History of Selena in Timeline
Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, known as Selena, was an influential American singer-songwriter and the "Queen of Tejano Music." Her contributions to music and fashion made her a celebrated Mexican-American entertainer. Billboard ranked her as the third-greatest Latino artist of all time in 2020. Known as the "Tejano Madonna" for her fashion choices, Selena is credited with popularizing Tejano music and bringing it to the mainstream.
1939: Selena audition became the second largest audition
The audition for the title role in Selena biopic had over 21,000 people auditioning, becoming the second largest audition since the search for Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind in 1939.
April 16, 1971: Selena Quintanilla's Birth
On April 16, 1971, Selena Quintanilla-Pérez was born. She later became known as the "Queen of Tejano Music" and one of the most celebrated Mexican-American entertainers.
1980: Opening of Papa Gayo's Restaurant
In 1980, Selena's father opened his first Tex-Mex restaurant in Lake Jackson, called Papa Gayo's. Selena and her siblings performed there often.
1986: Release of Alpha LP Record
In 1986, Selena released the LP record Alpha.
1987: Releases of Muñequito de Trapo and And the Winner Is... LP Records
In 1987, Selena released two LP records: Muñequito de Trapo and And the Winner Is...
1987: Tejano Music Award for Female Vocalist of the Year
In 1987, Selena won the Tejano Music Award for Female Vocalist of the Year. She would win the award nine consecutive times.
1988: Releases of Preciosa and Dulce Amor LP Records
In 1988, Selena released the LP records Preciosa and Dulce Amor.
October 17, 1989: Release of Self-Titled Debut Album
On October 17, 1989, Selena released her self-titled debut album. Selena peaked at number seven on the US Billboard Regional Mexican Albums chart.
1989: Performance at the Tejano Music Awards
In 1989, Selena performed at the Tejano Music Awards. José Behar of EMI Latin Records watched her perform and wanted to sign her to Capitol Records.
1989: Signing with EMI Latin and Debut Album Release
In 1989, Selena signed with EMI Latin. In the same year she released her self-titled debut album, with her brother as her principal music producer and songwriter.
September 1990: Release of Ven Conmigo
In September 1990, Selena released her second studio album, Ven Conmigo. "Baila Esta Cumbia" was one of the album's most successful singles.
1991: Yolanda Saldívar Becomes Fan Club President and Release of "Buenos Amigos"
In 1991, Yolanda Saldívar became the acting president of Selena's fan club. Also in 1991, Selena released "Buenos Amigos" with Álvaro Torres on his album Nada Se Compara Contigo.
April 2, 1992: Selena and Chris Pérez Eloped
On April 2, 1992, Selena and Chris Pérez eloped because they believed Selena's father would never approve of their relationship. The media announced their elopement within hours.
May 1992: Release of Entre a Mi Mundo Album
In May 1992, Selena released her third studio album, Entre a Mi Mundo. It was critically acclaimed as her "breakthrough album" and peaked at number one on the US Billboard Regional Mexican Albums chart.
1992: Selena discusses clothing choices and being named "Mexican Madonna"
In 1992, Selena addressed her choice of concert attire, which included decorative bustiers, spandex, and unbuttoned jackets inspired by artists like Paula Abdul, Janet Jackson, and Madonna. Despite disapproval from her father, she explained that her clothing choices were a fashion trend, and her fans had nicknamed her the "Mexican Madonna".
1992: Billboard Music Awards Nominations
In 1992, Selena and Álvaro Torres received two nominations at the Billboard Music Awards for the music video of their song "Buenos Amigos".
1992: Release of Entre a Mi Mundo
In 1992, Selena released "Entre a Mi Mundo", which reached number one on the US Billboard Regional Mexican Albums chart for eight consecutive months. Music critics called the album the "breakthrough" recording of her musical career.
1992: Selena's Clothing Affects Jehovah's Witness Status and Family
In 1992, Selena's choice of exotic clothing led to her becoming an inactive member of the Jehovah's Witnesses. During a photoshoot for Entre a Mi Mundo (1992), Selena's revealing outfits greatly affected her father, Quintanilla Jr., who would often leave the sessions. Selena was also credited with changing public perceptions of feminine beauty in the Tejano market.
February 7, 1993: Recording of Live! Album
On February 7, 1993, Selena recorded her album Live! during a free concert at the Memorial Coliseum in Corpus Christi.
September 17, 1993: Concert in Nuevo León
On September 17, 1993, Selena performed in Nuevo León for 70,000 people, establishing her as the biggest Tejano act in Mexico.
