Dazzling facts about Selena, an iconic Mexican-American singer

4/1/2018

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History Story: Dazzling facts about Selena, an iconic Mexican-American singer

You may know Selena, a talented singer and a gorgeous woman whose songs brought Mexican Tejano music to the masses. But how much do you know about Selena, a passionate spokesperson, entrepreneur, and philanthropist? Let's find out more and celebrate the legacy of one of the most influential Latin singers in history.

#1 She was the first female Tejano artist to win a Grammy Award

Selena's album "Live!" was a remarkable success. Released in 1993, it led Selena to win a Grammy for Best Mexican/American Album in 1994. By the way, at that time Selena Quintanilla was only 23 years old! A number of other prestigious awards followed Selena's success at Grammy. In 1994, she released "Amor Prohibido", which later became one of the best-selling Latin albums in the US.

#2 At the age of 10, she became the lead singer in a family band

Selena's father saw her talent when she was a little girl. He started a family Tejano band "Selena y Los Dinos". Selena sang, her brother played guitar and her sister played drums. Young musicians were even sometimes invited to play at weddings and parties. As their father was an experienced musician, he successfully produced his family band.

#3 A lot of talented artists found creative inspiration in Selena's work

Jennifer Lopez played Selena in a film about her life in 1997. She considers Selena her major source of inspiration in all spheres of life. Selena has also inspired such popular singers as Becky G and Kat DeLuna.

#4 Selena had a tough time at the beginning of her career

The thing is that she was one of the first women performing in the male-dominated genre. It was hard for Quintanilla's family band to perform at some venues, as the hosts refused to book a female artist.

#5 Selena created her beautiful performance outfits herself

Selena was a talented designer, and many concert suits she created herself became iconic. Selena wore them at her greatest shows. Her stunning attires even earned Selena a nickname "Mexican Madonna".

#6 Selena was active in community service

She was a passionate spokesperson for education and spoke in front of the students of many school. Selena also gave free concerts and donated money to School Programs. Selena wanted all the children in school to never quit education, avoid alcohol and drugs, and get a High School diploma.

#7 English was her first language

Selena spoke English from an early age, as she grew up in Texas. Anyway, her father encouraged Selena to sing in Spanish to appeal more Mexican-American audience. Selena learnt her first Spanish words from the songs she sang. Later she became fluent in Spanish.

#8 She was murdered by the president of her Fan Club

Selena died young, at the age of 23. She was shot by the founder of her fan club, Yolanda Saldivar, during their meeting at the hotel. More than 100 thousand people came to say the last goodbye to Selena at her public viewing in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Was this information new for you? Do you like Selena's music? What else do you remember about this talented woman?

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What are your thoughts on this subject?

22 Comments

Rhonda Hamilton McPhail

Would have been nice to see the pictures.

Doris Dallaire

Sad ending for a talented artist.

Darlene Adair

She was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses

L Lh Adams

Wayne R Bryenton, She was born in 1971.

L Lh Adams

I lived in "real" South Texas,in Rancho Viejo at the time of her popularity and though not my preferred music it was everywhere. She did an interview on a popular TV show and spoke English,explaining that she was from Corpus Christi and was raised speaking English. She was known for her "Nalgototas",or big booty.