Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, known as Selena, was a celebrated Mexican-American singer called the "Queen of Tejano Music". Her influence on music and fashion during the late 20th century earned her recognition as one of the greatest Latino artists of all time. Billboard magazine ranked her third on their "Greatest Latino Artists of All Time" list in 2020. Selena's impact extended to popularizing the Tejano genre, bringing it into the mainstream market. Her unique style led to comparisons to Madonna, earning her the nickname "Tejano Madonna".
1939: Record-Breaking Auditions
The casting call for the role of Selena was a historic event, drawing the second-largest number of auditions since the search for Scarlett O'Hara in the 1939 film "Gone with the Wind."
April 16, 1971: Birth of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez
On April 16, 1971, Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, known professionally as Selena, was born in Lake Jackson, Texas.
1980: Early Performances at Papa Gayo's
Selena's musical journey began at a young age. In 1980, her father, Abraham Quintanilla Jr., opened a Tex-Mex restaurant called Papa Gayo's in Lake Jackson, Texas. It was here that Selena, along with her siblings, started performing regularly, showcasing their musical talents.
1984: First LP Record: "Selena y Los Dinos"
In 1984, Selena, alongside her band Selena y Los Dinos, recorded their debut LP record, "Selena y Los Dinos." This marked a significant step in her career, showcasing her talent to a wider audience.
1985: Debut on the "Johnny Canales Show"
Selena's career gained momentum in 1985 when she appeared on the "Johnny Canales Show," a popular Spanish-language radio program. This appearance provided her with valuable exposure and introduced her to a broader audience.
1986: Release of Albums "Alpha"
Selena released the album "Alpha" in 1986, further establishing her presence in the Tejano music scene.
1987: Release of Albums "Muñequito de Trapo", "And the Winner Is..."
In 1987, Selena released two more albums, "Muñequito de Trapo" and "And the Winner Is...," showcasing her versatility and musical growth.
1987: First Tejano Music Award Win
Selena's talent and perseverance earned her the Tejano Music Award for Female Vocalist of the Year in 1987, an award she would go on to win for nine consecutive years, solidifying her position in the male-dominated Tejano music scene.
1987: First Tejano Music Award for Female Vocalist
Selena's talent was recognized in 1987 when she won her first Tejano Music Award for Female Vocalist of the Year. This marked the beginning of her reign as a leading figure in Tejano music and solidified her place as a role model for aspiring female artists in the genre.
1988: Release of Five More LP Records
Selena's career continued to gain traction, and by 1988, she had released five more LP records: "Alpha" (1986), "Muñequito de Trapo" (1987), "And the Winner Is..." (1987), "Preciosa" (1988), and "Dulce Amor" (1988). These releases demonstrated her dedication to her craft and further expanded her growing fan base.
October 17, 1989: Release of Self-Titled Debut Album
On October 17, 1989, Selena released her self-titled debut album, marking her official entrance into the music industry as a solo artist.
1989: Signing with EMI Latin and Debut Album
A pivotal year for Selena, 1989 marked her signing with EMI Latin, a testament to her growing popularity. That same year, she released her self-titled debut album, with her brother, A.B. Quintanilla, taking on the role of her primary music producer and songwriter.
1989: Selena's Rising Popularity and Image Management
By 1989, Selena's popularity saw a significant rise. Despite offers for sponsorships from beer companies, her father, focused on maintaining a clean and family-friendly image, declined them. This year marked a turning point as she began to gain recognition as a sex symbol, particularly after the release of her debut album.
1989: Signing with EMI Latin Records
In 1989, Selena signed with EMI Latin Records, a major turning point in her career, paving the way for greater opportunities and recognition within the music industry.
September 1990: Selena Releases "Ven Conmigo"
In September 1990, Selena released her second studio album, "Ven Conmigo." The album featured popular singles like "Ya Ves," "La Tracalera," and the Tejano cumbia hit "Baila Esta Cumbia." This song became one of Selena's most successful, gaining significant traction in Mexico and even receiving a platinum certification from AMPROFON.
1990: Release of Ven Conmigo and Evolution of Selena's Sound
In 1990, Selena released her album "Ven Conmigo." This album marked a period where her music, influenced by her brother, incorporated more funk and hip hop elements. Critics praised the album's catchy cumbias, particularly the title track.