1993: "Como la Flor" Nomination at Tejano Music Awards
In 1993, "Como la Flor" was nominated for Song of the Year at the Tejano Music Awards. The single peaked at number six on the US Billboard Top Latin Songs chart.
1993: Grammy Award for Live!
In 1993, the album Live! by Selena won Best Mexican/American Album at the 1994 Grammy Awards, which was the first recording by a female Tejano artist to win the award.
March 1994: Amor Prohibido Album Release
In March 1994, Selena released her fourth studio album, Amor Prohibido, which debuted at number three on the US Billboard Top Latin Albums chart and number one on the US Billboard Regional Mexican Albums charts.
May 1994: Live! named Album of the Year by Billboard Latin Music Awards
In May 1994, Selena's album Live! was recognized as Album of the Year at the Billboard Latin Music Awards, marking a significant achievement in her musical career.
August 1994: Selena hosts charity baseball game and donates to civic organizations
In August 1994, Selena hosted a charity baseball game to raise money for unspecified charities. She also donated her time to civic organizations such as D.A.R.E. and planned a fundraising concert to help AIDS patients. Additionally, Selena participated with the Texas Prevention Partnership, releasing educational videos such as "My Music" and "Selena Agrees" for students.
December 3, 1994: Concert after Selena Etc.'s second fashion show
On December 3, 1994, Selena, along with her band Selena y Los Dinos, performed a concert at the Hemisfair Arena in San Antonio following Selena Etc.'s second fashion show, blending her musical talent with her entrepreneurial fashion ventures.
December 1994: Boutiques Begin to Suffer
In December 1994, Selena's boutiques began to suffer due to a decrease in staff, as Yolanda Saldívar often dismissed employees she disliked, according to staff members. This marked the beginning of issues related to Saldívar's management.
1994: Duet "Donde Quiera Que Estés" Release
In 1994, Selena recorded a duet titled "Donde Quiera Que Estés" with the Barrio Boyzz, which was released on their album of the same name. This collaboration helped her expand her reach and tour in various regions where she was not as well-known.
1994: Release of Amor Prohibido
In 1994, Selena released Amor Prohibido, which became one of the best-selling Latin albums in the United States. It was critically acclaimed as being responsible for Tejano music's first marketable era.
1994: Entre a Mi Mundo Ranked as Second Best-Selling Regional Mexican Album
In 1994, Selena's album Entre a Mi Mundo was ranked as the second best-selling regional Mexican album of all time.
1994: Most Successful US Latin Singles of 1994
In 1994, the singles "Amor Prohibido" and "No Me Queda Más" were the most successful US Latin singles.
1994: EMI Plans Selena's Crossover Album
In late 1994, EMI chairman Charles Koppelman decided that Selena had achieved her goals in the Spanish-speaking market, and began preparing for her crossover into the English-language pop market. Grammy Award-winning composers were engaged and Selena continued touring.
January 1995: Selena Headlines Teach the Children Festival
In January 1995, Selena headlined the Teach the Children festival in San Antonio, raising funds for school supplies for needy children. She also advocated for women in abusive relationships and aided homeless shelters, encouraging her minority fans to make the most of their lives.
January 1995: Concerns Over Saldívar's Behavior
In January 1995, Selena's fashion designer Martin Gomez, her cousin Debra Ramirez, and clients began expressing concerns over Yolanda Saldívar's behavior and management skills, indicating growing unease about her role in Selena's affairs.
January 1995: Investigation into Fan Club Funds
In January 1995, Selena's father, Quintanilla Jr., began receiving calls from fans who had not received promised items from the Selena fan club, leading to an investigation into Yolanda Saldívar's handling of funds.
April 3, 1995: Selena's Burial
On April 3, 1995, Selena's burial was held at Seaside Memorial Park in Corpus Christi, Texas. The burial was broadcast live by a Corpus Christi and San Antonio radio station without the consent of her family. Many celebrities and fans attended to pay their respects.
April 12, 1995: Selena Day Declared in Texas
On April 12, 1995, George W. Bush, then governor of Texas, declared April 16 as Selena Day in the state, recognizing Selena's cultural impact, which sparked mixed reactions and some controversy.
April 1995: Behar's Interview with Billboard Magazine
In an April 1995 interview with Billboard magazine, Behar expressed his view of Selena as being a cross between Janet Jackson and Whitney Houston in style, feel, and vocal range, highlighting her potential in the music industry.
