Selena y Los Dinos
Encyclopedia
Selena y Los Dinos was the band in which Grammy-Award-winning Tejano music
singer Selena
performed, until her death on March 31, 1995. Selena fronted the band since 1980, started by her father Abraham Quintanilla, Jr.. When Selena was signed with EMI Latin
, EMI president Jose Behar told Selena that the world wanted Selena, not Los Dinos. Selena then began releasing her studio albums under her own logo title Selena and not Selena y Los Dinos. Before Selena was signed with EMI, the band had sold more than 80,000 copies in the state of Texas alone, with the Tejano labels GP, Cara Records, Manny, and Freddie Records before 1989.
(A.B.), was put on the bass guitar
, and Suzette, was put on drums. The family first showcased their band on street corners, at quinceañera
s, and at other family gatherings until Selena's father opened up a much-needed Mexican restaurant in Lake Jackson, Texas
called Papágayos (Parrots) in 1981. While her parents took care of the restaurant, Selena and her siblings entertained the diners. However, the restaurant began to lose its customers when the recession of 1982 hit south Texas and the restaurant was forced into foreclosure
. Soon after the restaurant's closure, the family moved their musical aspirations to Corpus Christi, Texas
. There, Selena began to gain popularity and respect as a child singer.
Within a year, the family's restaurant went bankrupt and the family was forced to move in with relatives, as Abraham had quit his job to manage the restaurant full-time. The band then performed wherever they could, including weddings, street corners, fairs, and Quinceañeras. At some places, the band began to gain a lot of appreciation, while at other performances, where Mexican-Americans were not accepted, it began to be booed. On one occasion while performing at a wedding, the band was booed and then food was thrown on stage.
. As a result, Freddie Records released the band's very first record entitled Selena y Los Dinos in 1984. When the album was completed, the president and owner of Freddie Records told Abraham that his band, Selena y Los Dinos, were not professionally ready to record and release a full length album. Undeterred, Abraham dropped the record deal with Freddie Records and walked out. While still under the record deal, Selena's father came upon another small local Texas record company called Cara Records. The rumored album The New Girl in Town was never sold in stores, but singles from Cara Records were sold separately and promotionally around the state of Texas
. In 1986, GP Productions, which discovered Selena y Los Dinos performing, signed the group for a yearly record contract. Selena y Los Dinos were in the recording studio soon after the agreement. That same year, Selena y Los Dinos recorded their first full-length album Alpha
(A in the Greek alphabet
), which was the first album to be released without legal actions or threats.
In 1987, Munequito De Trapo
(Rag Doll) was released and an increase in sales began to spread the news about the band, which was promoted and showcased in the Tejano Music Awards
,. Selena won best "Female Vocalist of The Year", which she then won eight consecutive times. The band as well received and won awards separately. In 1987, Abraham Quintanilla, Jr., who was proud of the band's winnings and awards, released And The Winner Is...
and made Selena sing more Tejano
and Mexican songs
which followed their roots in order to gain more recognition
in the Tejano world. In 1988, Selena y Los Dinos released Preciosa (Precious), a nickname that was given to Selena as a child, which sold 20,000 units in Texas alone. No other record or single sales were ever documented outside the U.S. By 1988, Selena's albums began to sell 20,000 units apiece. Selena y Los Dinos' last independent studio album
was released in 1988 under the title Dulce Amor
(Sweet Love). The album helped Selena to be noticed during the 1989 Tejano Music Awards by Jose Behar, who had just opened the Latin division of EMI Records
; EMI Latin
. Jose Behar recalled seeing Selena perform and the whole place "blew up" from so much excitement
and enthusiasm
emanating from the charismatic Selena. Soon after her performance, Behar signed Selena as a solo artist. Selena began releasing her albums with her new logo titled after her name, while the band Los Dinos wase still beside Selena in concerts.
