On March 31, 1995, the world lost a rising star when Selena Quintanilla-Pérez was tragically shot and killed in a motel room in Corpus Christi, Texas, by Yolanda Saldívar, a former fan club president and employee accused of embezzling money from Selena’s businesses. Selena was just 23 years old.
Three decades later, her music, her voice, and her story still resonate deeply with millions—especially within the Latino community in the United States and beyond.
A Musical Icon That Broke Barriers
Selena wasn’t just a Tejano singer—she was a genre-blending force who brought together Tejano, pop, cumbia, música Mexicana, and dance music, all while proudly representing her Mexican-American identity.
She broke into a music world that had few Latinas at the forefront. She sang in Spanish even though her first language was English. She embraced both cultures, and in doing so, became a symbol of bicultural pride for generations of Latinos growing up in the U.S.
Selena’s Impact on the Next Generation
Today, Selena is more than just a singer. She is a cultural icon. Her story is taught in schools, her face is printed on murals and T-shirts, and her music is still streamed by millions every year.
Artists like Becky G, Selena Gomez, and Karol G have openly talked about how Selena inspired them to chase their dreams, even in industries where representation was once scarce.
“She took our music to places we never thought in our wildest dreams it would reach,” Becky G said. “She showed younger generations, including myself, that we could be onstage one day too.
Remembering the Woman Behind the Music
Despite her fame, Selena remained humble. She was known for her kindness, her vibrant personality, and her love for family and fans. Her fashion sense, confidence, and signature red lipstick became just as iconic as her songs.
She wasn’t just admired for her music—she was loved for who she was as a person.
Her Legacy Lives On
In the years since her death, Selena’s legacy has only grown. Her posthumous album Dreaming of You became a bestseller. Her life inspired movies, documentaries, museum exhibits, and even a Netflix series. In 2017, she received a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Each year, fans gather on March 31 to honor her memory—celebrating her music, her spirit, and the impact she had on their lives.