One of the shocking news in entertainment that I remember in the 90s was the killing of Selena Quintanilla, the “queen of Tex-Mex.” Years later, while working on a project, I had the opportunity to spend some time in Corpus Christi, Texas, Selena’s birthplace. Thus, being in this city, I seized the chance to delve firsthand into Selena’s legacy and life. The first stop was her museum.
Version en Español aqui.
Museo de Selena Quintanilla
This museum is situated north of the city and offers a glimpse into Selena’s life and career. Inside, visitors can explore collections of her awards, personal belongings, and memorabilia.
The museum charges a $5 entrance fee, and plenty of parking is available. After purchasing my ticket, I waited in an area for the group tour to begin. While waiting, I met Selena’s father, who briefly chatted with us and other visitors who had joined the group.
Mr. Abraham Quintanilla, with a nostalgic tone, reminded us that this month marks the 29th anniversary of his daughter’s death. Just then, our assigned guide, Jake, showed up and after a brief presentation he kindly escorted us into the first room: The recording studio.
They informed us that taking photos was allowed, but recording videos was prohibited.
The recording studio
Upon entering, we found ourselves in the recording studio, which immediately felt immaculate. Adorned with a grand piano and a beautiful oil portrait of Selena herself.
This studio is where Selena recorded her albums. Also, several scenes of the movie “Selena,” portrayed by Jennifer Lopez, were filmed here. This movie served as a platform for Jennifer Lopez’s stardom. In this studio is where Selena recorded most of her albums. Also, several “Selena” movie scenes were filmed here with Jennifer Lopez.
Her songs and awards
After leaving the recording studio, we entered the next room, which showcased their awards, dresses, and childhood memories.
Live
Selena became the first “Tejano” artist to win a Grammy Award for her album “Live” in 1994, a year before her death.
“Dreaming of You”
Another award is for the song “Dreaming of You,” which was a tremendous commercial success and reached high positions on the Billboard charts. The song became even more famous after Selena’s death.
“Amor Prohibido”
“Amor Prohibido” is perhaps Selena’s most famous song; it was a huge hit that won several awards and reached number one on the Latin music charts in the United States.
The lyrics, melody, and Selena’s passionate performance contributed to the song’s success. It remains one of the most remembered and loved songs of her career.
One / Bidi Bid Bom Bom
In my opinion, “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” is the catchiest song by Selena Quintanilla, released in 1994 as part of her album “Amor Prohibido”. This song has become an emblematic piece of Tejano and Latin music in general due to its rhythm and lyrics.
The English version of the song, called “One”, was released posthumously in 1995 after Selena’s death. “One” retains the catchy melody and upbeat energy of the original song, but with English lyrics. Although “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” is more popular among Spanish speakers, “One” allowed Selena’s music to reach a wider audience.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
On November 3, 2017, Selena’s star became the 2,622nd addition to the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Selena’s fashion and wardrobe
In addition to her musical talents, Selena was known for her stage presence and influence on fashion and style, particularly among young Latinos.
One of Selena’s most famous dresses is the one she wore during her last performance at the Houston Astrodome in February 1995, a month before her death.
This bright purple dress has become a symbol of her legacy and is widely recognized in popular culture.
Her unique style and ability to combine Mexican and American fashion made her a fashion icon for many people, and her legacy remains a source of inspiration in the fashion world even decades after her death.
Selena made wearing berets of different colors and styles fashionable to complement her outfits. The cheetah beret, for example, is a symbol of his legacy in fashion and music.
At the end of the tour, a souvenir shop is worth visiting.
Memorial Statue: Mirador la Flor
Another must-see place to commemorate Selena’s legacy here in Corpus Christi is her statue on the bay waterfront. Selena was one of the notable personalities of this city, and in 1997, two years after her death, the Mirador de la Flor was inaugurated in her honor.
I frequently passed by this memorial at the intersection of N-Shoreline and People St-head, and I always noticed visitors gathered there.
A staircase on the sides leads to a small passage called “Paseo de la Flor.” The passage walls are decorated with colourful and flowerful mosaics, a tribute from local institutions and businesses.
While there, it was a great idea to rent one of the scooters parked nearby and explore the area.
Selena Quintanilla’s final resting place
I still recall the news broadcasts detailing the profound impact of Selena’s tragic passing. At the young age of 23, she fell victim to a fatal shooting on March 31, 1995, right here in Corpus Christi. Ironically, her murderer, Yolanda Saldívar, was the president of her fan club.
Selena was laid to rest at Seaside Memorial Park Cemetery in Corpus Christi. I recently went to visit her grave. During a weekend off work, I drove into the cemetery and turned right just after passing the cemetery office. As I approached, it was easy to spot her grave as it was the only one surrounded by a fence with a warning sign on both sides that reads, “It is prohibited to damage or deface the property.”
During my visit to the cemetery, I had a brief conversation with one of the workers who informed me that Selena’s gravesite is the most frequented one in the cemetery. I personally observed fresh flowers, various keepsakes, and handwritten messages adorning the fence.
Selena’s tombstone bears the Isaiah 25:8 verse in both Spanish and English
After Selena’s passing in 1995, her father took over the management of her estate and legacy through Quintanilla Producciones. His intention was to preserve and promote Selena’s musical legacy.
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I also invite you to read my previous post «Tequila experience at Casa Cuervo, the oldest distillery in Latin America (1758)«
Thank you and have a great day!
E.O.