in 1988 and they became fast friends. When one of the guitar players for the band would get married and leave, Abraham Quintanilla Jr. would let out an open call for anyone in the state of Texas who was willing to participate with them and tour along side with the band. Chris Pérez was interviewed and gave his all when he performed for one of the open calls at Abraham Quintanilla, Jr.'s house. A.B., who had told Chris to come over, was confronted by his father, Abraham, who did not like the energy
and image
of Chris Pérez, who at the time, had his own Rock band
that played entirely in the English-language. But, A.B. told his father that Pérez would learn the music quickly, which convinced Mr. Quintanilla to hire Pérez as the band's new lead guitarist. Although Pérez accepted, his addition to the band proved to be much more than anticipated. Selena and Chris quickly fell in love, but Selena's father, who wanted to keep the band's image clean-cut, only found envy
in Pérez. Selena's father confronted Pérez and Selena and told them that the relationship
was over or the band would break up. Pérez then quit, while Selena was forced to stay. Their love for each other only grew while they were apart. Chris and Selena were secretly married and Selena conjoined Chris's last name onto hers
on April 2, 1992, and tried to hide the marriage from Mr. Quintanilla and the rest of the family. However, word quickly spread to radio stations and newcasts. Mr. Quintanilla later accepted Pérez into the family and he then re-joined the band. Soon after Selena's tragic death, Chris Pérez formed a band called the Chris Pérez Band and he dedicated a song to Selena called "The Best I Can". After the band broke up in 2002, he formed another band with Selena's brother A.B. called Kumbia All Starz
. A.B. is now remembering her by using her names in his songs.
, was held at the Reliant Stadium
in Houston
, Texas
.The event not only sold out, but it became the highest-rated and most viewed Spanish-language TV special ever. In attendance were Gloria Estefan
, Kumbia Kings
, and an introduction by Jennifer Lopez
, who portrayed Selena in the film made about her life. Suzette Quintanilla, the former drum player for Selena y Los Dinos, announced that the band Los Dinos were reuniting to record a new song for A.B. Quintanilla
's group Kumbia All Starz
with surprise guest recording artists on the album La Vida De Un Genio
.
Tejano music
Tejano music or Tex-Mex music is the name given to various forms of folk and popular music originating among the Mexican-American populations of Central and Southern Texas...
singer Selena
Selena
Selena Quintanilla-Pérez , known simply as Selena, was a Mexican American singer-songwriter. She was named the "top Latin artist of the '90s" and "Best selling Latin artist of the decade" by Billboard for her fourteen top-ten singles in the Top Latin Songs chart, including seven number-one hits...
performed, until her death on March 31, 1995. Selena fronted the band since 1980, started by her father Abraham Quintanilla, Jr.. When Selena was signed with EMI Latin
EMI Latin
EMI Televisa Music, also known as EMI Latin and EMI International, is a subsidiary of EMI which focuses on Latin American music....
, EMI president Jose Behar told Selena that the world wanted Selena, not Los Dinos. Selena then began releasing her studio albums under her own logo title Selena and not Selena y Los Dinos. Before Selena was signed with EMI, the band had sold more than 80,000 copies in the state of Texas alone, with the Tejano labels GP, Cara Records, Manny, and Freddie Records before 1989.
Beginnings (1957–1982)
From 1957 to 1971, Selena's father, Abraham Quintanilla, Jr. had played with Los Dinos. Selena joined the family band in 1979, and they turned professional two years later. Selena not only sang in some concerts that her father arranged, but she also sang in school whenever she was asked. Selena's father discovered her amazing voice, and spread musical talents (which he pursued himself in his earlier days) among his two other children: Abraham IIIA.B. Quintanilla
Abraham Isaac Quintanilla III better known as A.B. Quintanilla III or simply A.B. Quintanilla, is an American songwriter, record producer and musician. He is the older brother of "The Queen of Tejano music" Selena...
