Why does Selena remain an enduring icon, decades after her tragic death on March 31, 1995? Movie parties are being hosted at Alamo Drafthouse locations at Cedars (4:10 p.m.), Denton (6 p.m.) and Richardson (6:25 p.m.). "I did actually meet Selena in the Galleria Mall in Houston, but I didn't say much to her because I wasn't a celebrity," she told MTV Tres. Lady Blanca, a psychology student at SDSU, created an act inspired by Selena after dressing up like the artist on Halloween two years ago. She was beautiful, dynamicand sexy, without being trashy. Its unfortunate, but true that it often takes someone who is extremely mainstream to open the larger dialogue for change in America. She did so many tremendous things, influenced so many people, and made such a big impact in the music industry. She was well on her way to an English crossover and the posthumous release of her English album,Dreaming of You, proved there was a market for it. Lopez became the first Latina actress to take home $1 million for a movie role, and she was nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance. The way she represented usIt's important that people keep remembering her as that figure. She motivates me. Selena was born on April 16, 1971, in Lake Jackson, Texas. That affected me in my life far more profoundly than the movie did in career terms.". "24 years ago Selena performed her last concert here," Musgraves wrote in an Instagram Story. Though the event is free, seating is first-come, first-served. In 1993, Selena won a Grammy for Best Mexican-American Album for her album Live! Selena ", And still, she added,"I'm really proud of [my heritage], especially the way that the Latin community is kind of taking over and rising above politically. She was sentenced to life in prison in October 1995. She won "Best Female Vocalist" at the Tejano Music Awards nine years in a row, became the first Latino singer to debut at number one on U.S. In 2015, Lopez performed a special tribute medley to Selena at the Billboard Latin Music Awards. You'll have another chance to see the 1997 "Selena" movie at the Sundown at Granada rooftop bar overlooking Greenville Avenue. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. When Selena was eight, she began a career in a band formed by her father. The band was composed of Selena and her older siblings Abraham junior, who played the base guitar, and Sister Suzette, who played the drums, and Selena was the singer of the band. Dreaming of You was posthumously released in 1995. Its unfair to think she was her success happened overnight.. But thankfully, her music has not faded from our cultural landscape, and neither has her influence. There's a lot of men in this business. Sadly, at the age of 23, Selenawas murdered at the hand of her fan club president, Yolanda Saldvar. ", Mexican singer Victoria 'La Mala' Ortiz has said: "If 2Pac and Selena had a child, it would be me. There are other Selena tributes planned, including one at Lips San Diego a restaurant and drag show venue which will feature a Selena impersonator on April 22. Stars ranging from Katy Perry and Lady Gaga to Whitney Houston and Beyonc paid close attention to Selena's sound and style. She is not given credit for being a multi-media artist, Vargas said. Selena mainly focused on Mexican music when she first started. SelenaQuintanillawas born in1971 in Lake Jackson, Texas, andshe was performingTejanomusicwith her Mexican-American family around the state at a very young age. Separate from her Mexican roots, Selena presented a version of a Latina that is familiar to my circles. "Selena was such an inspiration to me and I was so lucky to be chosen to play her," Jennifer Lopez shared in an Instagram post on March 21, 2020 the 23rd anniversary of the release ofthe biopicSelena, featuring her own star-making turn playing the late singer. We needed that gateway, and Selenavery well could have been it. But rarely has there been a time in the past 26 years that artists have not been referencing her,despite the mellifluously voiced pop star having been struck down just as her fame was reaching new levels for all the right reasons. Known as the Queen of Tejano, Selena gained worldwide success for her pop-influenced Tejano music, a unique genre that originated in Northern Mexico. READ MORE: Selena Quintanillas Whirlwind Love Story With Husband Chris Prez. WebSelena has also influeneced the likes of Demi Lovato. In 2016, MAC Cosmetics released the La Reina Collection, starting with a cherry-red lipstick called "Como La Flor," named after one of her biggest hits, and the Quintanilla familyteamed with the cosmetics brand for another linethis yearin honor of the 25th anniversary of her death. But even after her death, her influence on pop culture is enduring. "Selena's a legend. It's noticeable. