Often referred to as “Queen of Tejano music, Selena Quintanilla was an inspiring and uplifting singer to everyone who listened to her songs. She was born April 16, 1971 in Corpus Christi, Texas. “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom,” “Como La Flor,” or “Amor Prohibido” are some of her most recognizable songs. Selena was also an accomplished spokeswoman, fashion designer, and songwriter.
She debuted as Selena y Los Dinos with her sister and brother, Suzette and A.B. Quintanilla. Since the Tejano music genre was male dominated, Quintanilla faced criticism and struggled to gain popularity. But she rose to fame after she won the Tejano Music Award for Female Vocalist of the Year in 1987.
She died when she was only 23 years old, on March 31, 1995. In 1997, Warner Bros released Selena, a film about her life, and in 2020, Netflix released Selena: The Series. Selena Quintallia’s songs continue to be listened to and her memory lives in the hearts and minds of those who knew her.
— Katlyn Marotz, Senior Managing News Editor