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Reverted to revision 458074025 by Dawnseeker2000: honestly most of that information was there since it was an FA, try to get consensus in talk. (TW)
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| accessdate = March 3, 2010}}</ref> She was called "[[Honorific nicknames in popular music|The Queen of Tejano music]]"<ref name="queen">Mitchell, Rick. [http://web.archive.org/web/20070709024550/http://www.chron.com/content/chronicle/metropolitan/selena/95/05/21/legend.html "Selena"]. ''Houston Chronicle'', May 21, 1995. Retrieved on February 1, 2008.</ref> and the Mexican equivalent of [[Madonna (entertainer)|Madonna]].{{sfn|''New York Times''|1995|p=}} Selena released her first album, ''[[Mis Primeras Grabaciones|Selena y Los Dinos]]'', at the age of twelve. She won Female Vocalist of the Year at the 1987 [[Tejano Music Awards]] and landed a recording contract with [[EMI]] a few years later. Her fame grew throughout the early 1990s, especially in Spanish-speaking countries.
| accessdate = March 3, 2010}}</ref> She was called "[[Honorific nicknames in popular music|The Queen of Tejano music]]"<ref name="queen">Mitchell, Rick. [http://web.archive.org/web/20070709024550/http://www.chron.com/content/chronicle/metropolitan/selena/95/05/21/legend.html "Selena"]. ''Houston Chronicle'', May 21, 1995. Retrieved on February 1, 2008.</ref> and the Mexican equivalent of [[Madonna (entertainer)|Madonna]].<ref name=NewYorkTimes>{{Cite news|title=Grammy Winning Singer Selena Killed in Shooting at Texas Motel|page=1|author=Sam Howe Verhovek|newspaper=The New York Times|date=April 1, 1995}}</ref> Selena released her first album, ''[[Mis Primeras Grabaciones|Selena y Los Dinos]]'', at the age of twelve. She won Female Vocalist of the Year at the 1987 [[Tejano Music Awards]] and landed a recording contract with [[EMI]] a few years later. Her fame grew throughout the early 1990s, especially in Spanish-speaking countries.


Selena was murdered at the age of 23 by [[Yolanda Saldívar]], the president of her fan club. On April 12, 1995, two weeks after her death, [[George W. Bush]], [[list of Governors of Texas|governor of Texas]] at the time, declared her birthday "Selena Day" in Texas.<ref name="rolemodel">Orozco, Cynthia E. [http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/QQ/fquxg.html Quintanilla Pérez, Selena]. The Handbook of Texas online. Retrieved on May 29, 2009</ref> [[Warner Bros.]] produced ''[[Selena (film)|Selena]]'', a film based on her life starring [[Jennifer Lopez]], in 1997. Selena's life was also the basis of the musical ''[[Selena Forever]]'' starring [[Veronica Vazquez]] as Selena. In June 2006 Selena was commemorated with a life-sized bronze statue ([[Mirador de la Flor]] in [[Corpus Christi, Texas]]) and a Selena museum opened there. She has sold over 21 million albums worldwide.<ref name=Albumssales>{{cite web|title=15 years after her death, Selena’s legend lives on|url=http://www.houmatoday.com/article/20100401/ENTERTAINMENT/100339869|author=Hector Saldana|work=San Antonio Express-News|date=April 1, 2010|accessdate=September 23, 2010}}</ref>
Selena was murdered at the age of 23 by [[Yolanda Saldívar]], the president of her fan club. On April 12, 1995, two weeks after her death, [[George W. Bush]], [[list of Governors of Texas|governor of Texas]] at the time, declared her birthday "Selena Day" in Texas.<ref name="rolemodel">Orozco, Cynthia E. [http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/QQ/fquxg.html Quintanilla Pérez, Selena]. The Handbook of Texas online. Retrieved on May 29, 2009</ref> [[Warner Bros.]] produced ''[[Selena (film)|Selena]]'', a film based on her life starring [[Jennifer Lopez]], in 1997. Selena's life was also the basis of the musical ''[[Selena Forever]]'' starring [[Veronica Vazquez]] as Selena. In June 2006 Selena was commemorated with a museum and a life-sized bronze statue ([[Mirador de la Flor]] in [[Corpus Christi, Texas]]), which are visited by hundreds of fans each week. She has sold over 21 million albums worldwide.<ref name=Albumssales>{{cite web|title=15 years after her death, Selena’s legend lives on|url=http://www.houmatoday.com/article/20100401/ENTERTAINMENT/100339869|author=Hector Saldana|work=San Antonio Express-News|date=April 1, 2010|accessdate=September 23, 2010}}</ref>


==Early life==
==Early life==
Selena was born in [[Lake Jackson, Texas|Lake Jackson]], Texas,{{sfn|Patoski|1996|p=30}} as the youngest child of a Mexican<ref name="BaylorHSA">[http://www.baylor.edu/pr/news.php?action=story&story=3687 HSA Banquet Features Father of Late Tejano Star Selena], [[Baylor University]] press release, November 4, 1999. Retrieved October 13, 2006.</ref> father, Abraham Quintanilla Jr. and a half-[[Cherokee Indian]] mother, {{sfn|Patoski|1996|p=20}} Marcella Ofelia Samora<!--Samora is correct NOT Zamora-->,<ref>Ware, Susan. ''Notable American Women: A Biographical Dictionary'', Harvard University Press 2005. ISBN 0-674-01488-X</ref> and was raised as a [[Jehovah's Witness]].{{sfn|''Caller-Times|April 16, 1997|p=}} Selena began singing at the age of three; when she was nine her father launched a singing group consisting of several of his children, [[Selena y Los Dinos]].{{sfn|''New York Times''|1995|p=}} They initially performed at the Quintanilla family's restaurant.<ref name="rolemodel" /> The family went bankrupt soon thereafter. They relocated to [[Corpus Christi, Texas|Corpus Christi]], Texas, where they performed wherever they could: at street corners, weddings, ''[[quinceañera]]s'', and fairs. {{sfn|Patoski|1996|p=53}} As Selena grew more popular as a musical performer, the demands of her performance and travel schedule began to interfere with her education. Her father pulled her out of school altogether when she was in eighth grade.<ref name="queen" /> Eventually, at seventeen, she earned a high school diploma by correspondence. {{sfn|Patoski|1996|p=59}}
Selena was born in Freeport Community Hospital in [[Lake Jackson, Texas|Lake Jackson]], Texas,<ref name="Patoski, p. 30">Patoski, p. 30</ref> as the youngest child of a Mexican<ref name="BaylorHSA">[http://www.baylor.edu/pr/news.php?action=story&story=3687 HSA Banquet Features Father of Late Tejano Star Selena], [[Baylor University]] press release, November 4, 1999. Retrieved October 13, 2006.</ref> father, Abraham Quintanilla Jr. and a half-[[Cherokee Indian]] mother,<ref>Patoski, p. 20</ref> Marcella Ofelia Samora<!--Samora is correct NOT Zamora-->,<ref>Ware, Susan. ''Notable American Women: A Biographical Dictionary'', Harvard University Press 2005. ISBN 0-674-01488-X</ref> and was raised as a [[Jehovah's Witness]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Ellen|last=Bernstein|work=Caller-Times |url=http://www.caller.com/news/1997/apr/16/birthday-hoopla-prohibited/ |title=Birthday hoopla is prohibited|publisher=Caller.com |date=April 16, 1997|location=Corpus Christi, Texas|accessdate=August 27, 2010}}</ref> When Selena was born her parents didn't have a name ready for a girl. Told that they were having a boy, the Quintanillas were going to name the baby "Marc Antony".<ref name="Patoski, p. 30"/> A woman who helped with the delivery suggested the name "Selena".<ref name="Patoski, p. 30"/> Selena began singing at the age of three; when she was nine her father founded the singing group [[Selena y Los Dinos]], which she fronted.<ref name=NewYorkTimes/> They initially performed at the Quintanilla family's restaurant, Papa Gayo's ({{lang-en|Parrots}}); the restaurant failed shortly afterwards.<ref name="rolemodel" />


