The Latinx Sensation

Selena Quintanilla Perez

Music, Is and has always been something that moves people. However, certain music by select people, have had the power of moving people from different cultures, countries, and identities, something that many people have deemed almost impossible. One person who was able to crack the code and move not just a nation, but the entire world, was Selena Quintanilla Perez. Although, passing away at the young age of 23, she can be considered one of the most influential Latinx artist’s of recent time.

Early Life

Selena Quintanilla was born in Lake Jackson, Texas in 1971 to her father, mother, and three siblings. Her family was not very well off and ended up loosing their house and family resultant when Selena was just 8 years old. This did not stop the Quintanilla family, they pushed onward and began traveling around the State of Texas preforming at fair’s, carnivals, and other special events. This eventually paid off, and is what eventually led Selena and her siblings to be gain recognition for their craft, which would lead to Selena’s stardom. This proves that anyone can make it and inspires many that, no matter race, economic class, or age, if you have the right work ethic and determination ALL can be possible.

https://www.biography.com/musicians/selena

Expanding Horizons

Selena was like no other, she was a force to be reckoned with and was the forefront of the Latinx revolution. Selena’s relatability and image of the nice girl next door, is what made audiences fall in love with her. Through being her true authentic self and remaining true to her morals, the love for Selena started to spread throughout the United States and Mexico. She can be considered one of the leading artists to bring Tejano Mexican Music to the forefront. She introduced the genre of music to millions across the United States, and made those who did not even speak Spanish, fall in love with the way her music made them feel. Her raw talent is what lead her to be awarded a Grammy. This made her the first ever Tejano Mexican musician to ever win, accomplishing this at the age of 23. This inspired many and proved that someone who is in the situation that Selena was in when she was younger, can have the opportunity to achieve so many things, like a Grammy!

Click here for more information about her Grammy win!: https://www.grammy.com/artists/selena/10071

Her Legacy

Following her Grammy, Selena decided that she would refuse to be boxed in to just one genre of music. She wanted to expand her horizons and make whatever music that she wanted! During the making of her first English album, which was destined to be a global hit, Selena passed away. Although she past, her family finished the recordings and released finished songs to the public. The song that was majorly successful was Dreaming Of You which was released in June of 1995. This song is beloved by millions and considered to be one of Selenas best songs ever put out.

Her work ethic, determination, and unwillingness to be put into a box is what lead Selena to be honored at the 2021 Grammys, where she was awarded the lifetime achievement award. Proving her inspiration to millions all across the world. Being awarded a life time achievement award for the work that she did in just her short 23 years of life, is simply remarkable and to be remembered forever.

Selena Quintanilla Perez can be considered one of the most hardworking individuals that has ever graced the music industry. She proved to millions that no matter what card you are dealt, or house you grew up in, one can conquer all with the right worth ethic, determination, and support!