Abraham Quintanilla Jr., Father of Tejano Star Selena, Dies at 86

Abraham Quintanilla Jr., the father of the late Tejano music star Selena Quintanilla Pérez, passed away at the age of 86. His son, Abraham “A.B.” Quintanilla III, announced the news on Instagram, expressing deep sorrow over the loss. The specific cause of death has not been disclosed.

Legacy of a Music Pioneer

Quintanilla Jr. was a significant figure in the music industry, best known for his role as a music producer and driving force behind his daughter’s stellar career. He played a crucial role in popularizing Tejano music, shaping its global presence before Selena’s tragic death in 1995.

Early Life and Career

Born in 1939 in Corpus Christi, Texas, Quintanilla Jr. was a second-generation Mexican American. He left high school to join a band named Los Dinos. After serving in the Army, he married Marcella Samora in 1963 and later worked at Dow Chemical in Texas while raising three children: Abraham III (A.B.), Suzette, and Selena.

Musical Journey and Selena’s Rise

• Quintanilla Jr. introduced his children to music early on.
• Selena quickly emerged as a talented vocalist, with his guidance helping her learn Spanish songs.
• In the late 1980s, Selena’s popularity surged, leading to sold-out shows and major album sales.

Her album “Amor Prohibido,” released in 1994, achieved multiplatinum status. Unfortunately, Selena was killed in 1995 by the former president of her fan club at just 23, a devastating loss for her family and fans alike.

Managing Selena’s Legacy

Following Selena’s death, Quintanilla Jr. dedicated himself to preserving and promoting her legacy. He managed her estate and significantly influenced how her story has been shared with the world.

Deborah Paredez, a professor at Columbia University, noted, “Because he controlled Selena’s estate, he has shaped the way her story has been told.” He was an executive producer on the 1997 movie “Selena,” where he was portrayed by Edward James Olmos, and appeared in the Netflix series “Selena: The Series,” played by Ricardo Chavira.

Continued Contributions

In his later years, Quintanilla Jr. managed Q-Productions, a Latin music company, and worked with the Selena Foundation, focusing on assisting underprivileged children. His efforts have left an indelible mark on both the music industry and the communities he sought to support.