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. Artist Soni Lpez-Chvez, whose first memory of Selena was the day she died, continues drawing inspiration from the artists iconic looks. While Quintanillas own influences included Madonna, Paula Abdul, Gloria Estefan and Donna Summer, artists such as Beyonce, the late Whitney Houston, Katy Every show, interview, and song had something special. A solo ukulele concert? The tragic murder of Selena intervened with her goal of an English crossover. Lady Blanca has since performed as Selena during a drag show at the university, and at a family party. Selena's albumSelena Live! Selena Quintanilla was born on April 16, 1971 in Lake Jackson, Texas. In many ways, she had a very different upbringing than most of todays mainstream Latin music stars. Her charisma, authenticity, generosity, especially her big, bright smile with the big red lips, I think people are drawn to that, says Selena impersonator Lady Blanca, who is working on a Selena-inspired virtual drag show for later this year. "Selena has been transcending into not just a Latina icon but a bi-cultural icon," she said. Selena was shot and killed in Corpus Christi, Texas, on March 31, 1995. Your source for entertainment news, celebrities, celeb news, and celebrity gossip. The screening at 8 p.m. is free, while food and drinks will be available for purchase. Anything For Selena | Episode 6: Spanglish "But at the same time I would rather that she be here.". At the time, I wasn't too familiar with Spanish-speaking artists. Click here for more information. .css-m6thd4{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;display:block;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-family:Gilroy,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.2;font-weight:bold;color:#323232;text-transform:capitalize;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-m6thd4:hover{color:link-hover;}}Freddie Mercurys Exquisite Clutter Up for Sale, Rihanna's Favorite Hair Brand is On 20% Off RN, Inside Marie Antoinette and Chevaliers Friendship, Tupac Shakur, His Mother, and His Song Dear Mama, Joan Baez Sings with Tennessee Rep. Justin Jones, 8 Facts About Son of a Sinner Singer Jelly Roll, Selena Gomez Shares"Transformative" Lip Tint, 16 Musicians and Singers Named Knights or Dames, How Rina Sawayama Landed in John Wick: Chapter 4. More than 30,000 people showed up to viewher casket at the Bayfront Plaza Convention Center in Corpus Christi, where she grew up. All rights reserved. "It was a dream of mine to be able to pay my respects to her iconic legacy. "She was so talented. "She is one of those very special types of artists that with her music, her spirit, her joy and her heart really touched people," she told the Today show. ", Olmos played the singer's father, Abraham, in the film Selena. ", Comedian Alonzo tweeted: "Let's talk the Selena Google Doodle because she represents SO MUCH of what is right in the ongoing #representationmatters convoI'll speak for myself: Selena is a big icon in the Latino community, especially w/the Mexican-American community because she was one of us.". "Her spirit of loving what she did. ", Gomez, J.Lo, Adrienne Bailon,Bruno Marsand Camila Cabello are among those who've memorably covered Selena at their own shows, whileNicki Minajlauded the late star's enviable curvesin 2017's "Regret in Your Tears," rapping, "I count up the racks like Serena / Plus I got that ass like Selena. 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She was also sometimes referred to as the "Mexican .css-47aoac{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#A00000;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-47aoac:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;}Madonna" for her sexy outfits and dance moves. Rodriguez is now a journalism professor at San Diego State University. Selena Quintanilla: Celebrities Who Were Inspired By Longtime Union columnist Don Freeman recognized Harry Belafontes great artistry during his first encounter with the entertainer in 1952, Privacy PolicyTerms of ServiceSign Up For Our NewslettersSite Map, Copyright 2023, The San Diego Union-Tribune |. Selena has become a fixture in Latin influence and pop culture with a film Dr. Deborah Paredez teaches at the University of Texas at Austin. 1), Lopez's connection with Selena's story did help turn an entirely new crop of fans ontoher music. She was 23. Also a ton of Latin freestyle influence in this song. Tejano music has always been a music of the masses. Nevertheless, her contributions continue to blossom in the form of her influence on new artists, and in the way we feel when we hear her music. Texas Wants to Know:Why is Texas Barbecue the Nation's Best? Paredez said in the research process of interviewing fans, she found that Selena was a way for Latinas to proudly assert the cultural identity, since she was brown, curvaceous and from the working class. ", In an Instagram post from 2015, Becky G paid homage to the Dreaming of You singer: "Selena is one of my biggest inspirations. Rodriguez remembers feeling a special connection to the Tejano artist a cultural icon and beloved role model for the Latino community. The album hit number one on the Billboard Top 200 the week