July 1995: Dreaming of You Album Release and Success
In July 1995, Selena's crossover album Dreaming of You was released posthumously, selling 175,000 copies on its release day and 331,000 copies in its first week in the U.S. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, making Selena the first Hispanic artist to achieve this milestone and the first solo artist to debut a posthumous album at number one. It was later certified 59x platinum (Latin field).
October 1995: Saldívar Convicted of First-Degree Murder
In October 1995, Yolanda Saldívar was convicted of first-degree murder in Houston for the death of Selena and sentenced to life in prison, with the possibility of parole after 30 years in 2025.
1995: Salma Hayek Turns Down Role in Selena Biopic
In 1995, Salma Hayek turned down the role of Selena in a biopic, feeling it was too soon after Selena's death. Jennifer Lopez was cast instead, initially drawing criticism due to her Puerto Rican ancestry.
1995: Selena inducted into Billboard Latin Music Hall of Fame, Hard Rock Cafe's Hall of Fame, and South Texas Music Hall of Fame
In 1995, Selena was inducted into the Billboard Latin Music Hall of Fame, the Hard Rock Cafe's Hall of Fame, and the South Texas Music Hall of Fame.
1995: Grammy Nomination for Best Mexican/American Album
In 1995, Selena's album Amor Prohibido received a Grammy nomination for Best Mexican/American Album at the 37th Grammy Awards. That same year it won Record of the Year at the Tejano Music Awards and Regional/Mexican Album of the Year at the Lo Nuestro Awards.
1995: Amor Prohibido Among the Best Selling U.S. Albums
In 1995, Selena's album Amor Prohibido was among the best selling U.S. albums and later certified 36x platinum by the RIAA for sales of 2.16 million album-equivalent units in the United States.
1995: Selena name ranked one of the most popular names for newborn girls
In 1995, the United States Social Security Administration ranked the name Selena one of the 100 most popular names for newborn girls.
1995: Tribute held at the Lo Nuestro Awards
In 1995, two months after her death, a tribute was held at the Lo Nuestro Awards to honor Selena.
1996: Creation of the Spirit of Hope Award in Selena's Honor
In 1996, the Spirit of Hope Award was created in Selena's honor; it was awarded to Latin artists who participated in humanitarian and civic causes.
March 21, 1997: Release of the Selena Biopic Film
On March 21, 1997, the film Selena, directed by Gregory Nava and starring Jennifer Lopez, was released. It grossed $11,615,722 during its opening week and was a commercial and critical success, marking Lopez's breakthrough role.
1997: Unveiling of Mirador de la Flor statue
In 1997, Mirador de la Flor, Selena's life-size bronze statue monument in Corpus Christi, Texas, sculpted by H. W. "Buddy" Tatum, was unveiled.
1998: Selena commemorated with a museum
In 1998, Selena was commemorated with a museum.
December 1999: Selena Named Top Latin Artist of the '90s by Billboard
In December 1999, Billboard named Selena the "top Latin artist of the '90s" and "Best selling Latin artist of the decade" for her fourteen top-ten singles in the Top Latin Songs chart, including seven number-one hits. She was the best-selling Latin female singer of the 1990s in the U.S. and Mexico.
1999: Selena Broadway Musical Scheduled
In 1999, a Broadway-bound musical titled Selena was scheduled to premiere in San Antonio in March 2000 to commemorate the fifth anniversary of her murder.
1999: Celebrities Question Selena's Role Model Status
In 1999, following Selena's death, some celebrities and media outlets questioned her status as a role model among Hispanic women. Lourdes Portillo and Sandra Cisneros expressed concerns that Selena's clothing and dance moves sent a message of hypersexualization to young girls. Media outlets shared Portillo's views, questioning Quintanilla Jr.'s role for pushing an image that Selena had "never made mistakes" into the media, calling it "lies" and "not the real story".
March 2000: "Selena Forever" Musical Premieres in San Antonio
In March 2000, the musical "Selena Forever" premiered at the San Antonio Municipal Auditorium, following a 30-city U.S. tour. Veronica Vasquez and Rebecca Valdez alternated in the role of Selena.
2001: Selena inducted into the Tejano Music Hall of Fame
In 2001, Selena was inducted into the Tejano Music Hall of Fame.
April 7, 2005: Selena ¡VIVE! Tribute Concert
On April 7, 2005, Selena's family and Los Dinos held the Selena ¡VIVE! tribute concert, broadcast live on Univision. It achieved a 35.9 household rating, becoming the highest-rated Spanish-language television special in American television history.
2007: Tejano market died with Selena
In 2007, according to John Lannert of Billboard, when Selena died the "Tejano market died with her".
