Inside Selena Quintanilla’s Brief Life and Inspiring Legacy

This article appeared in thefashionball.com and has been published here with permission.

Twenty-seven years have passed since the physical disappearance of Selena Quintanilla, but the absolute queen of Tex-Mex remains one of the most influential Latin celebrities in the region. She is an icon who revolutionized the American music scene, where she broke paradigms about Latin women and their musical impact. Today we commemorate the legendary diva, a Mexican symbol that will live forever.

Pioneer and Loved by All

Selena Quintanilla could be considered the first American and Latin artist to open the doors to Spanish-language music in the United States. The singer with Mexican roots treated the audience "Como la flor" and thus conquered hearts.

Twitter // @PopCrave

Selena dominated a male-controlled market, took her music across the continent, inspired millions. She was inclusive, humble and incredibly talented and she did it all at the age of 23. Can you imagine what she would be like today? Before we do, let's remember the anecdotes, loves and her legacy.

Musical Prodigy

He began singing at an early age. Abraham Quintanilla convinced with his daughter's vocal potential, the Tex-Mex queen started singing at PapaGayo 's, the family restaurant.

Twitter // @iammoseserik

The little girl performed songs in English along with her older siblings A.B. and Suzette Quintanilla to entertain visitors to the Texan restaurant. But this ended when the place went bankrupt in 1980. Although the family business ended, to this day Selena is still honored at that location.

A Childhood Without Luxuries

The family was forced to live with 13 other people in Corpus Christi, Texas, as shown by Rebecca Lee Meza in the movie Selena. Abraham Quintanilla preferred to shop during the evenings to be seen with food stamps.

Instagram // @selenaquintanilla_rarepics

These adversities were no impediment, the father created a soundproof room in the garage of the house as a rehearsal room for his children. Thanks to this effort they made their way in the demanding world of music.

Her First Song

In 1994 Sábado Gigante invited to the set the star of the moment: Selena. As soon as Don Francisco started the interview, she confirmed that she recorded her first song when she was six years old. It is the song "Oh, mama!".

Shutterstock // Kathy Hutchins

"It's Pablito Ruiz's song. The song hit very hard with him. Not with me," said the artist with laughter. In her childhood she had no idea of the success that was coming, but she certainly warmed up the engines for her success.