March 31st will mark 27 years since the passing of the iconic Selena; yet to this day, the world adores and honors her legacy. At only 23, Selena became one of the most successful Mexican-American singers. Her extraordinary accomplishments at a very young age make one wonder what other great things the singer could have achieved.
Reasons to Admire Selena:
Began singing from the age of 8
Selena was born to be a singer; she had the kind of talent that just came naturally. If you look up any video on YouTube of her performances, you will instantly see that Selena loved what she did. She lived to be on stage. The way she danced, smiled, and put her heart into it just makes you feel like you’re right there with her. Her talent helped her make history when she won a Grammy Award in 1994: Best Mexican-American Album. Selena was amongst one of the few women in the Tejano genre and she became the first woman to win a Grammy in that genre.
Embracing Mexican Culture
Despite not learning Spanish until later in life, Selena honored her cultural background. She devoted herself to learning Spanish to strengthen the connection with her music and to further appreciate her culture. Embracing her culture makes her a major role model for many Mexican American women and the latinx community. Her story makes Mexican American women feel like they belong and feel less like outsiders in their own culture.
Fashion
Not only was Selena talented in the music industry, but she was also extremely talented in the fashion industry. She is known for designing the band’s costumes and bedazzling many pieces. She took basic clothing items and made them her own: for instance, the iconic pearl bustier. The purple jumpsuit from her Astrome concert in 1995 is amongst one her most famous designs. Wanting to share her designs, Selena even opened her own boutiques which included a beauty salon. Many of her clothing pieces are now on display at her museum in Corpus Christi. Selena continues to influence the fashion industry and inspire many with her style.
It is not rare at all to see people of all ages adore Selena and her music. From little girls dressing up as her for Halloween to adults singing along to her songs in the car, Selena continues to touch lives and inspire many. Her story and legacy will forever be remembered and honored.