1991: Yolanda Saldívar Becomes Selena Fan Club President; "Buenos Amigos" Duet Released
In 1991, Yolanda Saldívar, a fan, approached Selena's father about starting a fan club in San Antonio. Her request was approved, and Saldívar quickly rose to become a trusted friend and the acting president of the fan club. That same year, Selena collaborated with Salvadoran singer Álvaro Torres on the duet "Buenos Amigos," produced by Enrique Elizondo for Torres's album "Nada Se Compara Contigo."
April 2, 1992: Selena Elopes with Chris Pérez
On April 2, 1992, Selena and Chris Pérez, her guitarist, decided to elope. They hoped that by marrying, they could finally be open about their relationship, which they believed Selena's father wouldn't approve of otherwise. The news quickly spread to the media, making their relationship public.
May 1992: "Entre a Mi Mundo" Released to Critical Acclaim
Selena's third studio album, "Entre a Mi Mundo," was released in May 1992 and hailed as her breakthrough. The album topped the US Billboard Regional Mexican Albums chart for eight months straight and achieved 10× platinum certification from the RIAA. Selling over 300,000 copies, it became the first Tejano album by a female artist to reach that milestone.
1992: Selena's Fashion Choices and the "Mexican Madonna" Label
Selena's fashion choices in the early 1990s, including bustiers, spandex, and stylish jackets, drew inspiration from artists like Paula Abdul, Janet Jackson, and Madonna. Her bold outfits were considered "provocative" by some, earning her the nickname "Mexican Madonna" from fans. Selena defended her clothing choices, stating they were a reflection of current trends and not necessarily her personality.
1992: "Buenos Amigos" Achieves Number One and Earns Selena Accolades
In 1992, the duet "Buenos Amigos" topped the US Billboard Top Latin Songs chart, marking Selena's first number-one single. The song's success led to nominations for Selena and Torres at the Billboard Music Awards and the Tejano Music Awards. "Buenos Amigos" broadened Selena's reach, allowing her to tour both coasts of the United States and break into regional Mexican and Tejano radio stations.
1992: Selena's Fashion and its Impact on Tejano Music
During the making of "Entre a Mi Mundo" in 1992, Selena's revealing outfits often made her father uncomfortable. However, this period solidified her image as a trendsetter who challenged traditional views of feminine beauty within the Tejano music scene. Her bold fashion choices paved the way for other female artists to express themselves more freely.
1992: Release of "Entre a Mi Mundo"
Selena released her album "Entre a Mi Mundo" in 1992. The album achieved significant commercial success, topping the US Billboard Regional Mexican Albums chart for eight consecutive months and earning critical acclaim.
February 7, 1993: Selena Records and Releases Live Album
On February 7, 1993, Selena recorded a live album, "Live!," at the Memorial Coliseum in Corpus Christi. This album included live performances of previous hits and three studio tracks: "No Debes Jugar," "La Llamada," and a duet with Emilio Navaira, "Tú Robaste Mi Corazón."
May 1993: Selena Garners Acclaim at Festival Acapulco
Selena's performance at the Festival Acapulco in May 1993 earned her significant critical acclaim, further boosting her rising popularity.
September 17, 1993: Selena Performs to 70,000 in Nuevo Leon
Selena's concert in Nuevo Leon on September 17, 1993, drew a massive crowd of 70,000 people, solidifying her position as a leading figure in Tejano music, particularly in Mexico.
1993: "Como la Flor" Becomes Selena's Signature Song and Receives Award Nomination
In 1993, "Como la Flor" emerged as Selena's signature song, praised by music critics for launching her career to new heights. The song garnered immense popularity, particularly in Mexico, and received a nomination for Song of the Year at the Tejano Music Awards.
1993: Selena's Business Ventures Lead to High Earnings
Selena's boutiques, Selena Etc., brought in significant revenue, earning her over five million dollars, as reported by Hispanic Business magazine in 1993. Her entrepreneurial success led to her being recognized among the top twenty wealthiest Hispanic musicians in 1993 and 1994.
