Abraham Quintanilla, Father and Manager of Tejano Icon Selena, Passes Away at 86
Abraham Quintanilla, the patriarch of the Quintanilla family and manager of the late Tejano pop star Selena Quintanilla, has died at the age of 86. The news was announced by his son, A.B. Quintanilla III, on his Instagram account, stating that his father had passed away, although the cause of death has not been disclosed to the public.
As the father and manager of Selena, Abraham Quintanilla played a crucial role in her career, guiding her to become one of the most successful Tejano artists of all time. After her tragic death in 1995, he dedicated his life to protecting her legacy and managing her estate, including her image, name, and likeness. This often led to controversy, as he sought to control the narrative surrounding her life and career.
Early Life and Career
Abraham Quintanilla was born in 1939 in Corpus Christi, Texas, and began his music career in the 1950s as a member of the Chicano rock group the Dinos. The group faced racial discrimination and was often sidelined by both American and Mexican audiences, leading Quintanilla to feel the need to be “more Mexican than the Mexicans and more American than the Americans.” This experience would later shape his approach to managing Selena’s career, as he sought to navigate the complexities of the music industry and ensure her success.
Quintanilla eventually left the Dinos in the 1960s to start a family with his wife, Marcella Samora. The couple had three children, A.B., Suzette, and Selena, and Quintanilla saw an opportunity to fulfill his own musical dreams through his children. He formed the band Selena y Los Dinos, with A.B. on bass, Suzette on drums, and Selena as the lead vocalist, and the group began performing at local events and parties.
Selena’s Rise to Fame
Under Abraham Quintanilla’s guidance, Selena y Los Dinos signed with Freddie Records in 1984 and released several albums, eventually gaining popularity in the Tejano music scene. Selena’s unique voice and style caught the attention of Jose Behar, the former head of Sony Music Latin, who signed her to EMI Latin (Capitol Records) in 1989. This led to the release of her most successful albums, including “Como la Flor,” “Amor Prohibido,” and “Dreaming of You.”
Following Selena’s murder in 1995, Abraham Quintanilla became a fierce protector of her image and legacy, often coming into conflict with those who sought to sensationalize her story. He worked closely with director Gregory Nava on the 1997 biopic “Selena,” which told the story of her life and career. Although the film was met with some criticism, it has since become a classic and helped to cement Selena’s legacy as a music icon.
Legacy and Impact
Abraham Quintanilla’s impact on the music industry and his daughter’s legacy cannot be overstated. Through his tireless efforts, he helped to bring Tejano music to a wider audience and ensured that Selena’s music and memory would live on. His dedication to protecting her image and legacy has been a subject of controversy at times, but his love and devotion to his daughter are undeniable.
As the music world mourns the loss of Abraham Quintanilla, his legacy will continue to be felt through the music and memory of his beloved daughter, Selena. For more information on Abraham Quintanilla’s life and career, visit Here
Image Source: www.latimes.com