The band’s efforts at spreading their names and talents paid off in 1985 when the fourteen-year-old Selena recorded her first album for a local record company. The album was not sold in stores and her father bought all of the original copies. {{sfn|Patoski|1996|p=49}} It was rereleased in 1995 under the title ''[[Mis Primeras Grabaciones]]''. {{sfn|Patoski|1996|p=288}} Over the next three years, while not having a recording contract, she released six more albums.
The family soon went bankrupt and was evicted from their home. Taking their musical equipment in an old bus, they relocated to [[Corpus Christi, Texas|Corpus Christi]], Texas. There, they performed wherever they could: at street corners, weddings, ''[[quinceañera]]s'', and fairs.<ref>Patoski, p. 53</ref> Their efforts at spreading their names and talents paid off in 1985 when the fourteen-year-old Selena recorded her first album for a local record company. The album was not sold in stores and her father bought all of the original copies.<ref>Patoski, p. 49</ref> It was re-released in 1995 under the title ''[[Mis Primeras Grabaciones]]''.<ref>Patoski, p. 288</ref>

Selena did well in school, but as she grew more popular as a musical performer, the demands of her performance and travel schedule began to interfere with her education. Her father pulled her out of school altogether when she was in eighth grade.<ref name="queen" /> She continued her education on the road; at seventeen she earned a high school diploma from [[The American School of Correspondence]] in [[Chicago, Illinois|Chicago]], Illinois.<ref>Patoski, p. 59</ref> Selena released her third album, ''[[Alpha (Selena album)|Alpha]]'', in 1986.<ref>Patoski, p. 63</ref>


==Success==
==Success==
At the 1987 [[Tejano Music Awards]], Selena won Best Female Vocalist, an award she would dominate for the rest of her life.<ref name="queen"/><ref name="TejanoAward">[http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/10/16/earlyshow/leisure/music/main525834.shtml "Fans, Family Remember Selena"]. CBSNews.com, October 17, 2002. Retrieved on July 9, 2006.</ref> In 1989, José Behar, the former head of [[Sony Music Entertainment|Sony]] Music Latin, signed Selena with [[Capitol Records|Capitol]]/[[EMI]]. He later said that he signed her because he thought he had discovered the next [[Gloria Estefan]].<ref name="queen"/>
At the 1987 [[Tejano Music Awards]], Selena won Best Female Vocalist (and dominated the award for the next seven years).<ref name="queen"/><ref name="TejanoAward">[http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/10/16/earlyshow/leisure/music/main525834.shtml "Fans, Family Remember Selena"]. CBSNews.com, October 17, 2002. Retrieved on July 9, 2006.</ref> In 1988 she released two albums, ''Preciosa'' and ''Dulce Amor''. In 1989, José Behar, the former head of [[Sony Music Entertainment|Sony]] Music Latin, signed Selena with [[Capitol Records|Capitol]]/[[EMI]]. He later said that he signed Selena because he thought he had discovered the next [[Gloria Estefan]].<ref name="queen"/> Selena signed a contract with [[Coca-Cola]] to become one of its advertising spokeswomen in Texas that same year.<ref name="rolemodel"/> In 1988, Selena met [[Chris Pérez]], who had his own band. Two years later, the Quintanilla family hired him to play in Selena's band and they quickly fell in love. At first her father did not approve of their relationship and went as far as firing Pérez from the band. He eventually came to accept the relationship.<ref name="Married">Patoski, Joe Nick. [http://web.archive.org/web/20070405210153/http://chron.com/content/chronicle/metropolitan/selena/96/04/01.html "Selena follows her heart"]. ''Houston Chronicle'', April 1, 1996. Retrieved on February 1, 2008.</ref> On April 2, 1992, Selena and Pérez were married in [[Nueces County, Texas]].<ref name=NewYorkTimes/>
In 1988, she met [[Chris Pérez]], who had his own band. Two years later, the Quintanilla family hired him to play in Selena's band and they quickly fell in love. At first her father opposed their relationship and went as far as firing Pérez from the band. He eventually came to accept the relationship.{{sfn|Patoski|1996|p=}} On April 2, 1992, Selena and Pérez were married in [[Nueces County, Texas]].{{sfn|''New York Times''|1995|p=}}


In 1990 the album, ''[[Ven Conmigo]]'' was released, written by her brother and main songwriter [[Abraham Quintanilla III]]. This recording was the first Tejano album recorded by a female artist to achieve gold status. Around the same time, a registered nurse and fan named [[Yolanda Saldívar]] approached Selena's father with the idea of starting a fan club. Her wish was granted and she became the club's president; later she became the manager of Selena's retail enterprises.{{sfn|''New York Times''|1995|p=}} In 1992, Selena’s stardom got a big boost with the song, "[[Como La Flor (song)|Como La Flor]]" off a new album, ''[[Entre a Mi Mundo]]''. The next album, ''[[Selena Live!]]'' won [[Grammy Award for Best Mexican/Mexican-American Album|Best Mexican-American Album]] at the [[Grammy Awards of 1994|36th Grammy Awards]].{{sfn|''New York Times''|1995|p=}} {{Listen|filename=Selena-ComoLaFlor.ogg|title="Como La Flor" (1993)|description=The song [[Como La Flor (song)|Como La Flor]] is one of Selena's best known Spanish language songs. |format=[[Ogg]]}} The album ''[[Amor Prohibido]]'' was released in 1994. It was nominated for a Grammy award for [[Grammy Award for Best Mexican/Mexican-American Album|Mexican-American Album of the Year]]. Selena and her band received yet more accolades in 1994. ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'''s [[Premio Lo Nuestro]] awarded them six awards, including Best Latin Artist and Song of the Year for "Como La Flor". Meanwhile, her duet with the Barrio Boyzz, "[[Donde Quiera Que Estés]]", reached number one in the [[Hot Latin Songs|Billboard Latin Charts]]. This prompted Selena to tour in Latin America. {{sfn|Patoski|1996|p=123}} She performed a duet with [[El Salvador|Salvadoran]] singer [[Álvaro Torres]], "[[Buenos Amigos]]". By fall of 1994, ''Amor Prohibido'' was a commercial success in Mexico and made four number one Latin hits, replacing Gloria Estefan's ''[[Mi Tierra]]'' on the chart's number one spot. It sold over 400,000 copies by late 1994 in the U.S. and another 50,000 copies in Mexico, reaching gold status.{{sfn|''New York Times''|1995|p=}}
In 1990, Selena released another album, ''[[Ven Conmigo]]'', written by her brother and main songwriter [[Abraham Quintanilla III]]. This recording was the first Tejano album recorded by a female artist to achieve gold status. Around the same time, a registered nurse and fan named [[Yolanda Saldívar]] approached Selena's father with the idea of starting a fan club. Her wish was granted and she became the club's president; later she became the manager of Selena's clothing boutiques.<ref name=NewYorkTimes/> Selena released another album in 1992, ''[[Entre a Mi Mundo]]''. Songs from that album, such as "[[Como La Flor (song)|Como La Flor]]", helped make Selena a star. Her next album ''[[Selena Live!]]'' won [[Grammy Award for Best Mexican/Mexican-American Album|Best Mexican-American Album]] at the [[Grammy Awards of 1994|36th Grammy Awards]].<ref name=NewYorkTimes/> {{Listen|filename=Selena-ComoLaFlor.ogg|title="Como La Flor" (1993)|description=The song [[Como La Flor (song)|Como La Flor]] is one of Selena's best known Spanish songs. |format=[[Ogg]]}}
{{Listen
|filename = Amor Prohibido.ogg
|title = "Amor Prohibido"
|description = One of Selena's signature songs "[[Amor Prohibido (song)|Amor Prohibido]]" peaked at number one on Billboard's ''Hot Latin Tracks''.
|filename2 = No Me Queda Mas.ogg
|title2 = "No Me Queda Más"
|description2 = "Amor Prohibido" and "[[No Me Queda Más]]", became the most successful singles of 1994 and 1995 in the United States Latino communities and Mexico. The song became the second-number-one single off of ''Amor Prohibido''.
|filename3 = BBBM.ogg
|title3 = "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom"
|description3 = "[[Bidi Bidi Bom Bom]]" was a song that was not originally planned to be recorded, became one of Selena's most famous songs, winning [[Bertelsmann Music Group]]'s "Song of The Year".
}}


