Selena

Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, known professionally as Selena, was an American singer widely recognized as the “Queen of Tejano Music.” She became one of the most influential Mexican-American recording artists of the 20th century before her murder in 1995.

Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, known as the “Queen of Tejano Music,” was a groundbreaking American singer whose career reshaped Latin music in the United States before her murder in 1995.

Who she was

Born in Lake Jackson, Texas, in 1971, Selena began performing as a child with her family band, Selena y Los Dinos. She became a leading figure in Tejano music, a genre blending Mexican folk with pop and country, and won a Grammy for *Live!* in 1994.

Why she matters

Selena expanded the audience for Latin music across North America, including Canada, where her influence persists in Latin music communities and pop culture. She sold roughly 18 million albums and remains a symbol of Mexican-American heritage.

Key details

She was fatally shot on March 31, 1995, by Yolanda Saldívar, her fan club president. Her legacy lives on through films, tributes, and ongoing recognition as one of the best-selling Latin artists of all time.