Selena’s Father and Manager Passes Away at 86
Abraham Quintanilla Jr., father and manager of the beloved Tejano artist Selena Quintanilla, has passed away at the age of 86. His son, Abraham “A.B.” Quintanilla III, announced the news on Instagram, expressing his sadness over his father’s death. The specific cause has not been disclosed.
Legacy of Abraham Quintanilla Jr.
Born on February 22, 1939, in Corpus Christi, Texas, Quintanilla Jr. was a musician before becoming a pivotal figure in his daughter’s career. He initially played with the band Los Dinos but shifted his focus to parenthood. Recognizing Selena’s extraordinary vocal talent, he reformed the band into Selena y Los Dinos, including A.B. and Suzette Quintanilla in the lineup.
Career and Influence
- Formed the family band Selena y Los Dinos to spotlight Selena’s talents.
- Managed and directed her artistic growth, leading to significant recognition in Tejano music.
- Protected Selena’s legacy after her tragic murder in 1995.
Quintanilla Jr. described his protective nature towards his family, revealing his own life experiences influenced his parenting. He worked tirelessly to ensure his children had a passion for music, leading to their joint success.
Key Contributions to Music and Film
Quintanilla Jr. played a crucial role in Selena’s rise to fame. He served as an executive producer for the 1997 biopic “Selena,” featuring Jennifer Lopez. He also influenced the Netflix series “Selena: The Series,” which aired from 2020 to 2021.
Recent Projects and Recognition
In 2023, Netflix released the documentary “Selena y Los Dinos: A Family Legacy,” highlighting the group’s history and accomplishments. This film, produced by A.B. and Suzette Quintanilla, garnered multiple accolades:
- Nominated for best music documentary at the IDA Documentary Awards.
- Won the audience award at the Miami Film Festival.
- Received a special jury award in archival storytelling at Sundance.
Abraham Quintanilla Jr. authored his memoir, “A Father’s Dream: My Family’s Journey in Music,” released in 2021, sharing his family’s story. He is survived by his wife, Marcella, and his two children, A.B. and Suzette Quintanilla.