Aside from music, she began designing and manufacturing a clothing line in 1994 and opened two boutiques called Selena Etc., one in Corpus Christi and the other in [[San Antonio, Texas|San Antonio]]. Both were equipped with in-house beauty salons. {{sfn|Patoski|1996|p=120}} ''Hispanic Business'' magazine reported that the singer earned over five million dollars from these boutiques.<ref name="Fivemillion">[http://www.caller.com/ccct/home/article/0,1641,CCCT_800_3654650,00.html "Selena – Life Events"]{{dead link|date=October 2011}}. ''Corpus Christi Caller Times'', March 27, 2005. Retrieved on June 7, 2006. {{Wayback|url=http://www.caller.com/ccct/home/article/0,1641,CCCT_800_3654650,00.html|date =20060513034837|bot=DASHBot}}{{dead link|date=October 2011}}</ref> Selena briefly played opposite [[Erik Estrada]] in a Latin [[soap opera]] titled ''[[Dos Mujeres, Un Camino]]''. {{sfn|Patoski|1996|p=134}} In 1995 she entered negotiations to star in a new [[telenovela]] produced by [[Emilio Larrosa]]. {{sfn|Patoski|1996|p=134}}
Selena released her next album, ''[[Amor Prohibido]]'', in 1994. The album was nominated for a Grammy award for [[Grammy Award for Best Mexican/Mexican-American Album|Mexican-American Album of the Year]]. She began designing and manufacturing a clothing line in 1994 and opened two boutiques called Selena Etc., one in Corpus Christi and the other in [[San Antonio, Texas|San Antonio]]. Both were equipped with in-house beauty salons.<ref>Patoski, p. 120</ref> ''Hispanic Business'' magazine reported that the singer earned over five million dollars from these boutiques.<ref name="Fivemillion">[http://www.caller.com/ccct/home/article/0,1641,CCCT_800_3654650,00.html "Selena – Life Events"]{{dead link|date=October 2011}}. ''Corpus Christi Caller Times'', March 27, 2005. Retrieved on June 7, 2006. {{Wayback|url=http://www.caller.com/ccct/home/article/0,1641,CCCT_800_3654650,00.html|date =20060513034837|bot=DASHBot}}{{dead link|date=October 2011}}</ref> Selena made appearances alongside [[Erik Estrada]] in a Latin [[soap opera]] titled ''[[Dos Mujeres, Un Camino]]''.<ref name="Patoski, p. 134">Patoski, p. 134</ref>


Selena and her band continued to receive accolades; ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'''s [[Premio Lo Nuestro]] awarded them six awards, including Best Latin Artist and Song of the Year for "Como La Flor". Coca-Cola released a commemorative bottle in her honor to celebrate their five-year relationship. Meanwhile, her duet with the Barrio Boyzz, "[[Donde Quiera Que Estés]]", reached number one in the [[Hot Latin Songs|Billboard Latin Charts]]. This prompted Selena to tour in New York City, Argentina, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Central America.<ref>Patoski, p. 123</ref> She performed a duet with [[El Salvador|Salvadoran]] singer [[Álvaro Torres]], "[[Buenos Amigos]]".


By fall of 1994, ''Amor Prohibido'' was a commercial success in Mexico and made four number one Latin hits, replacing Gloria Estefan's ''[[Mi Tierra]]'' on the chart's number one spot. It sold over 400,000 copies by late 1994 in the U.S. and another 50,000 copies in Mexico, reaching gold status.<ref name=NewYorkTimes/> At this point, Selena developed plans to record an English-language album, but continued to tour for ''Amor Prohibido'' while beginning preparations for the album.<ref name="Patoski, p. 115">Patoski, p. 115</ref> Plans of the album began in 1993, but recording of the album didn't start until March 1995.<ref>Patoski, p. 114</ref><ref name="Patoski, p. 154">Patoski, p. 154</ref>
At the peak of her career, Selena visited local schools to talk to students about the importance of education. She also donated her time to civic organizations such as [[D.A.R.E.]]. These demonstrations of community involvement won her loyalty from her fan base.<ref name="allmusic">[http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll Selena]{{dead link|date=October 2011}}. AllMusic.com. Retrieved on September 9, 2010.</ref> Selena scheduled her English album for release in the summer of 1995.

In 1995 Selena made a [[cameo appearance]] in the romantic comedy ''[[Don Juan DeMarco]]'', which starred [[Marlon Brando]], [[Johnny Depp]], and [[Faye Dunaway]]; she appeared as a background [[mariachi]] singer during the first scene.<ref name=NewYorkTimes/> In February 1995 Selena played a concert at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in the [[Houston Astrodome]], which attracted over 65,000 fans—more than country stars such as [[George Strait]], [[Vince Gill]], and [[Reba McEntire]].<ref name="rolemodel"/> In March she was the headliner at [[Miami]]'s [[Little Havana, Miami#Calle Ocho Festival|Calle Ocho Festival]], which attracted over 100,000 fans.<ref name="Patoski, p. 154"/> She was also negotiating to become one of the stars of a new [[telenovela]] produced by [[Emilio Larrosa]].<ref name="Patoski, p. 134"/> Despite her busy schedule, Selena visited local schools to talk to students about the importance of education. She also donated her time to civic organizations such as [[D.A.R.E.]] and planned a fund raising concert to help [[AIDS]] patients. These demonstrations of community involvement won her loyalty from her fan base.<ref name="allmusic">[http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll Selena]{{dead link|date=October 2011}}. AllMusic.com. Retrieved on September 9, 2010.</ref> Selena scheduled her English album for release in the summer of 1995.<ref name="Patoski, p. 115"/>


