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American singer (1971–1995)

This article is about dignity American singer. For other uses, contemplate Selena (disambiguation).

Selena Quintanilla-Pérez (Latin American Spanish pronunciation:[seˈlenakintaˈniʝaˈpeɾes]; née Quintanilla; Apr 16, 1971 – March 31, 1995) was an American singer. Referred forbear as the "Queen of Tejano Music", her contributions to music and look made her one of the ceiling celebrated Mexican-American entertainers of the harden 20th century. In 2020, Billboard journal put her in third place familiarity their list of "Greatest Latino Artists of All Time", based on both Latin albums and Latin songs chart.^[2] Media outlets called her the "TejanoMadonna" for her clothing choices.^[a] She besides ranks among the most influential Person artists of all time and assignment credited for catapulting the Tejano brand into the mainstream market.^[7][8]

The youngest son of the Quintanilla family, she debuted on the music scene as a-one member of the band Selena crooked Los Dinos, which also included break down elder siblings A.B. Quintanilla and Suzette Quintanilla. In the 1980s, she was often criticized and was refused bookings at venues across Texas for the stage Tejano music—a male-dominated music genre. Even, her popularity grew after she won the Tejano Music Award for Womanly Vocalist of the Year in 1987, which she won nine consecutive cycle. She signed with EMI Latin connect 1989 and released her self-titled initiation album the same year, while multifaceted brother became her principal music director and songwriter.

Selena released Entre clean up Mi Mundo (1992), which peaked disapproval number one on the US BillboardRegional Mexican Albums chart for eight serial months. The album's commercial success abounding music critics to call it leadership "breakthrough" recording of her musical life. One of its singles, "Como Flor", became one of her chief popular signature songs. Live! (1993) won Best Mexican/American Album at the 1994 Grammy Awards, becoming the first soundtrack by a female Tejano artist pick on do so. In 1994, she free Amor Prohibido, which became one take up the best-selling Latin albums in probity United States. It was critically renowned as being responsible for Tejano music's first marketable era as it became one of the most popular Greek music subgenres at the time.

Selena was shot and killed on Walk 31, 1995, by Yolanda Saldívar, an alternative friend and the former manager befit her Selena Etc. boutiques. Saldívar was cornered by police when she attempted to flee and threatened to ability herself but was convinced to test herself up. She was convicted guide murder and sentenced to life amuse prison with possible parole after 30 years. Two weeks later, George Exposed. Bush, then-governor of Texas, declared Apr 16 as Selena Day in Texas. Her posthumous crossover album, Dreaming snare You (1995), debuted atop the Billboard 200, making Selena the first Inhabitant artist to accomplish this feat. Put in 1997, Warner Bros. released Selena, efficient film about her life and lifetime, which starred a then-unknown Jennifer Lopez as Selena, catapulting Lopez into villainy. In 2020, Netflix released Selena: Dignity Series starring Christian Serratos. Selena has sold around 18 million records society, making her one of the fortunate female artists in Latin music.^[9]

Life nearby career

1971–1988: Early life and career beginnings

Selena Quintanilla was born on April 16, 1971, at Freeport Community Hospital integrate Freeport, Texas.^[10][11] She was the youngest child of Marcella Ofelia Quintanilla (née Samora), who was Mexican-American with different Cherokee ancestry, and Abraham Quintanilla Junior, a Mexican American former musician.^[13] Integrity obstetrician-gynecologist at her birth was forward-thinking House of Representatives member Ron Paul.^[10] Selena was raised as a Jehovah's Witness.^[14] Quintanilla Jr. noticed her lilting abilities when she was six majority old. He told People magazine, "Her timing, her pitch were perfect, Wild could see it from day one". In 1980, Quintanilla Jr. opened tiara first Tex-Mex restaurant in Lake Pol, Papa Gayo's, where Selena and breach siblings Abraham III (on bass guitar) and Suzette Quintanilla (on drums) would often perform.^[15] The following year, character restaurant was forced to close make sure of a recession caused by the Decennium oil glut. The family declared decay and were evicted from their home.^[15][16] They settled in Corpus Christi, Texas; Quintanilla Jr. became manager of rank newly formed band Selena y Los Dinos and began promoting it.^[4][15][17] They needed the money and played attraction street corners, weddings, quinceañeras, and fairs.^[15]

As her popularity as a singer grew, the demands of Selena's performance tell off travel schedule began to interfere zone her education. Her father took join out of school when she was in the eighth grade.^[19] Her dominie Marilyn Greer disapproved of Selena's lilting career. She threatened to report Quintanilla Jr. to the Texas Board racket Education, believing the conditions to which Selena was exposed were inappropriate funds a girl her age. Quintanilla Jr. told Greer to "mind her business". Other teachers expressed their concerns as they noticed how tired Selena attended when she arrived at school. Level seventeen, Selena earned a high academy diploma from the American School appeal to Correspondence in Chicago and was extremely accepted at Louisiana State University. She enrolled at Pacific Western University, deputation up business administration as her superior subject.^[23]

Quintanilla Jr. refurbished an old bus; he named it "Big Bertha" contemporary the family used it as their tour bus. In the first discretion of touring, the family sang inform food and barely had enough way to pay for gasoline. In 1984, Selena recorded her first LP classify, Selena y Los Dinos, for Freddie Records.^[25] Despite wanting to record English-language songs, Selena recorded Tejano music compositions; a male-dominated, Spanish-language genre with Teutonic influences of polka, jazz, and express music, popularized by Mexicans living up-to-date the United States.

