alleged that the pilots were negligent. However, the case was dismissed later that year.

2014: Tequila La Gran Señora Wins Awards

In 2014, Tequila La Gran Señora received recognition in the tequila industry, winning awards for its Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo variations.

2014: N/A

The mention of 2014 in this context refers to the timeframe used for the Billboard ranking and not a specific event.

July 2, 2015: Second Annual Jenni Vive Event

On July 2, 2015, the second Jenni Vive event took place in Long Beach, California, featuring performances by Rivera's daughters, Chiquis and Jacqie, along with other artists.

Rivera's estate and Laura Lucio reached an out-of-court settlement in their copyright lawsuit in September 2015. The details of the agreement remain confidential.

2015: Posthumous Awards at Billboard Latin Music Awards

Jenni Rivera's impact on Latin music continued to be recognized posthumously. At the 2015 Billboard Latin Music Awards, she was honored with the awards for Top Latin Albums Female Artist of the Year and Regional Mexican Artist of the Year.

2015: Fundraising for Jenni's Refuge

The earnings from the 2015 Jenni Vive event were dedicated to funding the establishment of Jenni's Refuge.

May 2016: Opening of Jenni's Refuge

May 2016 marked the opening of Jenni's Refuge, a women and children's shelter in Long Beach, California, established by the Jenni Rivera Love Foundation. The center, funded by proceeds from Jenni Vive 2015, provides support for victims of domestic violence and abuse.

July 2, 2016: Grand Opening of Jenni Rivera Park

On July 2, 2016, the city of Long Beach hosted a grand opening ceremony for a park dedicated to Jenni Rivera. The ceremony included the unveiling of a 125-foot-long mural of the late singer.

July 2016: New Bottle Design for Tequila La Gran Señora Unveiled

During an event commemorating Jenni Rivera's birthday in July 2016, her family introduced a new bottle design for Tequila La Gran Señora, which had been approved by Rivera herself prior to her passing.

November 2018: Music Distribution Deal with Sony Music Entertainment

In November 2018, Jenni Rivera Enterprises, the company managing her estate, signed a music distribution deal with Sony Music Entertainment. This agreement ensured that her music would continue to reach a wider audience through Sony Music Latin and The Orchard labels.

June 2023: Posthumous Release of Misión Cumplida

Eleven years after her last studio album, "Joyas Prestadas," Jenni Rivera's family released "Misión Cumplida" in June 2023. This posthumous album marked her first collection of new studio recordings in over a decade, giving fans a glimpse into what could have been.