Selena Quintanilla Ethnicity, Net Worth, Age, Bio, & Family

Selena Quintanilla, often referred to as the “Queen of Tejano Music,” was a trailblazing artist whose life and career left an indelible mark on the music industry. Despite her untimely passing, her legacy continues to captivate millions. This article explores her ethnicity, net worth, biography, career, family life, and much more.
Selena Quintanilla Biography
Selena Quintanilla was born on April 16, 1971, in Lake Jackson, Texas, USA, to Abraham Quintanilla Jr. and Marcella Samora. She was the youngest of three children. Her family’s strong cultural roots and love for music played a significant role in shaping Selena’s career.
From a young age, Selena showed extraordinary musical talent. Her father, Abraham Quintanilla, a former musician, noticed her gift and began nurturing it. Selena joined her family band, Selena y Los Dinos, at the age of nine, singing Spanish-language songs despite initially struggling with the language.
Selena Quintanilla Ethnicity
Selena Quintanilla was of Mexican-American and Cherokee Native American descent. Her father, Abraham Quintanilla Jr., was of Mexican ancestry, and her mother, Marcella Samora, had both Mexican and Cherokee Native American roots.
Selena proudly embraced her cultural heritage, which played a significant role in shaping both her identity and music. She is widely regarded as a symbol of Latinx pride, particularly for the Hispanic and Tejano communities. Her fusion of traditional Mexican music with contemporary pop sounds made her a bridge between cultures, and she remains a beloved icon in the Latin music world.
Selena Quintanilla Career
Selena’s career began modestly, performing at family-owned restaurants, weddings, and fairs. Over time, her immense talent and charisma won her regional recognition, and she quickly rose to prominence in the Tejano music scene—a male-dominated genre at the time.
Her breakthrough came with the release of her 1989 self-titled album, “Selena,” which brought her to the forefront of the music industry. She followed it with hits like Ven Conmigo (1990) and Entre a Mi Mundo (1992). The latter featured the hit single Como La Flor, which became an anthem and cemented her status as a superstar.
In 1994, Selena won her first Grammy Award for Best Mexican-American Album for her record Live! Her last studio album, “Amor Prohibido,” released in the same year, became one of the best-selling Latin albums in the United States.
Selena was also a successful entrepreneur, launching a clothing line and boutique called Selena Etc. Her achievements showcased her ambition and talent beyond music.
Selena Quintanilla Net Worth/Income
At the time of her tragic death in 1995, Selena Quintanilla’s net worth was estimated to be approximately $5 million. This wealth was accumulated through various streams, including her music career, boutique businesses, endorsements, and merchandise sales. Adjusted for inflation, her net worth today would be significantly higher.
Income Sources:
- Music Sales and Concerts:
- Selena’s albums were best-sellers in the Tejano and Latin music markets, with millions of copies sold globally. Her album Amor Prohibido and the posthumous Dreaming of You became monumental hits.
- Concert tours also contributed significantly to her income, as she filled venues across the United States and Latin America.
- Boutiques (Selena Etc.):
- Selena owned two fashion boutiques, located in Corpus Christi and San Antonio, Texas. These boutiques sold clothing and accessories designed by Selena herself, alongside other merchandise. The stores were highly successful during her lifetime.
- Endorsements:
- Selena had endorsement deals, including a notable partnership with Coca-Cola. Her popularity in the Hispanic community made her a sought-after figure for brand promotions.
- Posthumous Revenue:
- Selena’s brand continues to generate substantial income through music royalties, licensing, merchandise sales, documentaries, and biographical films like Selena (1997) and the Netflix series Selena: The Series (2020).
Selena Quintanilla Family
Parents
Selena’s father, Abraham Quintanilla Jr., was a pivotal figure in her career. A former musician, he served as her manager and guided her career from the beginning. Her mother, Marcella Samora, provided unwavering support, fostering a close-knit family environment.
Siblings
Selena had two siblings:
- Suzette Quintanilla: Played drums in Selena y Los Dinos and later became a manager of Selena’s posthumous legacy.
- A.B. Quintanilla III: Served as the band’s bassist and producer, writing many of Selena’s hit songs.
The Quintanilla family’s unity was instrumental in Selena’s success.
Selena Quintanilla Age, Height, and Weight
Selena Quintanilla was 23 years old at the time of her death on March 31, 1995.
- Height: 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 57 kg (126 lbs)
Selena’s radiant beauty and iconic style made her a fashion and beauty icon.
Selena Quintanilla Husband
Selena married Chris Pérez, the guitarist for Selena y Los Dinos, on April 2, 1992. Their relationship was initially met with resistance from her family, but the couple’s love endured. Chris has often spoken about Selena’s kindness, talent, and their strong bond.
Selena Quintanilla Boyfriend and Children
Selena did not have any other known romantic relationships besides Chris Pérez. The couple did not have any children before her tragic death.
Selena Quintanilla House
Selena Quintanilla lived in a modest yet elegant house in Corpus Christi, Texas, with her husband Chris Pérez. The home reflected her humble beginnings and family-oriented values. Today, her residence holds sentimental value for fans and remains a place of homage.
Selena Quintanilla Car Collection
Although Selena Quintanilla was known for her humble lifestyle and family-oriented values, she did own a few cars, most notably her iconic red 1986 Porsche 911 Targa. This car is a cherished part of her legacy and is frequently associated with her vibrant personality and success.
1. Red 1986 Porsche 911 Targa
Selena’s Porsche 911 Targa was one of her most prized possessions. The car was a gift from her father, Abraham Quintanilla Jr., and became synonymous with her public image.
- Features: The Targa model had a removable roof panel, making it a sleek and stylish choice for the young superstar.
- Legacy: The car is still preserved and displayed at the Selena Museum in Corpus Christi, Texas, where fans can view it as part of her memorabilia collection.
2. Tour Bus (“Big Bertha”)
While not a car, Selena’s tour bus, affectionately named Big Bertha, was an integral part of her life on the road.
- The bus carried Selena and her band, Selena y Los Dinos, during their early years of touring across Texas and the U.S.
- It symbolized her hard work and dedication as she built her career from grassroots performances to sold-out arenas.
Selena Quintanilla Tragic Death
On March 31, 1995, Selena’s life was tragically cut short when she was murdered by Yolanda Saldívar, the president of her fan club and manager of her boutiques. The shocking incident sent waves of grief throughout the world, especially among her fans and the Hispanic community.
Selena Quintanilla Legacy
Selena’s influence transcends music. In 1997, a biographical film, “Selena,” starring Jennifer Lopez, introduced her story to a global audience. In 2020, Netflix released a series titled “Selena: The Series”, further cementing her place in popular culture.
She has also been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and her music continues to inspire new generations of fans and artists.
FAQs
What is Selena Quintanilla’s ethnicity?
Selena was of Mexican-American and Native American descent.
What was Selena’s net worth?
At the time of her death, her net worth was approximately $5 million.
How tall was Selena Quintanilla?
Selena stood at 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm).
Who was Selena’s husband?
Selena was married to Chris Pérez, the guitarist for her band.
Did Selena have children?
No, Selena did not have children.
What kind of car did Selena own?
Selena famously owned a red 1986 Porsche 911 Targa.
What happened to Selena Quintanilla?
Selena was tragically murdered on March 31, 1995, by Yolanda Saldívar.
Where can I visit Selena’s museum or memorial?
The Selena Museum, located in Corpus Christi, Texas, showcases her life, career, and memorabilia. The city also has a statue called Mirador de la Flor in her honor.