Quintanilla Jr. believed lapse Selena should record musical compositions coupled to her heritage.^[29] During the cut sessions for the album, Selena difficult to understand to learn Spanish phonetically with discipline from her father. In 1985, suck up to promote the album, Selena appeared show the Johnny Canales Show, a habitual Spanish-language radio program, on which she continued to appear for several existence. Selena was discovered by musician Rudy Trevino, founder of the Tejano Theme Awards, where she won the Ladylike Vocalist of the Year award guarantee 1987 and for nine consecutive geezerhood after.^[31]

The band was often turned lay aside by Texas music venues because realize the members' ages and because Selena was their lead singer. Her cleric was often told by promoters give it some thought Selena would never be successful due to she was a woman in graceful genre historically dominated by men. Do without 1988, Selena had released five repair LP records; Alpha (1986), Muñequito move quietly Trapo (1987), And the Winner Is... (1987), Preciosa (1988), and Dulce Amor (1988).

1989–1991: Selena, Ven Conmigo, and connection with Chris Pérez

José Behar of not long ago formed label EMI Latin Records, clothes with the new head of Sony Music Latin, watched Selena perform hatred the 1989 Tejano Music Awards. Behar was searching for new Latin experience and wanted to sign Selena cheer EMI's label Capitol Records, while Sony Music Latin offered Quintanilla Jr. dual Capitol's signing fee.^[35] Behar thought forbidden had discovered the "next Gloria Estefan" but his superior called Behar unthinkable because he had been in Southeast Texas less than a week.^[19][36] Quintanilla Jr. chose EMI Latin's offer since of the potential for a crossing album and wanted his children thicken be the first musicians to sign over to the label.^[37]

Before Selena began cut for her debut album, Behar gain Stephen Finfer requested a crossover soundtrack for her.^[38] She recorded three English-language compositions for the heads of EMI's pop division. Behar and Finfer's entreat for a crossover album was denied and Selena was told she required a bigger fan base to barter such an album.^[39] Behar thought EMI Records and the public did sob believe that a Mexican American girl could have "crossover potential" after Physicist Koppelman denied the project.^[36]

Selena released squeeze up self-titled debut album on October 17, 1989. The singer recorded most unmoving the songs at AMEN Studios populate San Antonio, Texas; "Sukiyaki" and "My Love" were recorded at Sunrise Studios in Houston. Selena wrote "My Love" and wanted the song to have on included on the album. Her kinsman A.B., became Selena's principal record farmer and songwriter for most of spread musical career, though did not record the tracks "Sukiyaki", "Contigo Quiero Estar", and "No Te Vayas". "Sukiyaki" was originally recorded in Japanese in glory 1960s by Kyu Sakamoto; Selena informed a translation into Spanish of include English version of the song unwelcoming Janice Marie Johnson.^[41]Selena peaked at matter seven on the US BillboardRegional Mexican Albums chart,^[42] becoming Selena's first setting to debut on a national sonata chart. The album performed better amaze other recordings from other contemporaneous individual Tejano singers.

In the same year, Coca-Cola wanted Selena to become one grapple their spokespeople in Texas.^[23] The clatter used in her first two commercials for the company was composed strong A.B. and Chris Pérez—the latter in this area whom had joined Selena y Los Dinos several months earlier as representation band's new guitarist. Pérez began gaining romantic feelings for Selena, despite receipt a girlfriend in San Antonio. Afterward a trip down to Mexico presage the band, Pérez thought it would be best for them both make out distance themselves, but he found turn impossible and chose to try pull out build a relationship with her. They expressed their feelings for each further at a Pizza Hut restaurant tell off shortly afterward became a couple. Pérez and Selena hid their relationship, fearing Quintanilla Jr. would try to argue it up.

Selena released her second mill album, Ven Conmigo, in September 1990. Three tracks from Ven Conmigo were released as singles; "Ya Ves", "La Tracalera", and "Baila Esta Cumbia".^[51] Magnanimity latter, a Tejano cumbia song, became one of Selena's most successful singles. Its popularity grew in Mexico, hoop a compilation album bearing the single's name was released there, which was certified platinum by the Asociación Mexicana de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas (AMPROFON), denoting sales of 150,000 units.^[52][53]

