Selena, Selena, Selena. Talk about a life cut too short. Here on Queens we talk a lot about women who were killed unjustly. Hell, our very first episode was about the tragic Lady Jane Grey. But something about Selena Quintanilla, Queen of Tejano, just hits differently. Maybe it’s because it was in our lifetime. Or maybe it’s because we’re from Texas and tote bags with her face on them are literally sold at our grocery stores.
So, if you’re unfamiliar with her story, have a listen to our two episodes linked above, or read on for a shorter TL;DR.
Selena Quintanilla, often simply known as Selena, was born on April 16, 1971, in Lake Jackson, Texas.
We love her Aries vibe and Aries energy. This can also perhaps be accredited to her youth. Something she sadly never got to grow out of.
Selena’s dad, Abraham, was incredibly music minded and when he discovered that his youngest child could sing like nobody’s business, he saw stars. As a child, she performed with her family’s band, Selena y Los Dinos. Her infectious energy, powerful voice, and trailblazing spirit helped her revolutionize Tejano music, a male-dominated genre.
It was this energy and drive that brought the Quintanilla family band to super star status within the Tejano world. This family hustled so hard and with Selena’s whole gorgeous girl next door vibe going, they found themselves even winning a Grammy in 1994 for their album Live! Beyond music, Selena was a fashion entrepreneur, designing bold and stylish looks that continue to inspire today.
Selena’s story has everything. Family drama, a secret love affair, music, and some of the best 90’s fashion EVER.
Sadly, every fairytale princess has to have a wicked villain. And in this story, that villain’s name is Yolanda Saldívar. What started as a super fan helping out with the fan club and other odd jobs here and there turned into a dangerous relationship.
Basically, Yolanda got herself into some trouble by stealing money from Selena and when she got caught, shit got real weird. And it would end with Yolanda taking Selena’s life on March 31, 1995.
Just a few weeks shy of Selena’s 24th birthday.
Selena’s story ends sadly, but there is so much joy in the middle. Enjoy this series while jamming to