1993: Release of "Live!" and Grammy Award
Selena's live album "Live!" was released in 1993, a testament to her electrifying stage presence. The album earned Selena her first Grammy Award for Best Mexican/American Album in 1994, making history as the first time a female Tejano artist received this honor.
March 1994: Selena Releases Fourth Studio Album, "Amor Prohibido"
Selena released her fourth studio album, "Amor Prohibido," in March 1994. The album debuted strong, reaching number three on the US Billboard Top Latin Albums chart and number one on the US Billboard Regional Mexican Albums charts. It stayed within the top five on the Top Latin Albums chart for the remainder of the year and into early 1995.
May 1994: "Live!" Wins Awards and Recognition
Selena's "Live!" album received significant recognition in May 1994, winning Album of the Year at the Billboard Latin Music Awards and Album of the Year at the Tejano Music Awards. It was also nominated for Regional Mexican Album of the Year at the Lo Nuestro Awards.
August 1994: Selena's Philanthropic Work
Selena demonstrated her commitment to giving back to the community. In August 1994, she organized a charity baseball game to support various charities. She dedicated her time to organizations such as D.A.R.E. and was involved in planning a benefit concert to support AIDS patients.
December 3, 1994: Selena Launches Fashion Line and Boutiques; Holds Concert after Fashion Show
In 1994, Selena delved into fashion, designing and launching her clothing line with two boutiques called Selena Etc. in Corpus Christi and San Antonio. Both boutiques featured in-house beauty salons. Following Selena Etc.'s second fashion show on December 3, 1994, Selena and her band performed a concert at the Hemisfair Arena in San Antonio. Plans were underway to expand with more stores in Monterrey, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.
December 1994: Challenges at Selena's Boutiques
In December 1994, Selena's boutiques began facing challenges due to staffing issues and concerns about the management style of Yolanda Saldívar.
1994: EMI's Crossover Plan for Selena
Recognizing Selena's success, EMI's chairman, Charles Koppelman, decided to promote Selena as an English-language pop artist in 1994 and began preparations for her crossover album.
1994: "Entre a Mi Mundo" Achieves Second Best-Selling Status
Selena's album "Entre a Mi Mundo" continued its success into 1994, becoming the second best-selling regional Mexican album of all time.
1994: Release of "Amor Prohibido" and Tejano Music Breakthrough
Selena's album "Amor Prohibido," released in 1994, achieved remarkable success, becoming one of the best-selling Latin albums in the United States. The album marked a turning point for Tejano music, propelling it into the mainstream market and solidifying Selena's status as a leading figure in the genre.
1994: Collaboration with Barrio Boyzz and Expanding Reach
Selena collaborated with the Barrio Boyzz on the song "Donde Quiera Que Estés" in 1994, which topped the Latin charts and helped expand her reach to new audiences.
1994: Release of Amor Prohibido
In 1994, Selena released her album "Amor Prohibido", which achieved great success and helped popularize Tejano music.
January 1995: Growing Concerns about Yolanda Saldívar
By January 1995, concerns regarding Yolanda Saldívar's behavior and management of Selena's business affairs intensified, with various individuals, including staff and clients, expressing their worries.
January 1995: Discovery of Embezzlement by Saldívar
In January 1995, it was uncovered that Yolanda Saldívar had embezzled funds from Selena's fan club and boutiques. This led to a confrontation and a strain on their relationship.
January 1995: Selena's Continued Philanthropy and Advocacy
Selena's dedication to social causes was evident in January 1995 when she headlined the Teach the Children festival in San Antonio. The concert aimed to raise funds for a non-profit program providing school supplies to children in need. Beyond this event, Selena actively used her platform to support women in abusive relationships and contribute to homeless shelters. She was recognized for her connection with minority fans, encouraging them to strive for a better future.
February 1995: Sold-Out Concert at Houston Astrodome
Selena performed to a record-breaking, sold-out concert at the Houston Astrodome in February 1995 while simultaneously working on her English crossover album.
March 31, 1995: Death of Selena
Tragically, on March 31, 1995, Selena's life and career were cut short when she was shot and killed by Yolanda Saldívar, her friend and former manager of her Selena Etc. boutiques.
