Selena Quintanilla, the Queen of Tejano music, remains an icon decades after her untimely passing. While her talent captivated millions, her journey was deeply intertwined with her family. Her siblings, A.B. and Suzette Quintanilla, were not just family but integral parts of her band, Selena y Los Dinos, and continue to be the guardians of her legacy. This is the story of the Selena Quintanilla Family, their unwavering bond, and how they keep Selena’s spirit alive.
Selena’s parents, Abraham and Marcella Quintanilla, were the bedrock of her career. Recognizing Selena’s vocal prowess at a young age, Abraham, himself a musician, transformed his band into Selena y Los Dinos, featuring A.B. on bass and Suzette on drums. This family band honed their skills performing across Texas, releasing six albums in just four years, setting the stage for Selena’s phenomenal solo career which officially began in 1988. Even as Selena soared to stardom, her siblings remained by her side, A.B. as a key songwriter and producer, and Suzette on drums, their familial connection strengthening their musical synergy.
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A.B. Quintanilla: Continuing the Musical Journey
A.B. Quintanilla’s contribution to Selena’s success is undeniable. He co-wrote some of her most beloved hits, including “Amor Prohibido,” “Como La Flor,” “El Chico del Apartamento 512,” and “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom.” His songwriting partnership with Selena, along with Pete Astudillo and Ricky Vela, resulted in songs that dominated the Billboard charts and achieved multi-platinum certification. Beyond songwriting, A.B. was a driving force behind Selena’s music, producing her albums and shaping her sound.
Following Selena’s tragic death, A.B. channeled his grief into completing her crossover album, Dreaming of You. Released posthumously in August 1995, the album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, a testament to Selena’s enduring popularity and A.B.’s dedication to her vision. After a brief hiatus, A.B. returned to music, forming Los Kumbia Kings in 1998, which notably included Selena’s widower, Chris Pérez, on guitar. Los Kumbia Kings achieved significant success, even performing a memorable tribute concert for Selena’s 10th death anniversary in 2005 where A.B. remixed “Baila Esta Cumbia.” He later founded Kumbia All Starz, further solidifying his place in Latin music. A.B.’s musical talent has been recognized with numerous accolades, including Latin Grammy Awards and Billboard Latin Music Awards. He remains active in the music scene, collaborating with contemporary artists like Groupo Frontera, demonstrating his continued influence and passion for music.
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Suzette Quintanilla: Preserving Selena’s Legacy at Q-Productions and Beyond
Suzette Quintanilla chose a different path after Selena’s passing, dedicating herself to managing and preserving her sister’s legacy. She stepped away from drumming to work full-time at Q-Productions, the family’s entertainment company founded by their father, Abraham, in 1990. Originally established for Selena’s recordings and A.B.’s audio mixing, Q-Productions expanded after Selena’s death to manage new Tejano artists.
Under Abraham’s guidance, and now alongside her parents, Suzette plays a crucial role in running Q-Productions in Corpus Christi. The company is not only a business but a custodian of Selena’s memory, overseeing tribute projects and merchandise. Q-Productions has released Selena dolls, capturing iconic moments from her career, and partnered with MAC Cosmetics for two highly successful collections inspired by Selena’s signature style. Suzette also personally oversees the Selena Museum in Corpus Christi, a space cherished by fans worldwide. Opened in 1998, the museum is an immersive experience, filled with Selena’s personal belongings, stage costumes, awards, and even her red Porsche. Suzette’s dedication ensures the museum remains a vibrant and personal tribute, where fans can feel connected to Selena’s spirit.
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Family Life: A.B. and Suzette Beyond Selena
Beyond their professional lives, both A.B. and Suzette have built families of their own. A.B.’s personal life has been eventful. After his first marriage to Vangie, with whom he has two sons, he has married several times and has eight children in total. He is currently married to Argentinian model Angela Quintanilla, and they frequently share their travels and affection on social media, showcasing a loving and adventurous partnership.
Suzette has been married to Bill Arriaga for over three decades. They married in 1993 and have a son, Jovan, born in 1998. Suzette maintains a more private personal life but occasionally shares glimpses of her family, including her joy at becoming a grandmother to Jovan’s son, Lincoln, in 2023. These personal milestones highlight the siblings’ lives beyond their shared musical past and their individual journeys after Selena’s passing.
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Enduring Bonds: Maintaining a Connection with Chris Pérez
The Selena Quintanilla family’s bond extends to Chris Pérez, Selena’s widower and former guitarist. Initially, Chris found solace in being close to Selena’s family after her death. He described them as a continuation of Selena’s presence in his life. Although Chris eventually moved away, his connection with A.B. and Suzette remained strong. He joined A.B.’s bands, Los Kumbia Kings and Kumbia All Starz, demonstrating their continued musical collaboration and friendship. Chris also formed his own successful band, the Chris Pérez Band, yet he fondly remembers his time with Selena’s siblings. Photos of Chris with A.B. and Suzette, both throwback images and recent selfies, circulate on social media, illustrating the enduring respect and affection they share.
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A Lasting Tribute: Honoring Selena’s Memory
The Selena Quintanilla family’s dedication to honoring Selena’s memory is unwavering. Suzette’s work with the Selena Museum and Q-Productions ensures that Selena’s artistic and personal legacy is accessible to fans. A.B. continues to celebrate Selena through music, most recently producing the posthumous album Moonchild Mixes. This album, comprised of Selena’s teenage recordings enhanced with a mature sound, was nominated for a Billboard Latin Music Award in 2023, further proving Selena’s timeless appeal and her family’s commitment to her artistry.
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The Selena Quintanilla family story is one of talent, tragedy, and enduring love. A.B. and Suzette, alongside their parents, have not only preserved Selena’s artistic contributions but have also kept her spirit alive for generations of fans. Their individual paths, while distinct, are united by the indelible mark Selena left on their lives and their collective commitment to ensuring her star continues to shine brightly.