(A.B.), was put on the bass guitar
Bass guitar
The bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
, and Suzette, was put on drums. The family first showcased their band on street corners, at quinceañera
Quinceañera
Quinceañera , sometimes called "Fiesta de quince años", "Fiesta de Quinceañera", "Quince años" or simply "quince", is the celebration of a girl's fifteenth birthday in parts of Latin America and elsewhere in communities of immigrants from Latin America...
s, and at other family gatherings until Selena's father opened up a much-needed Mexican restaurant in Lake Jackson, Texas
Lake Jackson, Texas
Lake Jackson is a city in Brazoria County, Texas within the Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown metropolitan area. As of a 2006 U.S. Census Bureau estimate, the city population was 27,614....
called Papágayos (Parrots) in 1981. While her parents took care of the restaurant, Selena and her siblings entertained the diners. However, the restaurant began to lose its customers when the recession of 1982 hit south Texas and the restaurant was forced into foreclosure
Foreclosure
Foreclosure is the legal process by which a mortgage lender , or other lien holder, obtains a termination of a mortgage borrower 's equitable right of redemption, either by court order or by operation of law...
. Soon after the restaurant's closure, the family moved their musical aspirations to Corpus Christi, Texas
Corpus Christi, Texas
Corpus Christi is a coastal city in the South Texas region of the U.S. state of Texas. The county seat of Nueces County, it also extends into Aransas, Kleberg, and San Patricio counties. The MSA population in 2008 was 416,376. The population was 305,215 at the 2010 census making it the...
. There, Selena began to gain popularity and respect as a child singer.
Within a year, the family's restaurant went bankrupt and the family was forced to move in with relatives, as Abraham had quit his job to manage the restaurant full-time. The band then performed wherever they could, including weddings, street corners, fairs, and Quinceañeras. At some places, the band began to gain a lot of appreciation, while at other performances, where Mexican-Americans were not accepted, it began to be booed. On one occasion while performing at a wedding, the band was booed and then food was thrown on stage.
Mainstream success (1982–1988)
In 1982, a small local record company, Freddie Records, began to impel Selena y Los Dinos for their first record. By 1983, promotional singles from their yet-to-be first album were being sold in local stores; record and single sales were not documented when this happened. Selena y Los Dinos began to perform in more local Texas clubs and fairs as their names began to spread around TexasTexas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
. As a result, Freddie Records released the band's very first record entitled Selena y Los Dinos in 1984. When the album was completed, the president and owner of Freddie Records told Abraham that his band, Selena y Los Dinos, were not professionally ready to record and release a full length album. Undeterred, Abraham dropped the record deal with Freddie Records and walked out. While still under the record deal, Selena's father came upon another small local Texas record company called Cara Records. The rumored album The New Girl in Town was never sold in stores, but singles from Cara Records were sold separately and promotionally around the state of Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
. In 1986, GP Productions, which discovered Selena y Los Dinos performing, signed the group for a yearly record contract. Selena y Los Dinos were in the recording studio soon after the agreement. That same year, Selena y Los Dinos recorded their first full-length album Alpha
Alpha (Selena album)
Alpha is the third album released by Selena Y Los Dinos, the second album from after The New Girl in Town, which was released in 1985. When Selena was beginning to emerge as a star, A.B. III became a songwriter and producer. One of his first songs, "Dame Un Beso" became a moderate success...
(A in the Greek alphabet
Greek alphabet
The Greek alphabet is the script that has been used to write the Greek language since at least 730 BC . The alphabet in its classical and modern form consists of 24 letters ordered in sequence from alpha to omega...
), which was the first album to be released without legal actions or threats.
In 1987, Munequito De Trapo
Muñequito de Trapo
Muñequito de Trapo is the fourth release by Selena y Los Dinos.-Track listing:-Singles released:*A Million to One*Muñequito de Trapo*Enamorada de Tí-Classic Series, Vol. 2:...
(Rag Doll) was released and an increase in sales began to spread the news about the band, which was promoted and showcased in the Tejano Music Awards
Tejano Music Awards
The Tejano Music Awards had been launched in 1980 by former art teacher and music veteran Rudy Trevino and the leader of the Latin Breed Band, Gilbert Escobedo. Only 1,500 fans turned out for the first Tejano Music Awards. Over the years, San Antonio evolved into the Nashville of Tejano music...
,. Selena won best "Female Vocalist of The Year", which she then won eight consecutive times. The band as well received and won awards separately. In 1987, Abraham Quintanilla, Jr., who was proud of the band's winnings and awards, released And The Winner Is...
