Fig 1. In 1994, Selena released Amor Prohibido, which became one of the best-selling Latin albums in the United States. Here, she's seen the same year performing in Corpus Christi, Texas (George gongora-corpus Christi Caller-Times, file).
Selena Quintanilla was known as the “The Queen of Tejano Music” and broke Tejano music history. At a very early age, Selena would sing or listen to music; it was all around her. But being like many Mexican Americans, her story has been a persistent struggle to break out of the usual poverty of her working-class family. Although being born into a poor family didn't keep Selena and the Quintanilla family from their love for music. She was kind and outgoing, she was very social, but she also had a deeper side that wasn't always apparent. In an interview, Texas (interviewer) asked Selena, “when you’re gone how do you want to be remembered?” In a moment that’s giving us all goosebumps, the singer replied: “As not only an entertainer, but as a person who cared a lot. And I gave the best that I could. And I tried to be the best role model that I possibly could, and the best person that I could. And I tried to help out" (Lubbock). Selena was The Queen of Tejano Music, and she also had a heart of gold. After going through many interviews with Selena, she never took ownership of her success. She would always refer to "we" as in her band, friends, supporters and others who got to where she was. The way she keeps saying "WE" during the interview, just shows how selfless, loving and loyal she was. However, Selena's unexpected passing in 1995 at the age of just 23 shocked the world and left her fans in ruins. Her reputation and standing somehow became stronger with time. She rose to fame as the pioneer of the Latin pop crossover genre. In the years following Selena's passing, the public's adoration for her has not diminished.
How would Selena Quintanilla dominate Tejano music, where men are overpowered? Tejano typically blends dancing rhythms from Czech and German genres, particularly polka or waltz, with Mexican Spanish vocal styles. Traditional Tejano music is performed by small ensembles using an accordion, guitar, or bajo sexto. In northern Mexico, it first evolved. Tejano music has a long history and is a fusion of Mexican, European, and American influences. With the arrival of the accordion by German, Polish, and Czech immigrants in the middle of the 19th century, its evolution began in northern Mexico (a variation known as norteo) and Texas. Selena changed the male-dominated Tejano style after being exposed to it by incorporating R&B and pop influences, expanding its appeal beyond the era's typical audience. She was one of the best Latin performers of the 1990s, so it's not surprising that she had an impact on others.
In the article, “Quintanilla Perez, Selena” Cynthia E. Orozco goes into great depth on Selena's early life and difficulties of being a Mexican-American singer. Selena's youth, unlike most children's, was centered around music. Selena was born at Lake Jackson, Texas, on April 16, 1971. Selena spent her entire youth immersed in music. When she was ten years old, she joined Selena Y Los Dino's family band. The band initially only performed at events like weddings and clubs. Selena studied Spanish singing in order to make the family band more appealing to the Latino demographic. Selena eventually mastered speaking Spanish with ease. Despite Selena's popularity in the Spanish-speaking market, the general public generally disregarded her until 1993. She was featured in Texas Monthly's list of 20 important Texans in 1994, and the Los Angeles Times conducted an interview with her. Selena Live received a Grammy for Best Mexican-American Album in the same year. Selena surmounted several challenges, including being a woman and living in poverty, to become a sensation in Tejano music. Her tale has been a constant fight to escape the typical poverty of her working-class family, like that of many other Mexican Americans. Selena was frequently contrasted with other English-language performers including Mariah Carey , Janet Jackson , and Madonna. She was eager to release an album in her native tongue in order to achieve the same level of popularity as these musicians. Which led to her crossover, and influenced many others.
The long-lasting impact of particular events, actions, etc. that took place in the past, or of a person’s life. Selena’s legacy still remains throughout the globe. Selena was able to assist the Latino community in America in accepting their identity through her songs and legacy. In addition to receiving numerous accolades, Selena acted as a role model and a lighthouse for people who felt torn between their Mexican and American heritages. She displayed self-confidence and demonstrated that Tejano is a distinct culture that should be honored. Selena wasn’t fluent in speaking spanish. Her first band album didn’t sell well. Many people judged her during her early career. Although her father was criticized for pulling her out of school, all of the difficulties were worthwhile. As an example of a true Latin icon in pop culture, her legacy has not only shone on the charts but also on social media, street murals, apparel lines, and beauty products. One of the most well-known Mexican-American entertainers of the late 20th century, she was known as the "Queen of Tejano" music and made significant contributions to both music and fashion. Selena's dazzling purple jumpsuit with a halter top, flared slacks, and matching long-sleeve jacket was one of her most famous outfits. If you had listened to any of her albums/songs you would understand the true empowerment of her music. Finally, Selena Quintanilla will be revered forever as one of the most significant and influential figures in Mexican American culture. Selena inspired a new generation of musicians by assisting in the celebration and promotion of Mexican American heritage through her potent music and strong sense of cultural identity. She remains a legacy.