==Death==
==Death==
In early 1995, the Quintanillas discovered that Saldívar was [[embezzlement|embezzling]] money from the fan club, and decided to fire her.{{sfn|''New York Times''|1995|p=}} Three weeks later, Selena agreed to meet Saldívar in a [[Days Inn]] hotel in [[Corpus Christi, Texas|Corpus Christi]]<ref name="DaysInn">[http://web.archive.org/web/20070405104003/http://chron.com/content/chronicle/metropolitan/selena/transcripts/95/10/13/param.html "Testimony of Richard Fredrickson"]. ''Houston Chronicle'', October 13, 1995. Retrieved on February 1, 2008.</ref> on the morning of March 31, 1995, to retrieve financial records Saldívar had been refusing to turn over. At the hotel, Saldívar once again delayed the handover by claiming she had been raped in Mexico.<ref name="queen" /> The singer drove Saldívar to a local hospital, where doctors found no evidence of rape.<ref name="Rape">[http://web.archive.org/web/20070406191637/http://chron.com/content/chronicle/metropolitan/selena/transcripts/95/10/12/anthony.html "October 12, 1995 testimony of Carla Anthony"]. ''Houston Chronicle'', October 12, 1995. Retrieved on May 21, 2008.</ref> The two returned to the motel, where Selena again demanded the missing financial papers.{{sfn|''New York Times''|1995|p=}} Saldívar drew a gun and aimed at Selena. As Selena tried to flee, Saldívar shot her once in her right shoulder, severing an artery. Critically wounded, Selena ran towards the lobby to get help. She collapsed on the floor as the clerk called 911, with Saldívar chasing her, calling her a "bitch".<ref name="Bitch">[http://web.archive.org/web/20070715183634/http://www.chron.com/content/chronicle/metropolitan/selena/transcripts/95/10/12/martinez.html "October 12, 1995, the testimony of Norma Martinez"]. ''Houston Chronicle'', October 12, 1995. Retrieved on February 1, 2008.</ref> Selena died in a hospital there from loss of blood at 1:05 p.m., two weeks before her 24th birthday.<ref name="Death">Villafranca, Armando and Reinert, Patty. [http://web.archive.org/web/20070621144534/http://www.chron.com/content/chronicle/metropolitan/selena/95/04/01/killed.html "Singer Selena shot to death"]. ''Houston Chronicle'', April 1, 1995. Retrieved on February 1, 2008.</ref> Two weeks after her death, on April 12, [[George W. Bush]], then [[Governor of Texas]], declared Selena's birthday April 16 as "Selena Day" in Texas.<ref name="rolemodel" /> Selena was inducted into the "Latin Music Hall of Fame" in 1995. Saldívar was convicted of [[first degree murder]] and sentenced to life in prison, with the possibility of parole in thirty years.<ref name="convicted">[http://web.archive.org/web/20070405221519/http://chron.com/content/chronicle/metropolitan/95/10/26/sentence.html ''Associated Press'', October 26, 1995]</ref>
In early 1995, the Quintanillas discovered that Saldívar was [[embezzlement|embezzling]] money from the fan club, and decided to fire her.<ref name=NewYorkTimes/> Three weeks after the fallout, Selena agreed to meet Saldívar in a [[Days Inn]] hotel in [[Corpus Christi, Texas|Corpus Christi]]<ref name="DaysInn">[http://web.archive.org/web/20070405104003/http://chron.com/content/chronicle/metropolitan/selena/transcripts/95/10/13/param.html "Testimony of Richard Fredrickson"]. ''Houston Chronicle'', October 13, 1995. Retrieved on February 1, 2008.</ref> on the morning of March 31, 1995, to retrieve paperwork for tax purposes. At the hotel, Selena demanded the missing financial papers. Saldívar delayed the handover by claiming she had been raped in Mexico.<ref name="queen" /> The singer drove Saldívar to a local hospital, where doctors found no evidence of rape.<ref name="Rape">[http://web.archive.org/web/20070406191637/http://chron.com/content/chronicle/metropolitan/selena/transcripts/95/10/12/anthony.html "October 12, 1995 testimony of Carla Anthony"]. ''Houston Chronicle'', October 12, 1995. Retrieved on May 21, 2008.</ref> Saldívar returned to the motel where Selena again demanded the missing financial papers.<ref name=NewYorkTimes/>
Selena told Saldívar that she could not be trusted any more. At 11:49 am, Saldívar drew a gun from her purse, pointing it at Selena. As the singer turned and left the room, Saldívar shot her once in her right shoulder, severing an artery. Critically wounded, Selena ran towards the lobby to get help. She collapsed on the floor as the clerk called 911, with Saldívar chasing her, calling her a "bitch".<ref name="Bitch">[http://web.archive.org/web/20070715183634/http://www.chron.com/content/chronicle/metropolitan/selena/transcripts/95/10/12/martinez.html "October 12, 1995, the testimony of Norma Martinez"]. ''Houston Chronicle'', October 12, 1995. Retrieved on February 1, 2008.</ref> Before collapsing to the floor, Selena named Saldívar as her assailant and gave the room number where she had been shot.<ref name="Assailant">[http://web.archive.org/web/20070710205035/http://www.chron.com/content/chronicle/metropolitan/selena/transcripts/95/10/13/vela.html "Friday, October 13, testimony of Shawna Vela"]. ''Houston Chronicle'', October 13, 1995. Retrieved on February 1, 2008.</ref> After an ambulance and the police arrived on the scene, Selena was transported to a local hospital. She died there from loss of blood at 1:05 p.m., two weeks before her 24th birthday.<ref name="Death">Villafranca, Armando and Reinert, Patty. [http://web.archive.org/web/20070621144534/http://www.chron.com/content/chronicle/metropolitan/selena/95/04/01/killed.html "Singer Selena shot to death"]. ''Houston Chronicle'', April 1, 1995. Retrieved on February 1, 2008.</ref> Saldívar then went inside her pickup truck, where she held police at bay while holding a gun to her left temple. She surrendered peacefully to the police after 10 hours.<ref name=NewYorkTimes/> By that time hundreds of fans gathered at the scene, many of them weeping as police took Saldívar away.<ref name=NewYorkTimes/>

===Impact===
Selena's death had widespread impacts. Major networks interrupted their regular programming to break the news; [[Tom Brokaw]] referred to Selena as "The Mexican [[Madonna (entertainer)|Madonna]]".<ref name="Maddona">[http://www.pacificnews.org/jinn/stories/3.06/970321-selena.html "In the spirit of Selena: Tributes, a book and an impending film testify to the Tejano singer's enduring"]. by ''Gregory Rodriguez'' ''Pacific News'', March 21, 1997. Retrieved on July 18, 2006.</ref> It was front page news on ''[[The New York Times]]'' for two days after her death.<ref>Patoski, p. 174</ref> Numerous vigils and memorials were held in her honor, and radio stations in Texas played her music non-stop.<ref name="queen" /> Her funeral drew 60,000 mourners, many of whom traveled from outside the United States.<ref name="queen" /> Among the celebrities who were reported to have phoned the Quintanilla family to express their condolences were [[Gloria Estefan]], [[Celia Cruz]], [[Julio Iglesias]], and Madonna.<ref>Patoski, p. 165</ref> ''[[People (magazine)|People]]'' magazine published a commemorative issue in honor of Selena's memory and musical career, titled ''Selena 1971–1995, Her Life in Pictures''.<ref name="queen" /> The issue sold nearly 450,000 copies; two weeks later the company released a special issue for Selena, which sold more than 600,000 copies.<ref name="Latin pride">{{cite journal |last1=Lannert |first1=John |last2= |first2= |year=1995 |title=Latin pride |journal=Billboard |publisher= |volume=107 |issue=23 |page=112 |url=http://books.google.com/?id=0QsEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA62&dq=Selena+Dreaming+of+You+sold+more#v=onepage&q=Selena%20Dreaming%20of%20You%20sold%20more&f=false |doi= }}</ref> A few days later, [[Howard Stern]] mocked Selena's murder and burial, poked fun at her mourners, and criticized her music. Stern said, "This music does absolutely nothing for me. [[Alvin and the Chipmunks]] have more soul ... Spanish people have the worst taste in music. They have no depth." Stern's comments outraged and infuriated the Hispanic community across Texas.<ref name="Stern">Asin, Stephanie and Dyer, R.A. [http://web.archive.org/web/20070710182116/http://www.chron.com/content/chronicle/metropolitan/selena/95/04/06/stern.html "Selena's public outraged: Shock jock Howard Stern's comments hit raw nerve."] ''Houston Chronicle'', April 6, 1995. Retrieved on February 1, 2008.</ref> After a [[disorderly conduct]] arrest warrant was issued in his name, Stern made an on-air apology, in Spanish, for his comments.<ref>[http://www.tmz.com/2005/12/15/sterns-most-shocking-moments/ Stern's Most Shocking]</ref> Two weeks after her death, on April 12, [[George W. Bush]], then [[Governor of Texas]], declared Selena's birthday April 16 as "Selena Day" in Texas.<ref name="rolemodel" /> Selena was inducted into the "Latin Music Hall of Fame" in 1995.<ref name="Latin pride"/>


