Welcome to Recuerdo Road .....
By : Jolie Gonzalez
Recuerdo Road was created for our heroes , icons and “ roadpavers ”. It is important that we remember these individuals and that we teach our youth about the courage , intelligence and strength of our people , by honoring them in remembrance as we reflect on the trials and tribulations that we as a “ people ” have overcome and focusing on the triumphs and lives of truly great Latinos !
It is a well known fact that the tragic shooting death of Tejano singer Selena triggered a reaction within the Latino community that can only be compared to the reactions of the deaths of Elvis Presley or John Lennon . Selena ’ s music crossed cultural boundaries to touch the lives of young and old alike , Selena was also considered a role model for life off-stage , she was family oriented , active in anti-drug campaigns and involved in AIDS awareness programs .
SELENA was born on April 16 , 1971 , in Lake Jackson , Texas , and was the youngest of three children born to Abraham and Marcella Quintanilla . By the age of 9 , SELENA was already working alongside her family , taking her place as the lead singer of their band , SELENA Y Los Dinos . With her brother Abe on bass , and her sister Suzette on drums the group was managed by their father and toured the state of Texas , often performing at weddings and small clubs . SELENA became known for her powerful voice , sexy dance moves , and unique costume designs . By her early 20 ’ s – SELENA Quintanilla had become the No . 1 female Latino star in the U . S . and Mexico , becoming the first recording artist to place five Spanish-language albums simultaneously on the Billboard . Her accomplishments in such a short period of time personify what true talent mixed with hard work and determination can produce .
In my eyes , SELENA is a HERO to Latinos and to the world in general , serving as an inspiration to us all . Her life and death helped to push Latino Artists to the forefront of the music industry . The impact of her
16 Abraza El Calor De Tu Cultura ! death was felt everywhere , from within the United States to Mexico , South America and beyond … SELENA crossed boundaries for Latinos making the world sit up and take notice at how many people mourned her loss . Several years ago , Billboard Magazine declared Selena the “ Latin Artist of the Decade ”. What Selena accomplished by the age of 23 , others spend a lifetime trying to achieve . For that , one cannot help but feel respect and admiration for this Corpus Christi role model that inspired a nation , and represented the hopes and dreams of millions of followers who collectively identified with her .
Selena Quintanilla was killed on March 31 st , 1995 . It was a death that rocked the entire Latino music industry . Her killer , 34 year old Yolanda Saldivar was convicted fof the murder of Selena in November , 1995 and was sentenced to at least 30 years in prison . Her memory continues to live on in her music – and the image of her beautiful face . RIP Selena .
In an exclusive interview with Selena ’ s sister Suzette Quintanilla Arriaga , Latin Times Magazine shares with you the thoughts of her familia ….
Latin Times Magazine : What are some of the things you feel SELENA ’ s life changed , both for your family and for the world in general ? Suzette : We can ’ t be more proud of her then as we are now . She definitely helped push Latino artists to the forefront of the music industry .
Latin Times Magazine : What is your fondest memory involving SELENA ? Suzette : I remember her laugh – watching and hearing her laugh about something . She laughed with her whole soul .
Latin Times Magazine : How did SELENA come to want to sing ?
Latin Times Mar Apr to size 16
3 / 9 / 06 , 8:36 AM