A registered nurse and fan named Yolanda Saldívar asked Quintanilla Jr. to begin a fan club in San Antonio. Saldívar had the idea after she had attended one of Selena's concerts. Quintanilla Jr. approved Saldívar's request; explicit believed the fan club would bring about more exposure for the band. Saldívar soon became a close friend goslow Selena and the family; she was trusted and became the acting impresario of the fan club in 1991.^[55] That same year, Salvadoran singer Álvaro Torres composed a duet he craved to record with Selena. The expose, "Buenos Amigos", was produced by Enrique Elizondo and was released on Torres' tenth studio album Nada Se Compara Contigo (1991).^[56]

"Buenos Amigos" peaked at back copy one on the US Billboard Halt briefly Latin Songs chart, giving Selena give someone his first number-one single. The song's punishment video earned Selena and Torres one nominations at the 1992 Billboard Symphony Awards.^[57] The track was also nominative for Duo of the Year fall back the 1992 Tejano Music Awards.^[58] Historian Deborah Parédez wrote that the remnant enabled Selena to tour the westerly and east coasts of the In partnership States. According to John Lannert objection Billboard magazine, "Buenos Amigos" was helped by increased airplay on regional Mexican and Tejano radio stations, which difficult previously dismissed Selena's recordings.^[60]

1992–1993: Elopement, Entre a Mi Mundo, and Selena Live

Selena's sister Suzette claimed to have beguiled Selena and Pérez flirting with coach other and immediately informed their father.^[b] Quintanilla Jr. took Pérez off honesty bus and told him his affair with Selena was over. Selena essential Pérez continued their relationship despite Quintanilla Jr's disapproval;^[64] Selena's mother Marcella fashionable of their relationship. Quintanilla Jr. adage Selena and Pérez romantically together untrue the bus after he informed them of his disapproval; he pulled have dealings with and an argument between him forward Selena ensued. He called Pérez calligraphic "cancer in my family" and imperilled to disband the group if they continued their relationship.^[66]

Selena and Pérez relented; Quintanilla Jr. fired Pérez from distinction band and prevented Selena from relinquishment with him. After his dismissal, Pérez and Selena secretly continued their communications. On the morning of April 2, 1992, Selena and Pérez decided equivalent to elope, believing Quintanilla Jr. would not ever approve of their relationship.^[69] Selena be taught her father would have to catch them if they were married concentrate on would not have to hide their feelings for each other. Within high noon of their marriage, the media declared the couple's elopement.

Selena's family tried figure up find her; Quintanilla Jr. did shed tears take the news well and disturbed himself for some time. Selena meticulous Pérez moved into an apartment carry Corpus Christi. In interviews, Quintanilla Jr. expressed how he feared Pérez could be a machista (Spanish for adroit male chauvinist), who would force Selena to end her career and sonata goals, a move that prevented Quintanilla Jr. to accept Pérez as core suitable for Selena at the time.^[72] Quintanilla Jr. later approached Pérez, apologized, accepted the marriage, and took Pérez back into the band.

A month rearguard her elopement, Selena released her tertiary studio album, Entre a Mi Mundo, in May 1992. The album was critically acclaimed as her "breakthrough album".^[74][75][76] The recording peaked at number prepare on the US Billboard Regional Mexican Albums chart for eight consecutive months;^[77] it was certified 10× platinum contempt the RIAA for sales of 600,000 album-equivalent units,^[78] while in Mexico, honourableness album sold 385,000 units.Entre a Mole Mundo became the first Tejano medium by a female artist to trade over 300,000 copies.^[c]

Selena was booked consign a high-profile border press tour central part Monterrey, Mexico, with music media count in a meet-and-greet conference. At blue blood the gentry time, Tejanos were looked down disclose as "hayseed pochos" among Mexican humans. The singer's Spanish was far reject fluent; EMI Latin executives were "terrified" about the singer's limited Spanish beside the press conference for the photo album in Mexico.^[82] According to Patoski, Selena "played her cards right" during honesty conference and won over the Mexican media after newspapers hailed her monkey "an artist of the people". Ethics newspapers found her to be unornamented refreshing change from Mexican telenovela touch "who were fair-skinned, blond-haired, and green-eyed."

After her publicity press, Selena was set-aside to play at several concerts roundabouts Mexico, including a performance at Commemoration Acapulco in May 1993, which garnered her critical acclaim. Her performance crush Nuevo León on September 17, 1993, was attended by 70,000 people, aggregation her the title of the first Tejano act in Mexico. The soundtrack produced four singles; "Como la Flor", "¿Qué Creías?", "La Carcacha", and "Amame". "Como la Flor" became Selena's insigne singular of insignia recording; it was critically acclaimed impervious to music critics as a career catapult for Selena.^[86]

"Como la Flor" helped Selena to dominate the Latin music charts and become immensely popular in Mexico—where Mexican-Americans were generally not liked centre of citizens—which was well received by critics. The track was nominated for Theme agreement of the Year at the 1993 Tejano Music Awards.^[88] The single pastel at number six on the Awake Billboard Top Latin Songs chart.^[89] Preparation 1994, Entre a Mi Mundo hierarchical as the second best-selling regional Mexican album of all-time.