Selena Quintallia was a woman in a male-dominated industry, but ended up dominating the world with Tejano music and left a mark on the globe. As a child, Selena grew up in poverty. Selena and the Quintanilla family's passion for music was unaffected by the fact that they were poor when they were born. Since she was ten years old, Selena has been the lead vocalist of their family band, Selena y Los Dinos, which her father founded. Even though she had issues speaking Spanish, the band's debut album didn't do well at the box office, and her dad faced criticism for pulling her out of school, all of those difficulties were worthwhile. This occurred later in Selena’s life. When she was fatally slain by a jealous friend and coworker in a Corpus Christi hotel room after an argument about allegations of theft, her life had already been tragically cut short. In this day and age many women were seen as weak in the music industry, and were mainly dominated by men. This caused Selena not to be able to showcase gigs and performances or cut her performances shorter. She goes into this further explaining in an Interview “They would tell my father straight to his face, “Not only is she too young, but there’s no way she could draw like a male artist.” And, with that my father, the more the people shut doors on him, the more determined he becomes to prove them wrong. When you’re trying to promote your own self and you don’t have a company backing you up of the means are not there, you have to work to pull your weight” (Latin Style Magazine 1995). Less opportunities were made for women. When Abraham sees Selena and Chris hugging on the bus, he objects to their relationship because he thinks Chris's lifestyle will damage Selena's reputation and sever the family's close bond. This leads to the main conflict of the movie. Selena must make a choice that will affect both her family and the band. Selena spent her entire youth immersed in music. When she was ten years old, she joined Selena Y Los Dino's family band. The band initially only performed at events like weddings and clubs. Selena studied Spanish singing in order to make the family band more appealing to the Latino demographic. Selena was kind to everyone she encountered. She was approachable to her admirers and was upbeat, sunny, and kind. She always motivated her fans to attend school. She was a little shy, sensitive, and highly insightful. Selena's strengths and weaknesses. Quintanilla is a logical person who can think through any issue or circumstance. Young female singers will always look to Selena as an inspiration. The struggle Mexican-Americans go through to find and create their sense of identity is expressed via prejudice, music, and family.
Fig 2. In February 26, 1995 Selena's final performance was 28 years ago at Rodeo Houston.
Selena will always have an impact on the music industry as being able to crossover globally. When Selena first began her music career, she started at a very young age with her band and who was part of her family (Selena y Los Dinos). They gave performances at weddings in Lake Jackson, Pappagallo and family restaurants. As years went by, Selena grew older and was discovered by a musician Rudy Trevino, founder of the Tejano Music Awards, where she won the Female Vocalist of the Year award in 1987 and to emphasize she won nine consecutive times. The impact she had globally made her crossover into mainstream success in the late 1980s and early 1990s, becoming known as the “Queen of Tejano music.” The Houston Astrodome concert scene captures Selena’s fans' love for her in South Texas, powerfully captures the warmth and electricity of a beloved entertainer. Here Selena is seen getting ready for the show, the chaos behind the stage but then soon entering the main stage. The blue curtains and right behind that is the fans energetic screams for Selena ready for her to show herself. Before opening the curtains Selena looks back at her parents and smiles. Once the blue curtains open the fans start screaming her name, in her iconic Burgundy jumpsuit and the look on the faces of fans. She starts singing “Disco Medley” and the crowd starts to sing with her. She also sang her most well-known song “Como la Flor.” Based on my knowledge and research Selena's third but last consecutive Rodeo performance at the Astrodome and set the all-time attendance record with 66,994. When this scene was filmed, tens of thousands of fans turned out to be extras in the crowd in the movie. Those are her real fans in the movie scene. This was Selena's last performance, a month later after her performance she was killed. If she was able to perform to 66,994 people in a crowd she would’ve definitely achieved 100,00 people around the world, it’s a shame. This scene represents my historically significant idea because it showcases Selena’s impact globally. She broke records after that concert, record-breaking, sold out show. The big picture is the fans and empowerment Selena gave throughout the performance, while this being her last. She sang her heart out, the fans screamed their lungs out and in the end she gave her all.
