Latin Music Legends on Forever Stamps

SELENA
1971-1995

Selena Quintanilla Pérez is the most tragic figure in this gallery of Latin stars, murdered in 1995, at the age of 23, by the president of her fan club.

But the absolute senselessness of her death has resulted in an increased appreciation of the sensuality of her music. Selena changed the landscape of Latin music produced in the United States, with marketable rhythms that included Mexican-style cumbias, pop songs with ranchera and Tex-Mex influence, and ballads accented by catchy melodies. A charismatic performer throughout her professional life, she shone both on the live stage and in the recording studio. Born in Texas in 1971, the future diva started singing at the family restaurant at age 9 as the lead singer with pop group Selena y los Dinos. She reached stardom in 1994 and 1995, with multimillion dollar sales and international tours. After her death, her fame continued to grow, inspiring a movie about her life. "Fotos y recuerdos," "Dreaming of You" and "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom" are some of her most memorable songs.

Suggested Recordings

La Leyenda (compilation of two CDs, 2010)

Amor Prohibido (1994)

Dreaming Of You (1995)