And the Winner Is...
And the Winner Is is the fifth album released by Selena Y Los Dinos...
and made Selena sing more Tejano
Tejano music
Tejano music or Tex-Mex music is the name given to various forms of folk and popular music originating among the Mexican-American populations of Central and Southern Texas...
and Mexican songs
Music of Mexico
The music of Mexico is very diverse and features a wide range of different musical styles. It has been influenced by a variety of cultures, most notably indigenous Mexican and European, since the Late Middle Ages...
which followed their roots in order to gain more recognition
Recognition (sociology)
Recognition in sociology is public acknowledgement of person's status or merits .When some person is recognized, he or she is accorded some special status, such as a name, title, or classification...
in the Tejano world. In 1988, Selena y Los Dinos released Preciosa (Precious), a nickname that was given to Selena as a child, which sold 20,000 units in Texas alone. No other record or single sales were ever documented outside the U.S. By 1988, Selena's albums began to sell 20,000 units apiece. Selena y Los Dinos' last independent studio album
Studio album
A studio album is an album made up of tracks recorded in the controlled environment of a recording studio. A studio album contains newly written and recorded or previously unreleased or remixed material, distinguishing itself from a compilation or reissue album of previously recorded material, or...
was released in 1988 under the title Dulce Amor
Dulce Amor
Dulce Amor is the seventh and last studio album released by Selena Y Los Dinos before signing on to EMI.-Track listing:-Singles:* Dulce Amor * Qué * Always Mine...
(Sweet Love). The album helped Selena to be noticed during the 1989 Tejano Music Awards by Jose Behar, who had just opened the Latin division of EMI Records
EMI Records
EMI Records is the flagship record label founded by the EMI company in 1972 and launched in January 1973 as the successor to its Columbia label. The EMI label was launched worldwide...
; EMI Latin
EMI Latin
EMI Televisa Music, also known as EMI Latin and EMI International, is a subsidiary of EMI which focuses on Latin American music....
. Jose Behar recalled seeing Selena perform and the whole place "blew up" from so much excitement
Psychomotor agitation
Psychomotor agitation is a series of unintentional and purposeless motions that stem from mental tension and anxiety of an individual. This includes pacing around a room, wringing one's hands, pulling off clothing and putting it back on and other similar actions...
and enthusiasm
Enthusiasm
Enthusiasm originally meant inspiration or possession by a divine afflatus or by the presence of a god. Johnson's Dictionary, the first comprehensive dictionary of the English language, defines enthusiasm as "a vain belief of private revelation; a vain confidence of divine favour or...
emanating from the charismatic Selena. Soon after her performance, Behar signed Selena as a solo artist. Selena began releasing her albums with her new logo titled after her name, while the band Los Dinos wase still beside Selena in concerts.
Chris Pérez (1988–1995)
Selena's brother A.B. met Chris PérezChris Perez
Christopher Gilbert "Chris" Pérez is a American guitarist and the widower of "The Queen of Tejano music" Selena. He is currently a guitarist for A.B. Quintanilla III y Los Kumbia All Starz since he joined in 2006. Prior to that, Pérez was the lead guitarist for his wife's band Selena y Los Dinos...
in 1988 and they became fast friends. When one of the guitar players for the band would get married and leave, Abraham Quintanilla Jr. would let out an open call for anyone in the state of Texas who was willing to participate with them and tour along side with the band. Chris Pérez was interviewed and gave his all when he performed for one of the open calls at Abraham Quintanilla, Jr.'s house. A.B., who had told Chris to come over, was confronted by his father, Abraham, who did not like the energy
Energy
In physics, energy is an indirectly observed quantity. It is often understood as the ability a physical system has to do work on other physical systems...
and image
Image
An image is an artifact, for example a two-dimensional picture, that has a similar appearance to some subject—usually a physical object or a person.-Characteristics:...
of Chris Pérez, who at the time, had his own Rock band
Rock Band
Rock Band is a music video game developed by Harmonix Music Systems, published by MTV Games and Electronic Arts. It is the first title in the Rock Band series. The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions were released in the United States on November 20, 2007, while the PlayStation 2 version was...