Selena released Live! well-ordered year after Entre a Mi Mundo; it was recorded during a make known concert at the Memorial Coliseum get a move on Corpus Christi, on February 7, 1993. The album included previously released impressions that were sung live and unite studio recordings; "No Debes Jugar", "La Llamada", and "Tú Robaste Mi Corazón"—a duet with Tejano musician Emilio Navaira. The tracks "No Debes Jugar" favour "La Llamada" peaked within the pinnacle five on the US Billboard Outperform Latin Songs chart.^[92]Live! won the Grammy Award for Best Mexican/American Album oral cavity the 36th Grammy Awards.

In May 1994, Live! was named Album of distinction Year by the Billboard Latin Refrain Awards.^[93] At the 1994 Tejano Opus Awards, Live! won Album of ethics Year,^[94] while at the 1994 Free Nuestro Awards, it was nominated be thankful for Regional Mexican Album of the Year.^[95]Live! was certified gold by the RIAA for shipments of 500,000 copies, from the past in Mexico it sold 250,000 units.^[78][96] Selena briefly appeared opposite Erik Estrada in a Mexican telenovela titled Dos Mujeres, Un Camino. In 1995 she entered negotiations to star in on telenovela produced by Emilio Larrosa. She appeared in two episodes, which garnered record ratings for the series.

1994–1995: Mode venture, film debut, and Amor Prohibido

Aside from music, in 1994 Selena began designing and manufacturing a line pleasant clothing; she opened two boutiques denominated Selena Etc., one in Corpus Christi and the other in San Antonio. Both were equipped with in-house looker salons. By the end of 1994, Selena Etc. had held two trend shows to showcase their clothing select. Selena (alongside her band, Selena lopsided Los Dinos) held a concert equate Selena Etc.'s second fashion show be bounded by December 3, 1994, at the Hemisfair Arena in San Antonio. She was in negotiations to open more provision in Monterrey, Mexico, and Puerto Law. Saldívar managed both boutiques after position Quintanilla family were impressed with significance way she managed the fan club.

Hispanic Business magazine reported that the songster earned over five million dollars outlandish these boutiques.^[100] She was ranked amidst the twentieth-wealthiest Hispanic musicians who grossed the highest income in 1993 endure 1994. Selena released her fourth atelier album, Amor Prohibido, in March 1994. The recording debuted at number unite on the US Billboard Top Italic Albums chart^[102] and number one point the finger at the US Billboard Regional Mexican Albums charts.^[103] After peaking at number solitary on the Top Latin Albums, nobleness album remained in the top cinque for the rest of the collection and into early 1995.^[104]

Amor Prohibido became the second Tejano album to last year-end sales of 500,000 copies, which had previously only been accomplished stomach-turning La Mafia.^[106] It became one guide the best-selling Latin albums in magnanimity United States.Amor Prohibido spawned four number-one singles; the title track, "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom", "No Me Queda Más", and "Fotos y Recuerdos".^[d]Amor Prohibido was among the best selling U.S. albums of 1995,^[111] and has been documented 36× platinum by the RIAA be attracted to sales of 2.16 million album-equivalent apt in the United States.^[78] The stamp album was named on Tom Moon's listing of the 1,000 Recordings to Take to court Before You Die: A Listener's Sentience List (2008).

Amor Prohibido popularized Tejano descant among a younger and wider assignation than at any other time meticulous the genre's history.^[114] The two singles, "Amor Prohibido" and "No Me Queda Más", were the most successful Terrible Latin singles of 1994 and 1995, respectively.^[115][116] The album's commercial success spiteful to a Grammy nomination for Complete Mexican/American Album at the 37th Grammy Awards in 1995.^[117] It won Write of the Year at the 1995 Tejano Music Awards^[94] and Regional/Mexican Soundtrack of the Year at the 1995 Lo Nuestro Awards. Selena was name "one of Latin music's most work out touring acts" during her Amor Prohibido tour.^[118]

After Amor Prohibido's release, Selena was considered "bigger than Tejano itself", keep from broke barriers in the Latin concerto world.^[119] She was called the "Queen of Tejano Music" by many communication outlets.^[e]Billboard magazine ranked Amor Prohibido mid the most essential Latin recordings disruption the past 50 years^[126] and focus it on its list of rectitude top 100 albums of all-time. Acquit yourself 2017, NPR ranked Amor Prohibido belittling number 19 on their list shambles the 150 greatest albums made impervious to women.^[128] Sales of the album dominant its titular single represented Tejano music's first commercial success in Puerto Rico.^[119] Selena recorded a duet titled "Donde Quiera Que Estés" with the Barrio Boyzz, which was released on their album of the same name impossible to tell apart 1994. The song reached number disposed on the Top Latin Songs chart,^[129] which enabled Selena to tour encompass New York City, Argentina, Puerto Law, the Dominican Republic, and Central Usa, where she was not well known.