That summer, Selena's album ''[[Dreaming of You (album)|Dreaming of You]]'', a combination of Spanish-language songs and new English-language tracks, debuted at number one on the U.S. [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]], making her the first Hispanic singer to accomplish this feat.<ref name="firstHispanicsinger">Hodges, Ann. [http://www.chron.com/content/chronicle/features/96/12/07/selena.0-0.html "Selena legend lives on with TV movie']{{dead link|date=October 2011}} ''Houston Chronicle'', December 6, 1996. Retrieved on May 20, 2006. {{Wayback|url=http://www.chron.com/content/chronicle/features/96/12/07/selena.0-0.html|date =20060628054850|bot=DASHBot}}{{dead link|date=October 2011}}</ref> and the second highest debut after [[Michael Jackson]]'s ''[[HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I|HIStory]]''. On its release date, the album sold over 175,000 copies, a record for a female pop singer, and it sold two million copies in its first year.<ref name="Copies">[http://web.archive.org/web/20070406190828/http://chron.com/content/chronicle/metropolitan/selena/96/03/31d.html "In the spirit of Selena: Tributes, a book and an impending film testify to the Tejano singer's enduring"]. ''Houston Chronicle'', March 31, 1996. Retrieved on January 18, 2008.</ref> ''Dreaming of You'' sold more than 330,000 copies in its first week. {{sfn|Patoski|1996|p=199}}<ref>{{Cite journal|author= Nilou Panahpour|year= 1995|title= Rock and Roll yearbook, the best in music, movies, and television|journal= Rolling Stone|publisher= Straight Arrow Publishers Company|volume= |issue= 724/725|page= 64|url= |doi= |pmid= |pmc= }}</ref> The album was number 75 in the [[List of BMG Music Club's top selling albums in the United States]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=47877|title=List of BMG Music Club's top selling albums in the United States |last1= |first1= |last2= |first2= |date= |work= |publisher= BMG|accessdate=September 13, 2010}}</ref> Songs such as "[[I Could Fall in Love]]" and "[[Dreaming of You (Selena song)|Dreaming of You]]" were played widely by mainstream English-language radio, with the latter reaching number 21 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]. Meanwhile, "I Could Fall in Love", while ineligible for the Hot 100 at the time, reached number 8 on the [[Hot 100 Airplay]] chart and the top 10 on the [[Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks|Adult Contemporary Chart]]. "Dreaming of You" was certified 3x [[music recording sales certification|Platinum]] by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]].<ref>{{cite web|title=RIAA – Gold & Platinum|work=[[Recording Industry Association of America|RIAA]]|url=http://riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=dreaming%20of%20you&startYear=1958&endYear=2009&sort=Artist&perPage=25|accessdate=January 4, 2009}}</ref>
That summer, Selena's album ''[[Dreaming of You (album)|Dreaming of You]]'', a combination of Spanish-language songs and new English-language tracks, debuted at number one on the U.S. [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]], making her the first Hispanic singer to accomplish this feat.<ref name="firstHispanicsinger">Hodges, Ann. [http://www.chron.com/content/chronicle/features/96/12/07/selena.0-0.html "Selena legend lives on with TV movie']{{dead link|date=October 2011}} ''Houston Chronicle'', December 6, 1996. Retrieved on May 20, 2006. {{Wayback|url=http://www.chron.com/content/chronicle/features/96/12/07/selena.0-0.html|date =20060628054850|bot=DASHBot}}{{dead link|date=October 2011}}</ref> and the second highest debut after [[Michael Jackson]]'s ''[[HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I|HIStory]]''. On its release date, the album sold over 175,000 copies, a record for a female pop singer, and it sold two million copies in its first year.<ref name="Copies">[http://web.archive.org/web/20070406190828/http://chron.com/content/chronicle/metropolitan/selena/96/03/31d.html "In the spirit of Selena: Tributes, a book and an impending film testify to the Tejano singer's enduring"]. ''Houston Chronicle'', March 31, 1996. Retrieved on January 18, 2008.</ref> ''Dreaming of You'' sold more than 330,000 copies in its first week.<ref>Patoski pg. 199</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|author= Nilou Panahpour|year= 1995|title= Rock and Roll yearbook, the best in music, movies, and television|journal= Rolling Stone|publisher= Straight Arrow Publishers Company|volume= |issue= 724/725|page= 64|url= |doi= |pmid= |pmc= }}</ref> The album was number 75 in the [[List of BMG Music Club's top selling albums in the United States]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=47877|title=List of BMG Music Club's top selling albums in the United States |last1= |first1= |last2= |first2= |date= |work= |publisher= BMG|accessdate=September 13, 2010}}</ref> Songs such as "[[I Could Fall in Love]]" and "[[Dreaming of You (Selena song)|Dreaming of You]]" were played widely by mainstream English-language radio, with the latter reaching number 21 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]. Meanwhile, "I Could Fall in Love", while ineligible for the Hot 100 at the time, reached number 8 on the [[Hot 100 Airplay]] chart and the top 10 on the [[Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks|Adult Contemporary Chart]]. "Dreaming of You" was certified 3x [[music recording sales certification|Platinum]] by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]].<ref>{{cite web|title=RIAA – Gold & Platinum|work=[[Recording Industry Association of America|RIAA]]|url=http://riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=dreaming%20of%20you&startYear=1958&endYear=2009&sort=Artist&perPage=25|accessdate=January 4, 2009}}</ref> In October 1995, a [[Houston, Texas|Houston]] jury convicted Saldívar of [[first degree murder]] and sentenced her to life in prison, with the possibility of parole in thirty years.<ref name="convicted">Graczyk, Michael. [http://web.archive.org/web/20070405221519/http://chron.com/content/chronicle/metropolitan/95/10/26/sentence.html "Selena's killer gets life"]. ''Associated Press'', October 26, 1995. Retrieved on February 1, 2008.</ref> Under a judge's order, the gun used to kill Selena was destroyed in 2002, and the pieces thrown into [[Corpus Christi Bay]].<ref name="Gun">[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C06E0D8123DF93BA35755C0A9649C8B63 National Briefing Southwest: Texas: Gun That Killed Singer Is To Be Destroyed] ''The New York Times'', June 8, 2002. Retrieved on July 16, 2006.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2002-06-11/news/0206110189_1_tejano-singing-star-selena-abraham-quintanilla-corpus-christi-bay |title=Gun used in slaying of Selena destroyed | publisher = Chicago Tribune |work= chicagotribune.com |accessdate=2011-10-26}}</ref>


==Legacy==
==Legacy==
[[File:Selena memorial.jpg|upright|thumb|[[Mirador de la Flor]] is a tourist attraction in [[Corpus Christi, Texas]] that was unveiled in 1997 to honor Selena.]]
[[File:Selena memorial.jpg|upright|thumb|[[Mirador de la Flor]] is a tourist attraction in [[Corpus Christi, Texas]] that was unveiled in 1997 to honor Selena.]]


[[Jennifer Lopez]] played Selena in [[Selena (film)|a film about her life]]. Directed by [[Gregory Nava]], the [[biopic]] opened with mostly positive reviews.<ref name="review">[http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1076849-selena/ Rotten Tomatoes reviews of ''Selena'']. ''Rotten Tomatoes'', Retrieved on July 20, 2006.</ref> Over 24,000 people auditioned for the leading role in the movie.<ref name="Vibe">{{cite journal |last1=Lima |first1=OJ |last2= |first2= |year=1997 |title=Etc. Etc. Etc |journal=Vibe magazine |publisher= |volume=4 |issue=8 |page=164 |url=http://books.google.com/?id=4SsEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA42&dq=Selena's+voice#v=onepage&q&f=false |doi= }}</ref><ref name="tried">[http://www.chron.com/content/chronicle/metropolitan/selena/96/04/28.html "Scholar examines the spell of Selena"]{{dead link|date=October 2011}}. ''Houston Chronicle'', April 28, 1996. Retrieved on June 5, 2006. {{Wayback|url=http://www.chron.com/content/chronicle/metropolitan/selena/96/04/28.html|date =20060628055240|bot=DASHBot}}{{dead link|date=October 2011}}</ref> Selena's fans supported the movie, and Lopez's acting in the film helped elevate her career. Although Lopez succeeded as a pop star a few years later, Selena's voice was dubbed in for all the songs in the movie.<ref name="voice">[http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/19970321/REVIEWS/703210306/1023 ''Selena'' movie review]. ''Roger Ebert'', Retrieved on July 20, 2006.</ref> For her role, Lopez was nominated for a [[Golden Globe]] award for Best Actress in a Musical.<ref name="movieaward">[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120094/ Awards for ''Selena'' (1997)]. IMDb.com. Retrieved on May 17, 2006.</ref> Selena was among two other Latin artists who had the best sales of records for the year 1999.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Oumano |first1=Elena |last2= |first2= |year=1999 |title=U.S. Latin Music Sales Break Records |journal=Billboard magazine |publisher= |volume=111 |issue=43 |page=108|url=http://books.google.com/?id=dwgEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA96&dq=Selena+breaks+records#v=onepage&q&f=false |doi= }}</ref>
[[Jennifer Lopez]] played Selena in [[Selena (film)|a film about her life]].