that played entirely in the English-language. But, A.B. told his father that Pérez would learn the music quickly, which convinced Mr. Quintanilla to hire Pérez as the band's new lead guitarist. Although Pérez accepted, his addition to the band proved to be much more than anticipated. Selena and Chris quickly fell in love, but Selena's father, who wanted to keep the band's image clean-cut, only found envy
Envy
Envy is best defined as a resentful emotion that "occurs when a person lacks another's superior quality, achievement, or possession and either desires it or wishes that the other lacked it."...
in Pérez. Selena's father confronted Pérez and Selena and told them that the relationship
Intimate relationship
An intimate relationship is a particularly close interpersonal relationship that involves physical or emotional intimacy. Physical intimacy is characterized by romantic or passionate love and attachment, or sexual activity. The term is also sometimes used euphemistically for a sexual...
was over or the band would break up. Pérez then quit, while Selena was forced to stay. Their love for each other only grew while they were apart. Chris and Selena were secretly married and Selena conjoined Chris's last name onto hers
Surname
A surname is a name added to a given name and is part of a personal name. In many cases, a surname is a family name. Many dictionaries define "surname" as a synonym of "family name"...
on April 2, 1992, and tried to hide the marriage from Mr. Quintanilla and the rest of the family. However, word quickly spread to radio stations and newcasts. Mr. Quintanilla later accepted Pérez into the family and he then re-joined the band. Soon after Selena's tragic death, Chris Pérez formed a band called the Chris Pérez Band and he dedicated a song to Selena called "The Best I Can". After the band broke up in 2002, he formed another band with Selena's brother A.B. called Kumbia All Starz
Kumbia All Starz
Kumbia All Starz are a Mexican cumbia music group from Corpus Christi, Texas, created by A.B. Quintanilla. Kumbia All Starz are not to be confused with Los Kumbia Kings although some members are originally from Los Kumbia Kings...
. A.B. is now remembering her by using her names in his songs.
The Reunion: Selena ¡Vive! (2005)
The surviving band members reunited for an historic massive tribute concert in honor of Selena on April 7, 2005. The concert, Selena ¡VIVE!Selena ¡VIVE!
The tribute concert was followed up with the release of the album of the performance, released on May 10, 2005. Though it did not include many of the songs performed, it does include many of the highlights.-Track listing:# "Tú Sólo Tú" - Ana Gabriel...
, was held at the Reliant Stadium
Reliant Stadium
Reliant Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in Houston, Texas, USA. Reliant Stadium has a seating capacity of 71,500, a total square footage of with of natural grass playing surface....
in Houston
Houston, Texas
Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States, and the largest city in the state of Texas. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the city had a population of 2.1 million people within an area of . Houston is the seat of Harris County and the economic center of , which is the ...
, Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
.The event not only sold out, but it became the highest-rated and most viewed Spanish-language TV special ever. In attendance were Gloria Estefan
Gloria Estefan
Gloria María Milagrosa Fajardo García de Estefan; known professionally as Gloria Estefan is a Cuban-born American singer, songwriter, and actress. Known as the "Queen Of Latin Pop", she is in the top 100 best selling music artists with over 100 million albums sold worldwide, 31.5 million of those...
, Kumbia Kings
Kumbia Kings
Kumbia Kings was a Latin Grammy-winning Mexican cumbia group from Corpus Christi, Texas created by A.B. Quintanilla. Their music encompasses the styles of cumbia , hip hop and R&B. They produce songs in both Spanish and English. The band's producers from the beginning have been A.B. Quintanilla III...
, and an introduction by Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lynn Lopez is an American actress, singer, record producer, dancer, television personality, and fashion designer. Lopez began her career as a dancer on the television comedy program In Living Color. Subsequently venturing into acting, she gained recognition in the 1995 action-thriller...