April 3, 1995: Selena's Funeral
On April 3, 1995, Selena's funeral took place in Corpus Christi, Texas, with a large attendance from fans, celebrities, and the local community.
April 12, 1995: Declaration of Selena Day
Texas governor George W. Bush declared April 16th as Selena Day in Texas on April 12, 1995, two weeks after the singer's tragic death.
April 1995: Selena's Musical Style and Legacy
Selena was recognized for her diverse musical style that blended different genres, including R&B, pop, and various Latin influences. Her music continues to resonate with audiences.
July 1995: Posthumous Release of "Dreaming of You" and Chart Success
In July 1995, "Dreaming of You," the crossover album Selena was working on before her death, was released. The album was met with immense success, selling 175,000 copies on its first day and 331,000 copies within its first week, a record-breaking achievement for a female vocalist at the time. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, a historic first for a Hispanic artist and for a posthumous album by a solo artist. This success cemented Selena's legacy as a music icon.
October 1995: Conviction of Yolanda Saldívar
Yolanda Saldívar was found guilty of first-degree murder in October 1995 and received a life sentence with the possibility of parole in 2025.
1995: Tribute at Lo Nuestro Awards
In 1995, two months after her passing, Selena was honored with a special tribute at the Lo Nuestro Awards, highlighting her profound influence on Latin music and her fans.
1995: Success of "Amor Prohibido" Singles
In 1995, The singles "Amor Prohibido" and "No Me Queda Más" from Selena's album "Amor Prohibido" were major hits, becoming the most successful US Latin singles of their respective years (1994 and 1995). The album garnered numerous awards and nominations.
1995: "Amor Prohibido" Achieves Commercial Success and Critical Acclaim
"Amor Prohibido" became one of the best-selling U.S. albums of 1995. Its success was fueled by four number-one singles: "Amor Prohibido," "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom," "No Me Queda Más," and "Fotos y Recuerdos." The album achieved 36× platinum certification by the RIAA and was recognized on Tom Moon's prestigious list of "1,000 Recordings to Hear Before You Die: A Listener's Life List" in 2008.
1995: Selena Ventures into Acting with "Dos Mujeres, Un Camino" and Another Telenovela
In 1995, Selena pursued acting, appearing in the Mexican telenovela "Dos Mujeres, Un Camino" alongside Erik Estrada. Her appearances in two episodes garnered high ratings for the series. She also entered negotiations for a role in another telenovela produced by Emilio Larrosa.
1995: "Amor Prohibido" Becomes a Best-Selling Album
In 1995, Selena's album "Amor Prohibido" achieved a significant milestone, becoming one of the best-selling U.S. albums of the year. This accomplishment further solidified her place as a leading figure in the music industry.
1995: Biopic Casting Begins
The process of casting for a biopic about Selena's life began in 1995, sparking immense interest and drawing over 21,000 individuals auditioning for the lead role.
1995: Selena's Name Reaches Top 100
Selena's impact on popular culture was evident in 1995 when the U.S. Social Security Administration listed her name among the 100 most popular names for baby girls.
1996: Spirit of Hope Award Created
The Spirit of Hope Award was established in 1996 to honor Selena's memory and recognize Latin artists for their humanitarian efforts and positive contributions to society.
March 21, 1997: "Selena" Biopic Released
The biographical film "Selena," starring Jennifer Lopez, premiered on March 21, 1997, introducing Selena's story to a wider audience and becoming both a critical and commercial success.
1997: Mirador de la Flor Monument Unveiled
Selena's life-size bronze statue monument, Mirador de la Flor (Lookout of the Flower), was unveiled in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1997. The monument, sculpted by H.W. "Buddy" Tatum, quickly became a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors from around the globe.
1997: Release of the biopic "Selena"
In 1997, Warner Bros. released "Selena," a biographical film about her life and career. Starring Jennifer Lopez in her breakout role, the film introduced Selena's story to a wider audience and further cemented her legacy.
1997: Selena's Image and Personality After Death
Even after her death in 1997, Selena was remembered for her sweet and charismatic personality. Author María Celeste Arrarás highlighted Selena's trusting nature, describing how she often went about her daily life, even shopping, without a security detail, despite her father's concerns for her safety.