[[Reliant Stadium]] in Houston hosted a tribute concert, ''[[Selena ¡VIVE!]]'', on April 7, 2005. Held a week after the 10th anniversary of her death, over 65,000 fans attended the concert, which featured artists such as Gloria Estefan, [[Pepe Aguilar]], [[Thalía]], [[Paulina Rubio]], [[Ana Bárbara]], [[Alejandra Guzmán]], [[Ana Gabriel]], and [[Fey (singer)|Fey]]. The artists performed renditions of Selena's music, as did her brother, [[A.B. Quintanilla]], who performed with his band [[Kumbia Kings]] backed with footage of Selena singing "Baila Esta Cumbia". Broadcast live on the [[Univision]] network, ''Selena ¡VIVE!'' is the highest-rated and most-viewed Spanish-language TV special in [[Television in the United States|American television]] history. The show, which lasted over three hours, scored a 35.9 [[Nielsen ratings|Nielsen household rating]].<ref name="highest-rated">[http://www.univision.net/corp/en/pr/Houston_11042005-2.html Univision’s ''Selena ¡Vive!'' Breaks Audience Records]. Univision, November 4, 2005. Retrieved on June 6, 2006.</ref> The [[American Bank Center]] in Corpus Christi named their 2,526-seat concert auditorium, Selena Auditorium, in her memory.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Corpus Christi gives Selena big birthday gift |author=Joe Coudert |newspaper=[[San Antonio Express-News]] |date=April 17, 1996 |url= }}</ref> On March 16, 2011, the [[United States Post Office]] released a "Latin Legends" memorial stamp to honor Selena, [[Carlos Gardel]], [[Tito Puente]], [[Celia Cruz]], and [[Carmen Miranda]].<ref name="stamps">{{cite web |url=http://newstaco.com/2011/01/18/selena-celia-cruz-tito-puente-in-u-s-postal-stamp-form/ |title=Selena, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente In U.S. Postal Stamp Form |author=Sara Inés Calderón |date=18 January 2011 |work= |publisher=NewsTaco |accessdate=7 March 2011}}</ref>
Selena was among two other Latin artists who had the best sales of records for the year 1999.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Oumano |first1=Elena |last2= |first2= |year=1999 |title=U.S. Latin Music Sales Break Records |journal=Billboard magazine |publisher= |volume=111 |issue=43 |page=108|url=http://books.google.com/?id=dwgEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA96&dq=Selena+breaks+records#v=onepage&q&f=false |doi= }}</ref>


==Discography==
==Discography==
Line 213: Line 211:


==References==
==References==
*{{cite web|ref=harv|author=Caller-Times |url=http://www.caller.com/news/1997/apr/16/birthday-hoopla-prohibited/ |title=Birthday hoopla is prohibited|publisher=Caller.com |date=April 16, 1997|location=Corpus Christi, Texas}}
*{{Cite news|ref=harv|title=Grammy Winning Singer Selena Killed in Shooting at Texas Motel|page=1|author=''New York Times''|date=April 1, 1995}}
*{{Cite book
*{{Cite book
|ref=harv
| last = Patoski
| last = Patoski
| first = Joe Nick
| first = Joe Nick

Revision as of 20:57, 30 October 2011

This article is about the singer. For the eponymous biographical film, see Selena (film). For the debut EMI Latin album, see Selena (album). For other uses, see Selena (disambiguation).
Selena

Selena Quintanilla-Pérez (April 16, 1971 – March 31, 1995), known simply as Selena, was a Mexican American singer-songwriter. She was named the "top Latin artist of the '90s" and "Best selling Latin artist of the decade" by Billboard for her fourteen top-ten singles in the Top Latin Songs chart, including seven number-one hits.[2] The singer had the most successful singles of 1994 and 1995, "Amor Prohibido" and "No Me Queda Más".[3] She was called "The Queen of Tejano music"[4] and the Mexican equivalent of Madonna.[5] Selena released her first album, Selena y Los Dinos, at the age of twelve. She won Female Vocalist of the Year at the 1987 Tejano Music Awards and landed a recording contract with EMI a few years later. Her fame grew throughout the early 1990s, especially in Spanish-speaking countries.

Selena was murdered at the age of 23 by Yolanda Saldívar, the president of her fan club. On April 12, 1995, two weeks after her death, George W. Bush, governor of Texas at the time, declared her birthday "Selena Day" in Texas.[6] Warner Bros. produced Selena, a film based on her life starring Jennifer Lopez, in 1997. Selena's life was also the basis of the musical Selena Forever starring Veronica Vazquez as Selena. In June 2006 Selena was commemorated with a museum and a life-sized bronze statue (Mirador de la Flor in Corpus Christi, Texas), which are visited by hundreds of fans each week. She has sold over 21 million albums worldwide.[7]

Early life

Selena was born in Freeport Community Hospital in Lake Jackson, Texas,[8] as the youngest child of a Mexican[9] father, Abraham Quintanilla Jr. and a half-Cherokee Indian mother,[10] Marcella Ofelia Samora,[11] and was raised as a Jehovah's Witness.[12] When Selena was born her parents didn't have a name ready for a girl. Told that they were having a boy, the Quintanillas were going to name the baby "Marc Antony".[8] A woman who helped with the delivery suggested the name "Selena".[8] Selena began singing at the age of three; when she was nine her father founded the singing group Selena y Los Dinos, which she fronted.[5] They initially performed at the Quintanilla family's restaurant, Papa Gayo's (English: Parrots); the restaurant failed shortly afterwards.[6]

The family soon went bankrupt and was evicted from their home. Taking their musical equipment in an old bus, they relocated to Corpus Christi, Texas. There, they performed wherever they could: at street corners, weddings, quinceañeras, and fairs.[13] Their efforts at spreading their names and talents paid off in 1985 when the fourteen-year-old Selena recorded her first album for a local record company. The album was not sold in stores and her father bought all of the original copies.[14] It was re-released in 1995 under the title Mis Primeras Grabaciones.[15]

Selena did well in school, but as she grew more popular as a musical performer, the demands of her performance and travel schedule began to interfere with her education. Her father pulled her out of school altogether when she was in eighth grade.[4] She continued her education on the road; at seventeen she earned a high school diploma from The American School of Correspondence in Chicago, Illinois.[16] Selena released her third album, Alpha, in 1986.[17]

Success

At the 1987 Tejano Music Awards, Selena won Best Female Vocalist (and dominated the award for the next seven years).[4][18] In 1988 she released two albums, Preciosa and Dulce Amor. In 1989, José Behar, the former head of Sony Music Latin, signed Selena with Capitol/EMI. He later said that he signed Selena because he thought he had discovered the next Gloria Estefan.[4] Selena signed a contract with Coca-Cola to become one of its advertising spokeswomen in Texas that same year.[6] In 1988, Selena met Chris Pérez, who had his own band. Two years later, the Quintanilla family hired him to play in Selena's band and they quickly fell in love. At first her father did not approve of their relationship and went as far as firing Pérez from the band. He eventually came to accept the relationship.[19] On April 2, 1992, Selena and Pérez were married in Nueces County, Texas.[5]

In 1990, Selena released another album, Ven Conmigo, written by her brother and main songwriter Abraham Quintanilla III. This recording was the first Tejano album recorded by a female artist to achieve gold status. Around the same time, a registered nurse and fan named Yolanda Saldívar approached Selena's father with the idea of starting a fan club. Her wish was granted and she became the club's president; later she became the manager of Selena's clothing boutiques.[5] Selena released another album in 1992, Entre a Mi Mundo. Songs from that album, such as "Como La Flor", helped make Selena a star. Her next album Selena Live! won Best Mexican-American Album at the 36th Grammy Awards.[5]

