Artists like Bad Bunny, Jennifer Lopez, and Shakira thrive in both Western and Latin spaces, but it’s important to acknowledge the talented woman who opened the door for these artists.
Selena Quintanilla-Pérez was born on April 16, 1971, in Lake Jackson, Texas. Growing up in Corpus Christie, her musical talent was realized at the young age of 6. During her childhood, she often sang in a band with her siblings at her family’s restaurant, which kick-started her career.
She would go on to create a plethora of popular songs like “Amor Prohibido,” which currently sits at more than 1 billion combined streams, and “No Me Queda Mas,” which has amassed well over 500 million combined streams.
Her many achievements include being the first female tejano singer to win a Grammy for Best Mexican/American Album. She also won the Tejano Music Awards’ Female Vocalist of the Year for nine consecutive years from 1987 to 1999.
One of the many things that Selena is known for is popularizing Tejano music in Mexico. Master Class writes that Tejano music is a vibrant, hybrid genre developed by Mexican-Americans in Texas, blending traditional Mexican folk forms like rancheras and corridos with European styles (polka/waltz) and American popular music like rock, country, and jazz.
Another thing that Selena is known for is her iconic sense of fashion. Selena designed most of her off and on-stage outfits, which contributed to the uniqueness of her style and identity. Her outfits defined 90s Tejano fashion, characterized by bedazzled bustiers, high-waisted flared pants, and embellished bolero jackets. Her most famous looks include the 1995 purple jumpsuit, the 1993 Houston Rodeo silver-and-black bustier outfit, and a 1994 Grammy Awards white halter gown.
Selena thrived in the world of Tejano music despite it being a male-dominated field. She paved the way so that mixed English and Spanish music could soar. Her songs are still listed too long after her passing. Her memory lives through her music that she was so passionate about.