Fig 3. Selena directed by Gregory Nava, is an Biographical musical drama film based on Tejano Music star Selena Quintanilla, written by Gregory Nava
Selena is an inspiration since she was courageous, honest, kind, selfless, and she was grateful for everything that occurred to her. Selena Quintanilla, referred to as the "Queen of Tejano Music," was a well-liked Latin singer who was murdered at the age of 23 by the leader of her fan club. Selena was kind to everyone she encountered. She was approachable to her admirers and was upbeat, sunny, and kind. That being said, I chose this iconic poster (see above) of Selena because it shows all those traits. Her bright smile captures my attention the most and her natural beauty. This is because the background is black, so she will stand out the most. The overall shape of this poster is squared with dainty writing, stating “The Story of a girl who had the spirit to believe in a dream and courage to make it come true” and indicates the actors/production. In cursive writing Selena is written. Selena is in the main center of the poster with her smiling, the left corner is her shown singing strongly with a microphone in a purple and dark pink tone. Her dress being purple draws the attention, her reddish lipstick, eyeshadow and eyeliner. In the center, she's wearing a layer with a white lace shirt underneath. Clearly this poster wants to include two sides of Selena, her kind, honest, courageous self and strong well-rounded singer. To show she still remains a legacy. It's only right for this poster to include such beautiful colors, with Selena standing out smiling. The film showcases such a tragic event yet captures her true beauty.
Memorable movie critic Roger Ebert enjoyed the film Selena. He leaves a three and a half star rating to demonstrate his amusement. "Selena'' succeeds, through Lopez's performance, in evoking the magic of a sweet and talented young woman” (Ebert). Throughout this review Ebert gives credit to Lopez for her incredible performance in acting as Selena and portrays Mexican-American culture as a rich source with its own flavor and character, but also does so in an informative manner. Although, he has some critics about the original music audio being undercut and performance of Selena (Lopez) being lost in the cutting. I believed Ebert wanted to see more of a performance of Selena (Lopez) than short scenes of the singer. He also emphasizes that "Selena'' is smart in not letting the singer's death dominate the story of her life” (Ebert). I admire Ebert's close attention to detail and movie expertise, but he explains in the movie during Selena’s performance, many music undercuts and “unnecessary visual gimmicks like Woodstock-style double and triple split screens, and cutaways to the moon, roses, and other symbols” (Ebert). In my opinion, I disagree with Ebert in this sense because the “unnecessary visual gimmicks” have meaning; visual essence. The Woodstock-style double and triple split screens showcase the different point of views the audience can view Selena and the style of a singer she is. Symbols such as roses, were Selena’s favorite and became a symbol of the singer. Not only, but he describes the movie in the beginning as starting off slow. I disagree because some viewers weren’t even informed about the singer and needed background before continuing the film to grasp “The Queen of Tejano”. In the half of Ebert's review, I agree with in a late-movie montage, the same song is sung at many performances to display the variety of outfits Selena created for herself; the performance, however, is lost in the editing. The struggle Mexican-Americans go through to discover and build their sense of identity is expressed in the movie Selena through the themes of discrimination, music, and family. The film demonstrates how difficult it is for musicians to succeed in the music business. Selena achieves hard-won success in both Mexico and the United States with the support of her family via tenacity, talent, and dedication. In the end, I disagree with Roger Ebert's statement about the “Selena” film having unnecessary visual gimmicks but I agree with the summary of the film with how “Selena” showcases her life story instead of her death dominating her entire life. Her death shouldn’t be her image, rather her accomplishments and celebration of her life.
Work Cited
Selena. Directed by Gregory Nava. Performances by Jennifer Lopez, Edward James Olmos and Jon Seda. Warner Bros. 1997
"Reviving sound of Selena: [Final Edition]." Standard - Freeholder, Apr 02, 2005, pp. 19. ProQuest, https://collegeofthedesert.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www
Rodriguez OR. Ten years after her death, Selena's influence runs deeper than music: [final edition]. Whitehorse Star. Mar 22 2005:12. Available from: ProQuest, proquest.com/newspapers/ten-years-after-her-death-selenas-influence-runs/docview/362323891/se-2?accountid=42321.
Lopez, Julyssa. “New TelevisaUnivision Special ‘Por Siempre Selena’ Will Celebrate The Life of Selena Quintanilla.” Rolling Stone Magazine. 17 May 2022, pp. 1-3
Menard, Valerie. "The Making of Selena: Two years after the murder of Tejano queen, a major movie hits the screen." Hispanic, 03, 1997, pp. 30. ProQuest, proquest.com/magazines/making-selena-two-years-after-murder-tejano-queen/docview/237025670/se-2?accountid=42321.
“American Justice: The Life and Death of Selena.” Youtube uploaded by A&E, 27 February 2022. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GS4M9tjlbk