of August 5, 1995. Postal Service put her on a stamp as a "Latin Legend." This movement in the Latino community is gaining momentum and making its way to the mainstream because of activistslike Eva Longoria, amazing young role models like Gina Rodriguez, killer filmmakers like Alejandro Gonzlez Irrituand more. During her 2013-2014 U.S. Tour, Solange Knowles covered Selena's "I Could Fall In Love," which just so happens to also be the one of Knowles' favorite songs. "I think she is a legend and I admire her," Bey told MTV Tres. The Whiteboard: Weird statistical nuggets from the 2019-20 NBA season, Watch The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch online: Stream History, Report: NFL Competition Committee Supports 'Sky Judge' to Fix Mistakes, 3 most iconic Lady Gaga live TV performances, Dua Lipa's Future Nostalgia gives us everything we want, Bob Dylan releases new 17-minute song about John F. Kennedy called 'Murder Most Foul'. Selena has become this icon for the Latinx/o community because she is someone who was able to transcend genres, transcend generations, Rodriguez said. Selena Quintanilla-Perez was a talented Mexican-American singer, songwriter, spokesperson, actress, and fashion designer. "A lot of my fans are Hispanic and they've always told me, 'You should sing something in Spanish' but I don't speak Spanish at all. More than 25 years since her death, Selena continues to be larger than life. "I felt she had a sense to live in the moment, that you're not promised tomorrow," Lopez told Billboard. Musical artist Becky G was met with cheers at Coachella when she surprised the audience with Selena songs such as "Como la Flor" and "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom." I wonder how so many young Latinas might be valuing themselves differently. Prez lost his appeal in late 2018, and both sides agreed to dismiss the lawsuit the following May. The influence of Selena is unquestionable, as she built herself from the ground up to become one of the most popular and influential Latina musicians of her time. I feel Selena has influenced my life in tremendous ways," said Pea to, Reggaeton artist Daddy Yankee was influenced by Selena's rise to mainstream success. Texas native Selena Quintanilla-Perez would've been 52 on Sunday, April 16, 2023. They thought we were too emotional, too many and un-American, she said. That's why for me it's an honor to say that I considered her a friend.". It was in these small non-traditional venues that Selena learned the importance of understanding her audience. Lpez-Chvez often uses Selenas images in her art because of her influence on the Latino community. The parents didn't. RELATED: 28 reasons Selena makes our hearts go 'bidi bidi bom bom'. Dr. Jos E. Lmon, Dr. Deborah Paredez and Dr. Deborah R. Vargas are a few scholars who have extensively researched and published their work on the beloved star. While the first collection was more about Selena's glamorous concert looks, the secondwhichincluded sparkly pink Bidi Bidi Bom Bom Lipglasswas more of a celebration of her legacy, her sister Suzette Quintanilla, who worked closely with MAC both times, explained to E! Kylie Jenner was seen on social media rocking a very casual look in which her shirt had several photographs of the queen of Tex-Mex with a message, "We miss you" printed across. Instead of growing up with Selena, I grew up with Jennifer Lopez as my main Latina role model, ironically, because of Selena. It might be a bit idealistic, butI believe had she lived, Selena would have been up there on the pop charts with Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and the Spice Girls of the world. Lopez's third husband, Marc Anthony, actually knew Selena well. Yolanda Saldivar, the founder of the Selena fan club, killed Selena. She once recalled visiting her grave and getting emotional when she met the Quintanilla family and has paid tribute to the singer via her clothing. The few words Nathian Rodriguez could say in Spanish as a kid were those he learned from listening to Selena Quintanilla on the radio. Legacy Hall in Plano is once again paying tribute to the artist with a free screening of her namesake film at 4 p.m. Selena said it's okay to love it all -- it doesn't take away from your roots. In 2007, she wrote an essay, "Selena: Sounding a Queer Transitional Latino/a Queer Imaginary." Date. "Amazing womanshe would have been bigger than all of us," Eva Longoria mused on Lopez Tonight in 2011. Selena married Chris Prez on April 2, 1992. She shared her knowledge in the following points. Even now, as more women have become Tejano stars, Selena is still being honored. She was the archetype of the truly multi-cultural American youth. I love being able to represent the curvy sassiness of a Latina woman. Keep up with her work and puro San Antonio happenings on Twitter, @MaddySkye. Selenas persona was genuine, and so was her voice. Jos E. Limn, a professor at the University of Notre Dame, explores the iconic impression Selena made on history in his