"Como La Flor" (1993)
The song Como La Flor is one of Selena's best known Spanish songs.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

Selena released her next album, Amor Prohibido, in 1994. The album was nominated for a Grammy award for Mexican-American Album of the Year. She began designing and manufacturing a clothing line in 1994 and opened two boutiques called Selena Etc., one in Corpus Christi and the other in San Antonio. Both were equipped with in-house beauty salons.[20] Hispanic Business magazine reported that the singer earned over five million dollars from these boutiques.[21] Selena made appearances alongside Erik Estrada in a Latin soap opera titled Dos Mujeres, Un Camino.[22]

Selena and her band continued to receive accolades; Billboard's Premio Lo Nuestro awarded them six awards, including Best Latin Artist and Song of the Year for "Como La Flor". Coca-Cola released a commemorative bottle in her honor to celebrate their five-year relationship. Meanwhile, her duet with the Barrio Boyzz, "Donde Quiera Que Estés", reached number one in the Billboard Latin Charts. This prompted Selena to tour in New York City, Argentina, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Central America.[23] She performed a duet with Salvadoran singer Álvaro Torres, "Buenos Amigos".

By fall of 1994, Amor Prohibido was a commercial success in Mexico and made four number one Latin hits, replacing Gloria Estefan's Mi Tierra on the chart's number one spot. It sold over 400,000 copies by late 1994 in the U.S. and another 50,000 copies in Mexico, reaching gold status.[5] At this point, Selena developed plans to record an English-language album, but continued to tour for Amor Prohibido while beginning preparations for the album.[24] Plans of the album began in 1993, but recording of the album didn't start until March 1995.[25][26]

In 1995 Selena made a cameo appearance in the romantic comedy Don Juan DeMarco, which starred Marlon Brando, Johnny Depp, and Faye Dunaway; she appeared as a background mariachi singer during the first scene.[5] In February 1995 Selena played a concert at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in the Houston Astrodome, which attracted over 65,000 fans—more than country stars such as George Strait, Vince Gill, and Reba McEntire.[6] In March she was the headliner at Miami's Calle Ocho Festival, which attracted over 100,000 fans.[26] She was also negotiating to become one of the stars of a new telenovela produced by Emilio Larrosa.[22] Despite her busy schedule, Selena visited local schools to talk to students about the importance of education. She also donated her time to civic organizations such as D.A.R.E. and planned a fund raising concert to help AIDS patients. These demonstrations of community involvement won her loyalty from her fan base.[27] Selena scheduled her English album for release in the summer of 1995.[24]

Death

In early 1995, the Quintanillas discovered that Saldívar was embezzling money from the fan club, and decided to fire her.[5] Three weeks after the fallout, Selena agreed to meet Saldívar in a Days Inn hotel in Corpus Christi[28] on the morning of March 31, 1995, to retrieve paperwork for tax purposes. At the hotel, Selena demanded the missing financial papers. Saldívar delayed the handover by claiming she had been raped in Mexico.[4] The singer drove Saldívar to a local hospital, where doctors found no evidence of rape.[29] Saldívar returned to the motel where Selena again demanded the missing financial papers.[5]

Selena told Saldívar that she could not be trusted any more. At 11:49 am, Saldívar drew a gun from her purse, pointing it at Selena. As the singer turned and left the room, Saldívar shot her once in her right shoulder, severing an artery. Critically wounded, Selena ran towards the lobby to get help. She collapsed on the floor as the clerk called 911, with Saldívar chasing her, calling her a "bitch".[30] Before collapsing to the floor, Selena named Saldívar as her assailant and gave the room number where she had been shot.[31] After an ambulance and the police arrived on the scene, Selena was transported to a local hospital. She died there from loss of blood at 1:05 p.m., two weeks before her 24th birthday.[32] Saldívar then went inside her pickup truck, where she held police at bay while holding a gun to her left temple. She surrendered peacefully to the police after 10 hours.[5] By that time hundreds of fans gathered at the scene, many of them weeping as police took Saldívar away.[5]

Impact

Selena's death had widespread impacts. Major networks interrupted their regular programming to break the news; Tom Brokaw referred to Selena as "The Mexican Madonna".[33] It was front page news on The New York Times for two days after her death.[34] Numerous vigils and memorials were held in her honor, and radio stations in Texas played her music non-stop.[4] Her funeral drew 60,000 mourners, many of whom traveled from outside the United States.[4] Among the celebrities who were reported to have phoned the Quintanilla family to express their condolences were Gloria Estefan, Celia Cruz, Julio Iglesias, and Madonna.[35] People magazine published a commemorative issue in honor of Selena's memory and musical career, titled Selena 1971–1995, Her Life in Pictures.[4] The issue sold nearly 450,000 copies; two weeks later the company released a special issue for Selena, which sold more than 600,000 copies.[36] A few days later, Howard Stern mocked Selena's murder and burial, poked fun at her mourners, and criticized her music. Stern said, "This music does absolutely nothing for me. Alvin and the Chipmunks have more soul ... Spanish people have the worst taste in music. They have no depth." Stern's comments outraged and infuriated the Hispanic community across Texas.[37] After a disorderly conduct arrest warrant was issued in his name, Stern made an on-air apology, in Spanish, for his comments.[38] Two weeks after her death, on April 12, George W. Bush, then Governor of Texas, declared Selena's birthday April 16 as "Selena Day" in Texas.[6] Selena was inducted into the "Latin Music Hall of Fame" in 1995.[36]

That summer, Selena's album Dreaming of You, a combination of Spanish-language songs and new English-language tracks, debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200, making her the first Hispanic singer to accomplish this feat.[39] and the second highest debut after Michael Jackson's HIStory. On its release date, the album sold over 175,000 copies, a record for a female pop singer, and it sold two million copies in its first year.[40] Dreaming of You sold more than 330,000 copies in its first week.[41][42] The album was number 75 in the List of BMG Music Club's top selling albums in the United States.[43] Songs such as "I Could Fall in Love" and "Dreaming of You" were played widely by mainstream English-language radio, with the latter reaching number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100. Meanwhile, "I Could Fall in Love", while ineligible for the Hot 100 at the time, reached number 8 on the Hot 100 Airplay chart and the top 10 on the Adult Contemporary Chart. "Dreaming of You" was certified 3x Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.[44] In October 1995, a Houston jury convicted Saldívar of first degree murder and sentenced her to life in prison, with the possibility of parole in thirty years.[45] Under a judge's order, the gun used to kill Selena was destroyed in 2002, and the pieces thrown into Corpus Christi Bay.[46][47]

Legacy

File:Selena memorial.jpg
Mirador de la Flor is a tourist attraction in Corpus Christi, Texas that was unveiled in 1997 to honor Selena.