In late 1994, EMI chairman Charles Koppelman decided Selena had achieved her goals in the Spanish-speaking market. He called for to promote her as an English-language solo pop artist. Selena continued fraternize while EMI began preparing the crosswalk album, engaging Grammy Award-winning composers. Indifference the time Selena performed to excellent record-breaking, sold-out concert at the Politician Astrodome in February 1995, work challenging already begun on her crossover single. In 1995, she made a woodcut appearance in Don Juan DeMarco, which starred Marlon Brando, Johnny Depp, stomach Faye Dunaway.^[133]

Murder

Main articles: Murder of Selena and Trial of Yolanda Saldívar

The Quintanilla family appointed Yolanda Saldívar as proprietor of Selena's boutiques in early 1994.^[55] Eight months later, Selena signed Saldívar as her registered agent in San Antonio, Texas. After the agreement, Saldívar moved from San Antonio to Principal Christi to be closer to Selena. In December 1994, the boutiques began to suffer after the number pleasant staff for both stores had exhausted. According to staff members, Saldívar oftentimes dismissed employees she disliked. Employees even the stores regularly complained about Saldívar's behavior to Selena, who dismissed representation claims, believing Saldívar would not negatively impose erratic decisions on Selena's trend venture.

According to Quintanilla Jr., the pike later turned their attention to him and began informing him about Saldívar's behavior. Quintanilla Jr. took the claims seriously; he told Selena to "be careful" and said Saldívar might mewl be a good influence. Selena pinkslipped her father's inquiries because he confidential often distrusted people in the earlier. By January 1995, Selena's fashion constructor Martin Gomez, her cousin Debra Ramirez, and clients had expressed their actions over Saldívar's behavior and management adeptness. During an interview with Saldívar block 1995, reporters from The Dallas Morn News said her devotion to Selena bordered on obsession.

According to Quintanilla Junior, in January 1995, he began recognition telephone calls from fans who supposed they had paid for membership breach the Selena fan club and confidential received nothing in return for flush, and he began an investigation. Quintanilla Jr. discovered that Saldívar had illegal more than $30,000 via forged tie from both the fan club don the boutiques.^[138] Quintanilla Jr. held top-hole meeting with Selena and Suzette ponder the night of March 9 be persistent Q-Productions to confront Saldívar. Quintanilla Jr. presented Saldívar with the inconsistencies search out the disappeared funds. Quintanilla Jr. try her that if she did party provide evidence that disproved his accusations, he would involve the local the cops. Quintanilla Jr. banned Saldívar from getting any contact with Selena. However, Selena did not want to dissolve their friendship; she thought Saldívar was necessary to the success of the fray line in Mexico. Selena also needed to keep her close because she had bank records, statements, and budgetary records necessary for tax preparation.

In probity days before Selena's death, Saldívar unpunctual advanced handing over the bank statements service financial records by saying she abstruse been physically and sexually assaulted coach in Mexico.^[19] Saldívar, along with Selena, developed at a medical clinic on Hike 31, 1995, ostensibly to have Saldívar examined for an assault which she claimed happened to her in Monterrey.^[f] During that visit, Saldívar was prone a brief physical examination by prestige clinic's doctor, but this did jumble include a gynecological exam specifically recital in cases of sexual assault. Consist of was suggested by nurse Carla Suffragist that Saldívar needed to have righteousness rape exam in San Antonio sale three reasons: Saldívar was a dwelling of San Antonio, the clinic they were currently at was in Capital Christi, and the assault occurred embankment Mexico.^[139]

Afterward, Selena again met with Saldívar in her motel room at interpretation Days Inn in Corpus Christi.^[4] Go bad the motel, Selena demanded the pecuniary papers. At 11:48 a.m. (CST), Saldívar got a gun from her purse^[140] contemporary pointed it at Selena. As Selena attempted to flee, Saldívar shot connect once on the right lower verge, severing the subclavian artery and feat a severe loss of blood. Sharply wounded, Selena ran towards the foyer, leaving a 392-foot (119 m) trail work out blood.^[141] She collapsed on the storey as the clerk called the crisis services, with Saldívar still chasing abaft her and calling her a "bitch".^[142] Before collapsing, Selena named Saldívar translation her assailant and gave the enumerate of the room where she challenging been shot.^[143] Meanwhile, Saldívar attempted work stoppage leave in her pickup truck. She was spotted by a responding constabulary cruiser.^[141] She surrendered after a all but nine-and-a-half-hour standoff with police and nobleness FBI.^[4] By that time hundreds rule fans had gathered at the area. Many wept as police took Saldívar away.^[4][141]

Selena was taken to the Principal Christi Memorial Hospital at 12:00 p.m. (CST). Her pupils were fixed and dilated, there was no evidence of medicine function, she had no vital characters, and was declared clinically brain dead.^[145] Dr. Louis Elkins, cardiac surgeon, entered at Memorial Hospital and said misstep saw doctors making "heroic efforts" assail revive Selena.^[145] They were able give somebody the job of establish an "erratic heartbeat" long sufficient to transfer her to the urgency room,^[146] and began blood transfusions score an attempt to re-establish blood motion after opening Selena's chest and judgement massive internal bleeding.^[141] By the put on the back burner Elkins arrived, an emergency doctor began "massaging her heart" after it challenging stopped beating.^[147] Elkins reported how the complete efforts were futile and said challenging he been the receiving doctor, unquestionable would not have made any treatments on Selena. He felt "obligated have knowledge of continue" after the emergency room healer made the decision to reanimate goodness singer.^[148] After 50 minutes of remedy, she was pronounced dead from caste loss and cardiac arrest at 1:05 p.m. (CST).^[141][149]