1998: Selena Museum Opens
In 1998, Selena's legacy was cemented with the opening of a dedicated museum in her honor, showcasing her life, career, and the impact she made on music and culture.
December 1999: Billboard Recognition
Selena's influence continued to grow posthumously, as she was named the "top Latin artist of the '90s" and "Best selling Latin artist of the decade" by Billboard in December 1999.
1999: Posthumous Discussion on Selena's Role Model Status
Following Selena's death, discussions arose regarding her suitability as a role model, particularly for young Hispanic women. Filmmaker Lourdes Portillo, in her 1999 documentary, voiced concerns that Selena's attire and dance moves might send the wrong message, suggesting hypersexualization. Author Sandra Cisneros echoed this sentiment, expressing reservations about Selena's status as a role model for young Latinas. This sparked debate about the image of Selena promoted by her family, with some criticizing it as an idealized and unrealistic portrayal.
1999: Broadway Musical Announced
Plans for a Broadway musical based on Selena's life were announced in 1999, further solidifying her cultural impact and the enduring interest in her story.
March 2000: "Selena" Musical Premieres in San Antonio
A Broadway-bound musical titled "Selena" premiered in San Antonio in March 2000, commemorating the fifth anniversary of her passing and celebrating her life and music through theatrical performance.
2001: Tejano Music Hall of Fame Induction
Further cementing her status as a Tejano music icon, Selena was posthumously inducted into the Tejano Music Hall of Fame in 2001.
2002: Destruction of the Murder Weapon
The gun used in Selena's murder was destroyed in 2002 by court order, a decision met with disapproval from fans and historians.
April 7, 2005: "Selena ¡VIVE!" Tribute Concert
On April 7, 2005, a decade after her death, Selena's family and her former band, Los Dinos, came together for a special tribute concert titled "Selena ¡VIVE!" The concert, broadcast live on Univision, drew record-breaking viewership, showcasing the enduring love and admiration for the "Queen of Tejano Music."
2007: Selena's Enduring Legacy and the Impact of Her Death on Tejano Music
Selena's enduring impact on Hispanic culture was evident even years after her death. Her popularity was likened to that of Marilyn Monroe and Madonna within the Anglo-American culture. She resonated with diverse groups, including the LGBT community and various minority groups. Tragically, the Tejano music scene experienced a decline following her death, a testament to her significant influence on the genre. As noted in a 2007 interview, the "Tejano market died with her."
2008: Posthumous Crossover Success
In 2008, the Houston Chronicle acknowledged the enduring power of Selena's music, noting that her single "I Could Fall in Love" had propelled her to posthumous crossover stardom.
2008: "Amor Prohibido" Earns Place on Acclaimed Music List
Selena's album "Amor Prohibido" continued to receive accolades even after her passing. In 2008, it was included in Tom Moon's book "1,000 Recordings to Hear Before You Die: A Listener's Life List," cementing its place as a significant and influential musical work.
2010: Selena's Stage Presence and Impact on Beauty Standards
Matt S. Meier, in his 2010 book "The Mexican American Experience: An Encyclopedia," described Selena's concerts as energetic and full of warmth, passion, and sexuality. He highlighted her relatable "girl next door" persona, which resonated with fans. Her choice of clothing, often accentuating her figure, attracted both praise and criticism, sparking conversations about body image and what was considered appropriate attire for young women.
2010: Tejano Music Awards Recognition
Selena's enduring legacy in Tejano music was honored at the 2010 Tejano Music Awards, where she was posthumously named "Best Female Vocalist of the '80s" and "Best Female Vocalist of the '90s."
March 16, 2011: U.S. Postal Service Stamp
On March 16, 2011, Selena's legacy was honored by the United States Postal Service with a commemorative stamp as part of their "Latin Legends" series, recognizing her significant contributions to American culture.
2012: Release of Enamorada de Ti and Critical Reception
Selena's music continued to resonate even after her passing. In 2012, the remix album "Enamorada de Ti" was released. Critics like Stephen Thomas Erlewine acknowledged the enduring appeal of Selena's music, noting that her sound remained relevant even though it was rooted in the 1990s.