work, "Selena: Sexuality, Greater Mexico and She was able to exude this type of music that people still listen to today.. Every show, interview, and song had something special. But we had to. At the age of 23, Selena was already doing that, and had been doing it for years. You know? Its an instant pick-me-up song that describes having a crush on someone. It was raw, unfiltered talent. Selena saw seven songs hit No. While Selena didnt necessarily expand the worldwide audience for Tejano music, her contributions did lead to a broader awareness of the genre and respect for its artists. Whenever someone makes a generalization about Hispanics, they use Mexicans. Is the Stanley Quencher tumbler worth its TikTok hype? Relive Selena's legacy by watching E! Her smile, her charisma, her beauty put every single person who watched her under a spell. Nobody wanted to film it. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. Lopez, who is of Puerto Rican descent, wasn't everyone's first choice to play the artist revered as "La Reina de Tejano" (the queen of Tejano), whose family roots were in Mexico. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. ", Orange Is the New Black star Cruz gave kudos to Google for its Selena Doodle. ", HELEN L. MONTOYA/San Antonio Express-News. Thats because she wasnt only Mexican and wasnt only American. Build your customFanSided Daily email newsletter with news and analysis onAll Music and all your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and more. Beyond just her music, her way of being with her family and fans was so special and so relatable. Selena was teaching women to embrace their sexuality, but not to capitalize on it; to instead focus on our talents and gifts. Even my dad is totally like the dad in the movie [Edward James Olmos played Abraham Quintanilla]. I think we take solace and inspiration from her to keep on pushing, to keep on moving forward, and as we do, to be role models and mentors for other girls, Lizzie Rodriguez said. Take your pick! Whats in a school name? It's just so similar. When I am singing, I believe that if I respect the public, then they will respect me and I know it. At first we struggled with our Spanish and were learning to speak it together. But, some individuals who have dedicated much of their doctorate degree work delving into the impact of Selena, explain her important role in Hispanic history and culture. The sisters, who along with selling clothing and jewelry also organize craft workshops, had to put their business on hold during the pandemic. Of course, we have to start with the Bronx-native, who came out of anonymity thanks to her leading role in the movie Selena and became the first Latina actress to win a million dollars as an actress. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, SDSU to offer course on Selena Quintanilla. I think that Selena shines because of the way she managed her life, her talent, her career. Many people point to the beginning of the Latin music explosion as Ricky Martins 1999 Grammys performance. She said she feels its her responsibility as an artist to pay tribute to Selena and hopes to finish her own mural in May. 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Gomez regularly performs "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom" at her concerts, and in 2012, she got to record a special duet version of the song on the Selena tribute album "Enamorada De Ti! Your favorite teams, topics, and players all on your favorite mobile devices. Selena is often overlooked for her labor as an artist, her career started while she was a child. Selena to me was that cultural anchor, Rodriguez said. Instead, the Tejano artist and Texas native is posthumously celebrated every year on her birthday, officially known as Selena Day. Even Whitney Houston, who inspired so many others herself, took notice of what Selena accomplished in her short yet prolific career. Amor Prohibido was released that same year and went gold. Especially in regards to Latina femininity. And for the generation who may only know of another young entertainer with that famous name, know that Selena Gomez's namesake is exactly what it sounds like. Selena is one of my biggest inspirations. You can sing along with Selena and yell "Anything for Salinas!" Selena Quintanillas Accomplishments Events across North Texas celebrated Selena Day with movie screenings and gatherings commemorating the fallen artist. It was released in 1994. 