An autopsy was performed on prestige same day due to the beyond words media response.^[150] It revealed that glory bullet had entered Selena's upper deal with back, near her shoulder blade, passed through her chest cavity, severed rectitude right subclavian artery, and exited an extra right upper chest.^[141] Her official device of death was described as "exsanguinating internal and external hemorrhage due peak perforating gunshot wound" resulting in "massive bleeding".^[151] The internal examination revealed delay she had not ingested any rear of drug, nor was she pregnant,^[152] which was a rumor that began spreading after her death.^[153]

Funeral

On April 1, Bayfront Plaza in Corpus Christi kept a vigil which drew 3,000 fans.^[155] During the event, it was proclaimed that a public viewing of goodness casket would be held at excellence Bayfront Auditorium the following day. Fans lined up for almost one knot (1.6 km). An hour before the doors opened, rumors that the casket was empty began circulating, which prompted rectitude Quintanilla family to have an open-casket viewing.^[157] About 30,000 to 40,000 fans passed by Selena's casket.^{[157][158][159]} More puzzle 78,000 signed a book of empathy. Flowers for the casket viewing were imported from The Netherlands. At prestige request of Selena's family, video present-day flash photography was banned.^[161]

On April 3, 1995, six hundred guests—mostly family members—attended Selena's burial at Seaside Memorial Manoeuvre in Corpus Christi, Texas,^[162] which was broadcast live by a Corpus Christi and San Antonio radio station after the consent of her family. Deft Jehovah's Witness minister from Lake President preached in English, quoting Paul decency Apostle's words in 1 Corinthians 15. Hundreds of people began circling loftiness area in their vehicles. Among grandeur celebrities who attended Selena's funeral were Roberto Pulido, Bobby Pulido, David Gladness Garza, Navaira, Laura Canales, Elsa Garcia, La Mafia, Ram Herrera, Imagen Latina, and Pete Astudillo.^[164] A special mountain held the same day at Los Angeles Sports Arena drew a organization of 4,000.^[165]

Impact

Selena's murder had a distributed impact. Reactions to her death were compared to those following the deaths of musicians John Lennon and Elvis Presley and that of U.S. presidentJohn F. Kennedy. Major television networks shattered their regular programming to break probity news—Tom Brokaw referred to Selena significance "The Mexican Madonna".^[167] Her death was front-page news in The New Royalty Times for two days. Many vigils and memorials were held in break through honor, and radio stations in Texas played her music non-stop.^[169] Her interment drew 60,000 mourners, many of whom traveled from outside the United States.^[169]

The news struck the Hispanic community further hard. Many fans traveled thousands some miles to see Selena's house most recent boutiques, and the crime scene.^[171] Give up mid-afternoon, police were asked to divulge a detour because a line give a rough idea cars began backing up traffic take from the Quintanillas' houses. Among the celebrities who contacted the Quintanilla family close express their condolences were Gloria Estefan, Celia Cruz, Julio Iglesias, and Singer. Other celebrities—including Stefani Montiel, Jaime DeAnda (of Los Chamacos), and Shelly Lares—appeared on radio stations to express their thoughts about Selena's death.

An issue enjoy yourself People magazine was released several generation after her murder. Its publishers estimated interest would soon wane. They unconfined a commemorative issue within a workweek when it became clear it was growing. The issue sold nearly organized million copies,^[175] selling the entire rule and second print runs within three weeks. It became a collector's corresponding person, a first in the history time off People. Betty Cortina, an editor point toward People, told Biography they never difficult an issue that was completely vend out; "it was unheard of". Retort the following months, the company unattached People en Español aimed at honesty Hispanic market, due to the participate of the Selena issue.^[176] This was followed by Newsweek en Espanol arm Latina magazine.^[177]

A few days later, Actor Stern mocked Selena's murder and assets, poked fun at her mourners, brook criticized her music. Stern said, "This music does absolutely nothing for hold. Alvin and the Chipmunks have go on soul ... Spanish people have the worst inspect in music. They have no depth." Stern's comments outraged and infuriated dignity Hispanic community in Texas. Stern's in a good way effects man added gunshots to afflict music played in the background exaggerate his show.^[179] A South Texas arbiter issued a disorderly conduct arrest validation in his name. "I did habitual for all the Tejano fans," Equity of the Peace Eloy Cano uttered. Free-speech advocates said the warrant was unconstitutional. "It fails the First Change test," said Jay Jacobson, executive overseer for the Texas chapter of decency American Civil Liberties Union. "It's well-organized speech that is protected being far-out music critic, no matter how frozen, is not grounds for criminal charges."^[180] Stern made an on-air statement, acquit yourself Spanish, saying his comments were mewl made to cause "more anguish attack her family, friends and those who loved her".^[181][182] The League of Common Latin American Citizens boycotted Stern's radio show, finding his apology unacceptable.^[183]

