Selena Quintanilla remains an icon, her music and story continuing to resonate with fans worldwide decades after her untimely passing. While her solo career cemented her legendary status, the foundation of her success and enduring memory lies deeply rooted in her family. Growing up in Lake Jackson, Texas, with her siblings A.B. and Suzette, Selena’s early life and career were intrinsically linked to her family, who supported and nurtured her extraordinary talent. This bond extended far beyond childhood, shaping her professional journey and continuing to honor her legacy today. Let’s delve into the lives of Selena Quintanilla’s siblings, A.B. and Suzette Quintanilla, and explore how they have navigated life after Selena, while keeping her spirit alive.
A.B. Quintanilla: Continuing the Musical Legacy
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A.B. Quintanilla’s contributions to Selena’s music are undeniable. As the bass player and principal songwriter for Selena y Los Dinos, A.B. co-wrote some of her most beloved hits. Tracks like “Amor Prohibido,” “Como La Flor,” “El Chico del Apartamento 512,” and “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” became anthems, topping Billboard charts and achieving platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America. His songwriting partnership with Selena, alongside Pete Astudillo and Ricky Vela, was a crucial ingredient in their phenomenal success, blending Cumbia rhythms with pop sensibilities that captivated audiences.
Even in the wake of Selena’s tragic death, A.B.’s dedication to her musical vision persisted. He played a pivotal role in completing her crossover album, Dreaming of You. Beyond songwriting and bass, A.B. served as one of Selena’s producers, ensuring her posthumous album, released on August 4, 1995, resonated with the high standards Selena had set. Dreaming of You debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and remained on the charts for an impressive 49 weeks, a testament to Selena’s enduring appeal and A.B.’s commitment to her artistic integrity.
After a brief hiatus, A.B. returned to music with the formation of Los Kumbia Kings in 1998, notably featuring Selena’s widower, Chris Pérez, on guitar. This Cumbia group achieved significant success, even performing at a tribute concert marking the 10th anniversary of Selena’s passing in 2005, where A.B. delivered a memorable remix of “Baila Esta Cumbia.” Continuing his musical journey, he founded Kumbia All Starz in 2006, releasing music under this banner until 2008.
A.B.’s musical talent has been recognized with numerous accolades, including Latin Grammy Awards, Billboard Latin Music Awards, and American Music Awards for his work with both Kumbia Kings and Kumbia All Starz. Today, he remains active in the music scene, frequently collaborating with contemporary artists such as Grupo Frontera, showcasing his continued influence and relevance in Latin music.
Suzette Quintanilla: Managing Selena’s Enduring Brand and the Selena Museum
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Suzette Quintanilla, Selena’s older sister and the drummer for Selena y Los Dinos, chose a different path after Selena’s death, focusing on preserving and promoting her sister’s legacy through Q-Productions, the family’s entertainment company. Founded in 1990 by their father, Abraham Quintanilla Jr., Q-Productions initially served as a recording studio for Selena and a mixing space for A.B. Following Selena’s passing, Q-Productions expanded its scope to manage emerging Tejano artists, becoming a significant force in the Latin music industry.
Suzette plays a crucial role in managing Q-Productions alongside her parents in Corpus Christi. Her responsibilities extend to overseeing Selena tribute projects, ensuring her sister’s memory is honored and celebrated. One of the most tangible expressions of this commitment is the Selena Museum, which opened in 1998 under Suzette’s guidance. This museum is more than just a collection of memorabilia; it’s an immersive experience designed to capture Selena’s essence. From the purple carpet to the subtle rose scent, every detail is curated to evoke Selena’s personality and warmth.
The Selena Museum houses a vast collection of Selena’s personal and professional items, including her iconic stage outfits, prestigious awards, and even her red Porsche. Visitors frequently encounter the Quintanilla family at the museum, highlighting their personal involvement and dedication to maintaining this tribute. Suzette herself emphasizes the museum’s personal touch, stating, “When you walk in through that door, you feel [Selena], you get a sense of who she was, as a person, as an artist. It feels personable, just like she was. When you walk in here, you can feel her in here.”
Q-Productions, under Suzette’s direction, has also spearheaded various merchandise and collaborations that keep Selena’s brand relevant. Notably, they have partnered with MAC Cosmetics to launch two highly successful Selena-inspired collections. The first, launched in 2016, prominently featured Selena’s favorite color, purple, while the second in 2022 highlighted her love for bejeweled accessories and classic retro lip colors. These collaborations demonstrate Suzette’s astute understanding of Selena’s enduring appeal and how to connect with fans across generations.
Personal Lives and Lasting Bonds: Family Beyond the Stage
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Beyond their professional endeavors, both A.B. and Suzette have navigated personal journeys that include family and lasting relationships. A.B.’s personal life, as depicted in Selena: The Series, includes multiple marriages and a large family. He was initially married to Vangie, with whom he had two sons, Svani and Gianni. He has since married four more times and has a total of eight children. Currently, A.B. is married to Argentinian model Angela Quintanilla, and their social media posts reveal a life filled with travel and shared moments between Corpus Christi and Argentina.
Suzette, in contrast, maintains a more private personal life. She married Bill Arriaga in September 1993, and they recently celebrated over three decades of marriage. They have one son, Jovan, born in 1998, who recently made Suzette a grandmother with the arrival of his son, Lincoln. Suzette frequently shares heartwarming photos on social media featuring her grandson and her mother, Marcella Quintanilla, highlighting the strong family bonds that remain central to her life.
The bond between Selena’s siblings and her widower, Chris Pérez, has also endured. Initially seeking solace with the Quintanilla family after Selena’s death, Chris maintained a close relationship with A.B. and Suzette. He collaborated musically with A.B. in both Los Kumbia Kings and Kumbia All Starz. Despite pursuing his own musical path with the Grammy-winning Chris Pérez Band, Chris has remained connected with Selena’s siblings. Social media posts show Chris and Suzette’s continued friendly interactions, demonstrating the lasting respect and affection between them.
Honoring Selena’s Memory: A Family’s Enduring Commitment
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The Quintanilla family’s commitment to honoring Selena’s memory is unwavering. Through their individual and collective efforts, A.B. and Suzette have ensured that Selena Quintanilla’s legacy continues to thrive. A.B.’s ongoing musical endeavors and Suzette’s dedication to the Selena Museum and Q-Productions serve as powerful tributes to her enduring influence.
Even posthumously, Selena’s music continues to be celebrated and reimagined. In 2022, the family released Moonchild Mixes, a posthumous album produced by A.B., featuring reimagined tracks from Selena’s teenage years. This album garnered a nomination for Latin Pop Album of the Year at the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Awards, further demonstrating the timeless appeal of Selena’s artistry and her family’s dedication to keeping her music alive.
Selena Quintanilla’s impact extends beyond her music; it’s rooted in her personality, her connection with her fans, and the values she embodied. As Suzette poignantly stated, “I think the beauty of who Selena was is that she wasn’t just an artist. She was very caring and very loving, she was real when she gave interviews. She was an excellent performer and was able to captivate you.” Her siblings, A.B. and Suzette, along with the entire Quintanilla family, continue to ensure that this beauty and legacy endure, offering the world a lasting connection to the unforgettable Selena Quintanilla.