February 2014: "100 Coolest Americans in History"
In February 2014, the Albany, New York Times Union recognized Selena's enduring cultural impact by naming her one of the "100 Coolest Americans in History."
January 2015: Fiesta de la Flor Announced
In January 2015, the Corpus Christi Visitors Bureau announced the launch of Fiesta de la Flor, a two-day annual event to honor Selena's legacy and celebrate her connection to her hometown.
2015: Global Sales Milestone
By 2015, Selena's album had sold an impressive five million copies worldwide, solidifying her global impact on music.
August 30, 2016: Selena Wax Figure Unveiled
On August 30, 2016, Madame Tussauds Hollywood unveiled a wax figure of Selena, further solidifying her status as a cultural icon and a beloved figure in entertainment history.
October 2016: MAC Cosmetics Collection and Texas Women's Hall of Fame
In October 2016, MAC Cosmetics launched a limited-edition makeup line inspired by Selena, which became a massive success. That same month, Selena was inducted into the Texas Women's Hall of Fame at Texas Woman's University, recognizing her contributions to music and her status as a role model.
October 17, 2017: Google Doodle Honors Selena
On October 17, 2017, Google paid tribute to Selena with a musical doodle celebrating her life and legacy.
2017: Smithsonian Exhibit on Selena's Marketing Influence
In 2017, the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., featured an exhibit highlighting Selena's significant influence on marketing, recognizing her crossover appeal and impact on advertising strategies.
2017: Best-Selling Latin Album
In 2017, Selena's album achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the best-selling Latin album of all time in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan.
2017: "Amor Prohibido" Recognition by Billboard and NPR
In 2017, Selena's album "Amor Prohibido" received significant recognition, with Billboard ranking it among the most essential Latin recordings and NPR placing it on its list of the greatest albums made by women.
2017: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
In 2017, Selena was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a testament to her enduring impact on the entertainment industry. The ceremony drew a record-breaking crowd, demonstrating the love and admiration for the "Queen of Tejano Music."
December 11, 2018: Netflix Announces "Selena: The Series"
On December 11, 2018, Netflix announced a biographical television series titled "Selena: The Series." The show would focus on Selena's life and career.
2019: Teaser Trailer for "Selena: The Series" Released
A teaser trailer for "Selena: The Series," featuring Christian Serratos as Selena, was released in late 2019, generating anticipation for the upcoming show.
2019: Forever 21 Launches "Selena: The White Rose Collection"
In 2019, Forever 21 released "Selena: The White Rose Collection," a clothing line celebrating Selena's enduring legacy.
December 4, 2020: Part 1 of "Selena: The Series" Premieres
The first part of "Selena: The Series," starring Christian Serratos, was released on Netflix on December 4, 2020.
December 2020: First Part of "Selena: The Series" Released
In December 2020, the highly anticipated first part of "Selena: The Series" was released on Netflix.
2020: Billboard Recognition and Selena: The Series
In 2020, Billboard magazine recognized Selena's enduring impact, placing her third on their list of "Greatest Latino Artists of All Time." This same year, Netflix released "Selena: The Series," starring Christian Serratos, further solidifying her legacy.
2020: Netflix release of "Selena: The Series"
In 2020, Netflix released "Selena: The Series," a biographical drama that explored Selena's life, career, and the challenges she faced. Starring Christian Serratos, the series offered a closer look at Selena's journey and her impact on the music industry.
May 4, 2021: Part 2 of "Selena: The Series" Premieres
The second and final part of "Selena: The Series" premiered on Netflix on May 4, 2021, concluding the biographical drama.
2021: Various tributes to Selena's legacy
In 2021, there were several tributes to Selena's legacy. These included a 10-part podcast miniseries, "Anything for Selena," broadcast by WBUR-FM and Futuro Media, and a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Selena's family on her behalf.
2023: Rolling Stone's 200 Greatest Singers
In 2023, Selena's vocal prowess and lasting impact earned her a spot on Rolling Stone's prestigious list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time, further solidifying her place in music history.
2025: Possible Parole for Saldívar
Yolanda Saldívar, convicted of Selena's murder, has a possibility of parole in 2025.