2008: "I Could Fall in Love" made Selena a posthumous crossover star
In 2008, Joey Guerra of the Houston Chronicle noted that Selena's song "I Could Fall in Love" had "made the Tejano goddess a posthumous crossover star".
2010: Selena named Best Female Vocalist of the '80s and '90s at Tejano Music Awards
In 2010, Selena was named "Best Female Vocalist of the '80s" and "Best Female Vocalist of the '90s" at the Tejano Music Awards.
March 16, 2011: United States Postal Service Releases "Latin Legends" Memorial Stamp
On March 16, 2011, the United States Postal Service released a "Latin Legends" memorial stamp to honor Selena, along with Carlos Gardel, Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, and Carmen Miranda.
February 2014: Selena Named One of "100 Coolest Americans in History"
In February 2014, the Albany, New York Times Union named Selena one of "100 Coolest Americans in History".
January 2015: Inaugural Fiesta de la Flor Held in Corpus Christi
In January 2015, the first annual Fiesta de la Flor was held in Corpus Christi to honor Selena. The two-day event featured musical acts and drew 52,000 attendees, generating $13 million in revenue.
2015: "Dreaming of You" sells five million copies worldwide
As of 2015, the recording "Dreaming of You" has sold five million copies worldwide.
August 30, 2016: Selena Wax Statue Unveiled at Madame Tussauds Hollywood
On August 30, 2016, a wax statue of Selena was unveiled at Madame Tussauds Hollywood.
October 2016: MAC Cosmetics Releases Selena Makeup Line
In October 2016, MAC Cosmetics released a limited edition Selena makeup line that became the best-selling celebrity line in cosmetic history. She was also inducted into the Texas Women's Hall of Fame at Texas Woman's University.
October 17, 2017: Google Honors Selena with Musical Doodle
On October 17, 2017, Google honored Selena with a musical doodle of her life.
2017: "Dreaming of You" Recognized as Best-Selling Latin Album
As of 2017, Selena's album "Dreaming of You" has sold over 2.942 million copies in the U.S., making it the best-selling Latin album of all time in the country, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
2017: Amor Prohibido Ranked on NPR's List
In 2017, NPR ranked Selena's album Amor Prohibido at number 19 on their list of the 150 greatest albums made by women, solidifying its legacy and impact on music history.
2017: Selena Receives Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
In 2017, Selena received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The unveiling ceremony was attended by approximately 4,500 fans.
2017: Exhibit at National Museum of American History focused on Selena's influence in marketing
In 2017, an exhibit at the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. focused on Selena's influence in marketing.
December 11, 2018: Announcement of Selena: The Series on Netflix
On December 11, 2018, it was announced that a biographical television series based on Selena's life, titled Selena: The Series, would be released on Netflix.
2019: Forever 21 releases "Selena: The White Rose Collection"
In 2019, Forever 21 launched "Selena: The White Rose Collection", a clothing line celebrating Selena's legacy.
2019: Teaser Trailer Released for Selena: The Series
In late 2019, a teaser trailer was released for the biographical television series Selena: The Series, which would be released on Netflix.
December 4, 2020: Premiere of Selena: The Series on Netflix
On December 4, 2020, the first part of Selena: The Series premiered on Netflix, starring Christian Serratos as Selena.
December 2020: Release of Selena: The Series on Netflix
In December 2020, Selena: The Series, a biographical television series based on Selena's life, was released on Netflix, starring Christian Serratos as Selena.
2020: Recognition by Billboard and Netflix Series Release
In 2020, Billboard magazine ranked Selena third on their list of "Greatest Latino Artists of All Time". Netflix also released "Selena: The Series" in 2020, starring Christian Serratos.
May 4, 2021: Premiere of Final Part of Selena: The Series on Netflix
On May 4, 2021, the second and final part of Selena: The Series premiered on Netflix.
2021: Anything for Selena podcast and Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
In 2021, the 10-part podcast miniseries, Anything for Selena, was broadcast by WBUR-FM and Futuro Media. Also, Selena was posthumously presented with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, which her family received on her behalf in 2021.
2023: Rolling Stone Ranks Selena Among Greatest Singers of All Time
In 2023, Rolling Stone ranked Selena at number 89 on its list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.
2023: Selena posthumously awarded National Medal of Arts
In 2023, Selena was posthumously awarded the National Medal of Arts.
October 2024: Selena's sister accepts National Medal of Arts
In October 2024, Selena's sister accepted the 2023 National Medal of Arts on her behalf.
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