60 Songs That Explain the 90s Watching old clips of Selena Quintanillawhether she's singing, talking or just flashing that radiant smileremains an exercise in exhilaration and heartbreak. stirred up controversy, Quintanilla's sister Suzette gave it her stamp of approval: "She looked real Latina. "So I could always have her as an inspiration.". Dreaming of You was released after Selenas death and became a huge hit. Prior to one of her world tours, Lady Gaga shared this photograph on her networks and stated that it is one of her favorite garments, which bears the name of Selena engraved. In an audio clip from what's widely said to be the last interview she gave before she died, included in an online tribute, Selena is asked how she hoped to be remembered after she was gone. Shes been my muse since I was a kid, Lady Blanca said. Something Selena. hit No. Her outfits, paired together with dancing was unprecedented. Selenas persona made her fans feel proud of their ethnicity and where they were from. She began performing as a child. Enamorada De Ti, a tribute album of Selena covers, was released in 2012. She is third generation and often had to straddle the line of Mexican and Mexican American, like so many Latinos have to do. Thats the energy that Selena conveyed onstage, and it made anyone watching feel somehow more alive. "I listened to Selena all the time," Beyonc told People en Espanol in 2007 after recording six songs in Spanish for a re-release of B-Day. However, her musical legacy and influence on fashion has endured over time and continues to captivate new generations of artists. She was able to live in both worlds. Selena was very popular with Tejano music fans. WebDr. But Selena made the wave her own. Viva la Reina! We recently asked the BuzzFeed Community to tell us how Selena Quintanilla has inspired them. These were the heartwarming responses. 1. "Selena showed me how beautiful it is to be a Mexican-American and to be proud of it." "Not only did she capture the hearts of the Latino community, but of every race. Im impacted by her story and music. The tragedy was devastating for so many reasons, but for me, personally, because I lost the chance to grow up with a Hispanic role model who didnt capitalize on her sex appeal, but embraced her talent and business sense while taking pride in her Mexican roots. Selena Quintanilla's Enduring Legacy: How the Late Superstar's I remember a time when we thought Selena was the most beautiful woman in the entire world and wanted to be just like her. Actress Jennifer Lopez, who plays Selena in the movie Selena, performs in one of the scenes from the movie. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. More than 65,000 people packed Houston's Reliant Stadium for a tribute concert in 2005 and in 2011 the U.S. Astrological Sign: Aries, The American School of Correspondence in Chicago, Illinois, Death Year: 1995, Death date: March 31, 1995, Death State: Texas, Death City: Corpus Christi, Death Country: United States, Article Title: Selena Quintanilla Biography, Author: Biography.com Editors, Website Name: The Biography.com website, Url: https://www.biography.com/musicians/selena, Publisher: A&E Television Networks, Last Updated: October 8, 2021, Original Published Date: April 3, 2014. Selena was considered the "Queen of Tejano," a type of Mexican music that incorporated other styles, such as country and western. In December 2020, Netflix released Selena: The Series, with Christian Serratos playing Selena. Royals - Selena Quintanilla: Celebrities Who Were Inspired by Her | P https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlWrNlppRoI, A photo posted by champagnepapi (@champagnepapi), https://twitter.com/ladygaga/status/190491634742464512, https://www.facebook.com/katvond/videos/10156789935460454/. Wake up to the day's most important news. She has always been someone that Ive always looked up to.. The album was roughly half English and half Spanish and enjoyed great critical and commercial success. Cruz told, On the 20th anniversary of Selena's death, singer Becky G shared this photo, adding in a caption: "Selena is one of my biggest inspirations. And while he was a fan of her music, it was what she represented that truly resonated with him. Meanwhile, Selena's clothing, hair and makeupa sexy but not too sexy combination of sporty ease and bombshell glamournever had a chance to enjoya resurgence because her influence never went away. Selenas death wasnt simply a tragedy of a youth taken from us too soon, but rather, it was an entire movement taken from us too soon. But onMarch 31, 1995, Selena was killed by a woman who wasthe ex-president of her fan clubthe former business manager of her boutique. Lopez was accompanied by Selena's band, Los Dinos, and her brother, musician A.B. Saying that you're a star is like saying you're a freak. She did so many tremendous things, influenced so many people, and made such a big impact in the music industry. She loved pizza, I love pizza, said Lizzie Rodriguez, laughing, as Cisneros added, She liked sparkles, I love sparkles. The contours of Selenas story were set out in the 1997 biopic directed by Gregory Nava, which rocketed a little-known Jennifer Lopez to fame. They believe the Tejano Queens success is a symbol of the climatic times in the early 1990s, when Latinos along with Selena were on the rise. She did it big; she was the first," Sean told. I'm learning Spanish, but I don't know it fluently yet. Entertainment Television, LLC A Division of NBCUniversal. Even though I don't speak fluent Spanish, I love singing in Spanish.