When we think of Hispanic Heritage Month, many powerful people come to mind. In the minds of many lies the legacy of Selena, an entrepreneur, businesswoman, and incredible artist.

Selena Quintanilla is an icon of accomplishment and a source of pride for many Texans.  She paved the way for Tejano music artists after her time as well as becoming an emblem of possibility and hope for young women of color everywhere. 

Selena’s early childhood contributed significantly to her musical interest, as her father, Abraham Quintanilla, was a former musician.    

Selena’s dad encouraged her to sing in Spanish from a young age so she could better relate to her community and heritage. When she was 10, she became the lead singer of her family band, and started out by playing at weddings and clubs in her home state of Texas.

Selena was considered  the “Queen Of Tejano Music.”  Growing up very involved in her Mexican-American heritage, this is reflected in her music beautifully. The artist’s music was commonly described as gentle, alluring, and sensual. 

There was something very enticing about the nature of her artwork, something that was idolized in the music industry at the time of her popularity. One of her songs, Amor Prohibido, or Forbidden Love, is a perfect example of the tone of her music. “Y cuando al fin estemos juntos, los dos no importa qué dirán tu padre y tu mamá, aquí sólo importa nuestro amor, te quiero” is a very alluring line which talks about a lover whose parents don’t approve of her, and how that affected her. Along with raising the standard for up and coming Tejano music artists, she also became the first female Tejano artist to take home a Grammy for Best Mexican-American album.

Selena had dreams of becoming an idol in the United States, but while she did have this success, she didn’t live to see it.  Her life was tragically cut short at the age of 23 when a crazed fan and close friend of Selena’s shot her from the ground of her apartment. She lost her life on March 31, 1995, leaving behind a legacy of beautiful music and artistry.

Following her death, her name soared. Selena Quintanilla affected the lives of many, including myself, with her music and spunky personality.