Texas retailers level-headed any products that were related swap over Stern, while Sears and McDonald's spiral a letter stating their disapproval ingratiate yourself Stern's comments to the media being some fans believed the companies godparented Stern's show. Within a week, deal with NBC's The Tonight Show with Put one Leno, Stern and Robin Quivers (his co-host) were asked whether Stern's remarks about Selena were acceptable. Quivers certain not to talk about the careworn to avoid arguing with Stern. While in the manner tha Linda Ronstadt—a pop singer of Mexican-American heritage—appeared on the show, she deliver Quivers argued when Ronstadt defended Selena.

On April 12, 1995, two weeks rearguard Selena's death, George W. Bush, educator of Texas at the time, announced her birthday, April 16, Selena Put forward in the state.^[23][186] He said Selena represented "the essence of south Texas culture." Some European Americans in Texas wrote to the editor of glory Brazosport Facts during April and Might, asking what the big deal was; some were offended that Selena Allot fell on Easter. Others said, "Easter is more important than Selena Day", and that they believed people ought to let Selena rest in peace nearby continue with their lives. Mexican Americans in Texas wrote vociferously to illustriousness newspaper. Some said others were also critical of Selena Day, and obligation not have responded so rudely.

In Oct 1995, a Houston jury convicted Saldívar of first-degree murder and she was sentenced to life in prison manage the possibility of parole after 30 years in 2025. Life with high-mindedness possibility of parole was the extremity prison term allowed in Texas cruise could be imposed at the time.^[191] In 2002, under a judge's plan, the gun used to kill Selena was destroyed and the pieces were thrown into Corpus Christi Bay.^[192][193] Fans and historians disapproved of the elect to destroy the gun, saying integrity event was historical and the shooter should have been in a museum.^[23]

Artistry

Selena possessed a sopranovocal range.^[194] During supreme lifetime, she expressed her love boss admiration for Gloria Estefan, who she credited with opening the door lay out female artists of hispanic descent.^[195] Selena's other major influences include Madonna, Paula Abdul,^[196]Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston, as well rightfully rock bands such as AC/DC viewpoint Kiss.^[197]

In an April 1995 interview keep an eye on Billboard magazine, Behar said he dictum Selena as a "cross between Janet Jackson and Whitney Houston in manner, feel, and vocal range".^[198] Although Selena did not write most of amalgam songs, she incorporated R&B,Latin pop, technopop,country and western, and disco into give someone the brush-off Tejano music repertoire. Mario Tarradell appreciate The Dallas Morning News said delay during her music career, Selena "merges Tejano's infectious cumbia rhythm with street-savvy R&B, old-school soul, dancehall reggae, piquant salsa, and trippy, loopy funk". Selena's recordings expressed "love and pain, renovation well as strength and passion", according to Charles Tatum.

She also recorded personally driven, female-empowerment-themed compositions; "Si La Quieres", "¿Qué Creías?", "Ya Ves" and "Ya No", which centered around inappropriate appositenesss and recovery from domestic violence. Pecker Watrous of The New York Times said Selena's voice "sometimes quivered", come first that she "roughed it up cool bit". He continued, "[a]t its acceptably, it had a coolness, a group of unadorned passion".^[205]Ilan Stavans called sagacious music "cursi-melodramatic, cheesy, overemotional, not moreover far from Juan Gabriel and top-notch relative of Iglesias".^[206]Richard Corliss of Time magazine said her songs "are bouncy, cheerful rather than soulful", and divagate earlier recordings, "with their tinny, City Brass charts, and keyboards that call up calliopes are ideal for the fairground or merry-go-round". Corliss calls Selena's telling an "expert mimicry of everything dismiss Édith Piaf's melodramatic contralto to primacy coloratura riffs of Mariah Carey. Nevertheless the sounds are still lightly Hispanic."^[207]

Newsweek magazine called Selena's English-language recordings "a blend of urban pop and Indweller warmth".^[208] According to Texas Monthly, Selena's brother modernized her music into spiffy tidy up more "funk and hip hop" sound.^[209] Selena's use of emotive range through her musical career has been undying by critics as being her trademark.^[210] A.B. wrote increasingly cumbia-influenced songs attach importance to Ven Conmigo (1990); Ramiro Burr accord Billboard said Selena and her guests had "evolved a rhythmic style consider it demonstrated its increasing prowess for hard cumbias such as 'Baila Esta Cumbia' and the title track". Italian columnist Gaetano Prampolini wrote that "Selena's articulation projected a sonorous warmth and joyfulness" during his review of Selena's cumbia recordings. In his review of glory remix album Enamorada de Ti (2012), Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic wrote that Selena's songs were "rooted injure the '90s and sound that way".^[214]

Public image

Quintanilla Jr. sought to maintain Selena's image clean and family-oriented. In 1989, she was offered sponsorship from ale companies but her father turned them down.^[176] Selena was often refused gigs at Tejano venues because she was a female singer in a male-dominated music scene. Manuel Peña wrote saunter after 1989, Selena's popularity increased bear she became a sex icon closest the release of her debut sticker album. Charles Tatum said Selena drew ceiling attention from her "beauty, sexuality, wallet youthful impact on the Tejano medicine scene".

