Pop culture has been influenced by many people, including music, fashion, television, and dance. Primarily focusing on Tejano, one woman opened the doors to many women singing this style of music. Her name was Selena Quintanilla Perez. Tejano is a mixture of American and Mexican music (conjunto), a style that uses accordion and has a modern rhythm section using electric guitars and bass. There were not many women singing Tejano music before Selena.
Selena Quintanilla, the Queen Tejano Music, got her name breaking barriers in Latinx culture. Quintanilla, a Texas native, was born April 16, 1971 in Lake Jackson. Her father Abraham Quintanilla taught her Spanish and she learned English as a child. She wanted to be popular and stay connected with the Latinx community. Her father managed her father’s restaurant management and she began singing in a band at the age of 10. Although it took some time for them to become popular, they were able to make a name for themselves in certain states by the 1980s. The Tejano music award presented Selena with awards in 1986. This gave the band even greater fame. Since then, they have been among the most successful bands in years. They also gained fame and appreciation. Chris Perez later joined the group as a guitarist. Chris and Selena fell in love instantly. Although Abraham was not supportive of Selena’s relationship with Chris, they were married April 2, 1992. Yolanda Saldivar joined Selena’s fan club in 1993 and was able to access Selena’s private life. Selena was not only a singer but also wanted to design fashion clothes. Her first boutique was opened in Texas. She then opened two additional boutiques in Texas and Mexico. Yolanda wanted Selena’s permission to meet privately with her on the 31st. March 1995. Selena accepted to meet Yolanda. However, Yolanda revealed sketchy documents which led to a heated argument. Selena refused to be troubled again, so Yolanda kicked Selena from her life. Selena left, but Yolanda shot her in her back. This ended her career and life at just 23 years old. Her legacy was a positive one that impacted many.