Jennifer Lopez played Selena in a film about her life. Directed by Gregory Nava, the biopic opened with mostly positive reviews.[48] Over 24,000 people auditioned for the leading role in the movie.[49][50] Selena's fans supported the movie, and Lopez's acting in the film helped elevate her career. Although Lopez succeeded as a pop star a few years later, Selena's voice was dubbed in for all the songs in the movie.[51] For her role, Lopez was nominated for a Golden Globe award for Best Actress in a Musical.[52] Selena was among two other Latin artists who had the best sales of records for the year 1999.[53]

Reliant Stadium in Houston hosted a tribute concert, Selena ¡VIVE!, on April 7, 2005. Held a week after the 10th anniversary of her death, over 65,000 fans attended the concert, which featured artists such as Gloria Estefan, Pepe Aguilar, Thalía, Paulina Rubio, Ana Bárbara, Alejandra Guzmán, Ana Gabriel, and Fey. The artists performed renditions of Selena's music, as did her brother, A.B. Quintanilla, who performed with his band Kumbia Kings backed with footage of Selena singing "Baila Esta Cumbia". Broadcast live on the Univision network, Selena ¡VIVE! is the highest-rated and most-viewed Spanish-language TV special in American television history. The show, which lasted over three hours, scored a 35.9 Nielsen household rating.[54] The American Bank Center in Corpus Christi named their 2,526-seat concert auditorium, Selena Auditorium, in her memory.[55] On March 16, 2011, the United States Post Office released a "Latin Legends" memorial stamp to honor Selena, Carlos Gardel, Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, and Carmen Miranda.[56]

Discography

Main articles: Selena discography and Selena videography

Filmography

Film
Title Year Role Notes
Don Juan DeMarco 1995 Ranchera singer Minor role
Television
Title Year Role Notes
Johnny Canales Show 1985–1995 herself
Tejano Music Awards 1987–1995 herself
Dos mujeres, un camino 1993 herself
The Making of Selena the Movie 1997
Por Siempre Selena 1998
E! True Hollywood Story: The Murder Trial of Selena 1998
VH1 All Access: Selena 1999
Para Siempre Selena 2000
Por Siempre... Selena 2001–present
Selena !VIVE! 2005 herself honoree
Biography 2008 TV series (2 episodes)
Top Trece 2009 TV series (1 episode)
Historia de una Leyenda 2009 TV series (1 episode)
Famous Crime Scene: Selena 2010 TV series (1 episode) featured

Tours

Main article: List of Selena concert tours

See also

Citations

  1. ^ Selena Quintanilla Samora in the Spanish naming system.
  2. ^ Mayfield, Geoff (December 25, 1999). "Totally '90s: Diary of a Decade". Billboard. 111 (52). Nielsen Business Media, Inc.: YE–16–18. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved March 30, 2010.
  3. ^ "Topping The Charts Year By Year". Billboard. 110 (48). Nielsen Business Media, Inc.: LMQ3 November 28, 1998. Retrieved March 3, 2010.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h Mitchell, Rick. "Selena". Houston Chronicle, May 21, 1995. Retrieved on February 1, 2008.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Sam Howe Verhovek (April 1, 1995). "Grammy Winning Singer Selena Killed in Shooting at Texas Motel". The New York Times. p. 1.
  6. ^ a b c d e Orozco, Cynthia E. Quintanilla Pérez, Selena. The Handbook of Texas online. Retrieved on May 29, 2009
  7. ^ Hector Saldana (April 1, 2010). "15 years after her death, Selena's legend lives on". San Antonio Express-News. Retrieved September 23, 2010.
  8. ^ a b c Patoski, p. 30
  9. ^ HSA Banquet Features Father of Late Tejano Star Selena, Baylor University press release, November 4, 1999. Retrieved October 13, 2006.
  10. ^ Patoski, p. 20
  11. ^ Ware, Susan. Notable American Women: A Biographical Dictionary, Harvard University Press 2005. ISBN 0-674-01488-X
  12. ^ Bernstein, Ellen (April 16, 1997). "Birthday hoopla is prohibited". Caller-Times. Corpus Christi, Texas: Caller.com. Retrieved August 27, 2010.
  13. ^ Patoski, p. 53
  14. ^ Patoski, p. 49
  15. ^ Patoski, p. 288
  16. ^ Patoski, p. 59
  17. ^ Patoski, p. 63
  18. ^ "Fans, Family Remember Selena". CBSNews.com, October 17, 2002. Retrieved on July 9, 2006.
  19. ^ Patoski, Joe Nick. "Selena follows her heart". Houston Chronicle, April 1, 1996. Retrieved on February 1, 2008.
  20. ^ Patoski, p. 120
  21. ^ "Selena – Life Events"[dead link]. Corpus Christi Caller Times, March 27, 2005. Retrieved on June 7, 2006. Template:Wayback[dead link]
  22. ^ a b Patoski, p. 134
  23. ^ Patoski, p. 123
  24. ^ a b Patoski, p. 115
  25. ^ Patoski, p. 114
  26. ^ a b Patoski, p. 154
  27. ^ Selena[dead link]. AllMusic.com. Retrieved on September 9, 2010.
  28. ^ "Testimony of Richard Fredrickson". Houston Chronicle, October 13, 1995. Retrieved on February 1, 2008.
  29. ^ "October 12, 1995 testimony of Carla Anthony". Houston Chronicle, October 12, 1995. Retrieved on May 21, 2008.
  30. ^ "October 12, 1995, the testimony of Norma Martinez". Houston Chronicle, October 12, 1995. Retrieved on February 1, 2008.
  31. ^ "Friday, October 13, testimony of Shawna Vela". Houston Chronicle, October 13, 1995. Retrieved on February 1, 2008.
  32. ^ Villafranca, Armando and Reinert, Patty. "Singer Selena shot to death". Houston Chronicle, April 1, 1995. Retrieved on February 1, 2008.
  33. ^ "In the spirit of Selena: Tributes, a book and an impending film testify to the Tejano singer's enduring". by Gregory Rodriguez Pacific News, March 21, 1997. Retrieved on July 18, 2006.
  34. ^ Patoski, p. 174
  35. ^ Patoski, p. 165
  36. ^ a b Lannert, John (1995). "Latin pride". Billboard. 107 (23): 112.
  37. ^ Asin, Stephanie and Dyer, R.A. "Selena's public outraged: Shock jock Howard Stern's comments hit raw nerve." Houston Chronicle, April 6, 1995. Retrieved on February 1, 2008.
  38. ^ Stern's Most Shocking
  39. ^ Hodges, Ann. "Selena legend lives on with TV movie'[dead link] Houston Chronicle, December 6, 1996. Retrieved on May 20, 2006. Template:Wayback[dead link]
  40. ^ "In the spirit of Selena: Tributes, a book and an impending film testify to the Tejano singer's enduring". Houston Chronicle, March 31, 1996. Retrieved on January 18, 2008.
  41. ^ Patoski pg. 199
  42. ^ Nilou Panahpour (1995). "Rock and Roll yearbook, the best in music, movies, and television". Rolling Stone (724/725). Straight Arrow Publishers Company: 64.
  43. ^ "List of BMG Music Club's top selling albums in the United States". BMG. Retrieved September 13, 2010.
  44. ^ "RIAA – Gold & Platinum". RIAA. Retrieved January 4, 2009.
  45. ^ Graczyk, Michael. "Selena's killer gets life". Associated Press, October 26, 1995. Retrieved on February 1, 2008.
  46. ^ National Briefing Southwest: Texas: Gun That Killed Singer Is To Be Destroyed The New York Times, June 8, 2002. Retrieved on July 16, 2006.
  47. ^ "Gun used in slaying of Selena destroyed". chicagotribune.com. Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2011-10-26.
  48. ^ Rotten Tomatoes reviews of Selena. Rotten Tomatoes, Retrieved on July 20, 2006.
  49. ^ Lima, OJ (1997). "Etc. Etc. Etc". Vibe magazine. 4 (8): 164.
  50. ^ "Scholar examines the spell of Selena"[dead link]. Houston Chronicle, April 28, 1996. Retrieved on June 5, 2006. Template:Wayback[dead link]
  51. ^ Selena movie review. Roger Ebert, Retrieved on July 20, 2006.
  52. ^ Awards for Selena (1997). IMDb.com. Retrieved on May 17, 2006.
  53. ^ Oumano, Elena (1999). "U.S. Latin Music Sales Break Records". Billboard magazine. 111 (43): 108.
  54. ^ Univision’s Selena ¡Vive! Breaks Audience Records. Univision, November 4, 2005. Retrieved on June 6, 2006.
  55. ^ Joe Coudert (April 17, 1996). "Corpus Christi gives Selena big birthday gift". San Antonio Express-News.
  56. ^ Sara Inés Calderón (18 January 2011). "Selena, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente In U.S. Postal Stamp Form". NewsTaco. Retrieved 7 March 2011.

References

  • Patoski, Joe Nick (1996). Selena: Como La Flor. Boston: Little Brown and Company. ISBN 0316693782.
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