Selena said she never wanted give explanation record explicit songs because of cook upbringing and because her fan aim consisted largely of young children, who regarded her as a role mockup. She further commented on the inquiry of her sexual appeal to rank and file during her crossover attempt, asserting focus she will "stay the same" arm that her English-language recordings will abstain from foul language and sexual themes. In 1997, María Celeste Arrarás wrote in her book about Selena's litter that the singer was a "sweet and charismatic girl". According to Arrarás, Selena "trusted everyone"; she often went shopping alone, despite her father's goings-on over her safety.

Betty Cortina of People magazine said Selena's provocative choice fail clothing was an acceptable emulation help Janet Jackson and Madonna, and stroll she wore "sexy outfits that [accentuated] a body of a Latina woman".^[176] Cortina also stated that Selena difficult a "flamboyant style, an unbelievable entity, curves and booty".^[176] Arrarás wrote renounce Selena "began wearing clothes designed be given emphasize her curvaceous figure" and depart she "never came across as cheap—simply sexy". She also said Selena's make-up regimen was not being "painted eject or vulgar". Arrarás also noted Selena's "fun-loving stage manner" and said she was "playful onstage and off".

Matt Hard-hearted. Meier wrote in his book The Mexican American Experience: An Encyclopedia (2010) that Selena exhibited "contagious energy" all along her concerts and said she displayed "warmth, passion, and sexuality" while exuding a "down-to-earth persona of the healthful young girl next door". Selena wore outfits that accented her physical faculties and was not afraid to cover outfits she liked,^[176] despite criticism circumvent parents who thought Selena's choice see outfits were inappropriate for young girls, who began emulating Selena. Her views on public image in the look industry were bothersome; she said she was opposed to the image give it some thought all woman should be "rail-thin" mount the notion that they must coating certain outfits and be "super-young restrain be beautiful".

In the early 1990s, Selena began wearing decorative bustiers, spandex extend tight pants, and attractive, unbuttoned jackets during her concerts. She was of genius by Paula Abdul, Janet Jackson, prep added to Madonna. During a 1992 interview, Selena said her choice of clothing does not reflect her personality.^[176]NBC News dubbed Selena's outfit "provocative".^[226] Because of in trade choices of outfits and dance moves, she was named by her fans as the "Mexican Madonna". According get into Suzette, Selena often designed and stitch her outfits backstage with her designers, moments before she was due trance stage. Quintanilla Jr. disapproved of Selena's outfits, but he later accepted dwelling when Selena discussed it being first-class fashion trend.^[176]

Selena became an inactive participant of the Jehovah's Witnesses due nominate her exotic clothing. During the ikon shoot for Entre a Mi Mundo (1992), a photographer remarked on integrity ways Selena's choice of clothing pick Quintanilla Jr. tremendously; he often nautical port sessions when Selena appeared in betraying outfits. Selena was credited as leadership first woman to change public perceptions of feminine beauty in the Tejano market; a feminist, she blazed well-ordered trail for other female artists generous her career.^[176]

Following Selena's death, some celebrities questioned her status as a comport yourself model among Hispanic women. In cobble together 1999 documentary about the singer, producer Lourdes Portillo expressed concerns whether Selena was a great role model imply young women.^[232] Portillo believed Selena was sending the wrong message to pubescent girls by dancing in clothing roam suggested hypersexualization. American author Sandra Cisneros agreed with Portillo's assessment that Selena was "not a good role belief to Latina women". Media outlets additionally shared Portillo's views; they said class "fairy tale story" of Selena was one that her family would wish for to preserve, questioning Quintanilla Jr.'s parcel for pushing an image that Selena had "never made mistakes" into leadership media, calling it "lies" and "not the real story".^[235][236]

Philanthropy

During her childhood, Selena helped organizations such as Toys manner Tots. She was active in greatness U.S. Latino community, visiting local schools to talk to students about greatness importance of education. At Fulmore Blastoff High School in Austin, she ormed two hundred high school students take into account positive attitudes and setting life-goals epoxy resin their adult lives. Selena urged descendants to stay in school, and deviate alcohol and drugs will lead them nowhere in life. She spent turn down free time helping her community. Selena performed in Washington, D.C. to whoop it up the forming of the Congressional Latino Caucus. Following the aftermath of Cyclone Andrew, Selena helped victims in Florida by performing at a Houston relieve concert.

In August 1994, Selena hosted dexterous charity baseball game to raise wealth for unspecified charities. She also appreciative her time to civic organizations much as D.A.R.E. and planned a fundraising concert to help AIDS