Tejano Icon Selena’s Father, Abraham Quintanilla Jr., Dies at 86

Abraham Quintanilla Jr., the father of renowned singer Selena Quintanilla Perez, has passed away at the age of 86. His son, Abraham “A.B.” Quintanilla III, confirmed the news via a heartfelt Instagram post. The exact cause of his death has not been disclosed.

Legacy of Abraham Quintanilla Jr.

Abraham Quintanilla Jr. was pivotal in promoting Tejano music and ensuring his daughter’s prominent position in the industry. Before Selena’s tragic murder in 1995, he played a crucial role in the rise of her career. After her death, he dedicated his life to preserving her legacy and promoting her music.

Cultural Influence

Quintanilla Jr. was born in 1939 in Corpus Christi, Texas, to a Mexican American family. He dropped out of high school to join the band Los Dinos. After his time in the Army in 1963, he married Marcella Samora. Together, they raised three children: A.B. (born 1963), Suzette (1967), and Selena (1971).

• Key Milestones:
  • Began music career in Los Dinos.
  • Married Marcella Samora in 1963.
  • Coached Selena to perform in Spanish from a young age.
• Impact on Selena’s Career:
  • Selena’s popularity soared in the late 1980s.
  • Her 1994 album “Amor Prohibido” achieved multiplatinum status.
  • Selena was tragically murdered in 1995 at age 23.

Managing Selena’s Legacy

After Selena’s death, Abraham Quintanilla Jr. managed her estate and played a significant role in shaping her narrative. As noted by Deborah Paredez, a professor at Columbia University, “Because he controlled Selena’s estate, he has shaped the way her story has been told.” He served as an executive producer for the 1997 film “Selena,” where he was portrayed by Edward James Olmos, and was also depicted in “Selena: The Series” on Netflix by Ricardo Chavira.

Continued Contributions

In his later years, Quintanilla Jr. managed Q-Productions, a Latin music company, and was actively involved with the Selena Foundation, which aids underprivileged children. His influence on the music industry and commitment to helping others will be remembered by many.