, who portrayed Selena in the film made about her life. Suzette Quintanilla, the former drum player for Selena y Los Dinos, announced that the band Los Dinos were reuniting to record a new song for A.B. Quintanilla
A.B. Quintanilla
Abraham Isaac Quintanilla III better known as A.B. Quintanilla III or simply A.B. Quintanilla, is an American songwriter, record producer and musician. He is the older brother of "The Queen of Tejano music" Selena...
's group Kumbia All Starz
Kumbia All Starz
Kumbia All Starz are a Mexican cumbia music group from Corpus Christi, Texas, created by A.B. Quintanilla. Kumbia All Starz are not to be confused with Los Kumbia Kings although some members are originally from Los Kumbia Kings...
with surprise guest recording artists on the album La Vida De Un Genio
La Vida De Un Genio
La Vida De Un Genio is the third studio album by A.B. Quintanilla Y Los Kumbia All Starz. It was released on July 27, 2010. A deluxe edition was also released on the same day on online music stores. A bonus song called "I'll Be There For You" is only included on the iTunes deluxe...
.
Band members
- SelenaSelenaSelena Quintanilla-Pérez , known simply as Selena, was a Mexican American singer-songwriter. She was named the "top Latin artist of the '90s" and "Best selling Latin artist of the decade" by Billboard for her fourteen top-ten singles in the Top Latin Songs chart, including seven number-one hits...
(deceased) - lead singer - Chris PérezChris PerezChristopher Gilbert "Chris" Pérez is a American guitarist and the widower of "The Queen of Tejano music" Selena. He is currently a guitarist for A.B. Quintanilla III y Los Kumbia All Starz since he joined in 2006. Prior to that, Pérez was the lead guitarist for his wife's band Selena y Los Dinos...
- lead & rhythm guitars (1989–1995) - Ricky VelaRicky VelaRicardo "Ricky" Vela is an award-winning song-writer and keyboards for the band Selena y Los Dinos. Ricky Vela joined the band as the bands keyboard player...
- keyboards - Joe Ojeda - keyboards
- A.B. QuintanillaA.B. QuintanillaAbraham Isaac Quintanilla III better known as A.B. Quintanilla III or simply A.B. Quintanilla, is an American songwriter, record producer and musician. He is the older brother of "The Queen of Tejano music" Selena...
- bass, backing vocals - Suzette Quintanilla - drums, percussion, backing vocals
- Jesse "O'Jay" Martinez- drums, percussion
- Arturo MezaArturo MezaArturo Meza is a Mexican songwriter, musician, composer, singer, poet and writer. He is a prolific artist and inventor of musical instruments, such as the teclaedro, yeloguerlizet, mezáfono and oglio. The base of his songs is folk music, usually only his own voice and guitar...
- percussion, congas - Pete AstudilloPete AstudilloPedro "Pete" Astudillo is a Mexican American songwriter.-Life:Astudillo was one of the leaders of the Tejano music scene, and from an early age followed mariachi and conjunto music. He began his musical career as a backup vocalist for the queen of Tejano, Selena, as a member of Selena y Los Dinos...
- backing vocals - Don Shelton - backing vocals
- Freddy Correa - backing vocals
Discography
Independent Studio Albums- Selena y Los Dinos (1984)
- The New Girl in Town (1985)
- AlphaAlpha (Selena album)Alpha is the third album released by Selena Y Los Dinos, the second album from after The New Girl in Town, which was released in 1985. When Selena was beginning to emerge as a star, A.B. III became a songwriter and producer. One of his first songs, "Dame Un Beso" became a moderate success...
(1986) - Munequito De TrapoMuñequito de TrapoMuñequito de Trapo is the fourth release by Selena y Los Dinos.-Track listing:-Singles released:*A Million to One*Muñequito de Trapo*Enamorada de Tí-Classic Series, Vol. 2:...
(1987) - And The Winner Is...And the Winner Is...And the Winner Is is the fifth album released by Selena Y Los Dinos...
(1987) - Preciosa (1988)
- Dulce AmorDulce AmorDulce Amor is the seventh and last studio album released by Selena Y Los Dinos before signing on to EMI.-Track listing:-Singles:* Dulce Amor * Qué * Always Mine...
(1989)