The love story of Selena Quintanilla Husband and Chris Pérez touched hearts worldwide. Selena, a star in Tejano music and a Grammy winner, met Pérez in 1990 when he joined her band1. Despite her father’s initial disapproval, they fell deeply in love and got married in 199212. Sadly, Selena passed away at 23 in 1995, leaving a lasting impact on Latin music and culture2.
Their romance, though brief, made a lasting impression. It made them a beloved Mexican-American couple.
Key Takeaways
- Selena Quintanilla and Chris Pérez’s love story defied expectations and captivated fans worldwide.
- The two musicians fell in love when Pérez joined Selena’s band Selena y Los Dinos as the lead guitarist in 1990.
- Despite initial disapproval, Selena and Chris eloped in 1992, just short of their third wedding anniversary.
- Selena’s tragic death at the age of 23 in 1995 cut their love story short, but their legacy as a Latin music power couple endures.
- Selena and Chris’s romance has been immortalized in films, TV series, and the hearts of their devoted fans.
Chris Pérez: Selena’s Husband and Guitarist
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Chris Pérez was born on August 14, 1969, in San Antonio, Texas3. He had a strong love for music early on. He tried out different instruments like the French horn and trumpet before finding his true passion in rock guitar3.
He became known in the Tejano music scene for his talent. Pérez made a name for himself as a skilled Mexican-American musician3.
In 1990, Pérez joined Selena Quintanilla’s band, Selena y Los Dinos, as a guitarist4. This move not only showed off his guitar skills but also started a love story that won over fans everywhere.
| Instrument | Proficiency Level |
|---|---|
| French Horn | Intermediate |
| Trumpet | Intermediate |
| Electric Guitar | Advanced |
Pérez’s early career was all about exploring different instruments. He found his true passion with the electric guitar3. His hard work in the Tejano music scene led him to meet Selena, changing his life forever.
“I was always interested in music, and the guitar just seemed to click for me. When I joined Selena’s band, I knew I had found my calling.”
– Chris Pérez
Meeting Selena and Joining Her Band
Chris Pérez met Selena Quintanilla and was blown away by her talent5. He was shy, but Selena’s charm pulled him in. In 1990, he became the lead guitarist for Selena y Los Dinos6. He was impressed by the band’s skills, especially A.B. Quintanilla’s production and Suzette’s drumming.
Pérez had been playing music for about 8 years before joining the band5. He started playing the guitar at 15 or 165. Selena’s stage presence and the band’s energy won him over. He became a key part of their journey, changing his life forever.
“I was just this shy guy, and she was this beautiful, talented woman. I was drawn to her immediately.”
– Chris Pérez
| Key Facts | Data |
|---|---|
| Chris Pérez’s musical experience before joining Selena y Los Dinos | Approximately 8 years5 |
| Age when Pérez learned to play the guitar | 15 or 16 years old5 |
| Year Pérez joined Selena y Los Dinos | 19906 |
The Forbidden Love Story Begins
Selena Quintanilla and Chris Pérez felt a strong connection when they started working together7. They met in 1989 when Chris joined Selena y Los Dinos as the guitarist8. Their romance began in 1990, and they shared their first kiss near the tour bus, “Big Bertha.”8
They knew Selena’s father, Abraham Quintanilla, might not approve, so they kept their love a secret8. Abraham opposed their relationship, leading to Chris being fired from the band8. Despite this, Selena and Chris confessed their feelings on tour, and their love grew, hidden from Selena’s family.
Keeping Their Relationship a Secret
8 They married in a secret ceremony at the Nueces County Courthouse in 1992, when Selena was 20 and Chris was 228. Living with Selena’s parents, Abraham eventually accepted Chris into the family8. The couple adopted five dogs and a snake named Bugsy after their marriage8.
7 Just days before their third anniversary, Selena was tragically killed on March 31, 19957. Yolanda Saldivar, the fan club president, shot Selena, causing her death from blood loss and cardiac arrest7. Saldivar had embezzled over $30,000 from Selena’s businesses and fan club7.
Selena and Chris’s love story showed the strength of forbidden love. Their bond could not be broken, even in the face of adversity.
Selena Quintanilla Husband: Chris Pérez’s Defiance
Suzette told their dad, Abraham Quintanilla, about Selena and Chris Pérez’s relationship. This led to a big argument. Abraham was worried it could hurt Selena’s tejano music career. He threatened to break up the group if Selena didn’t stop seeing Pérez9.
Pérez was mad at the ultimatum and didn’t want to give up his love for Selena. So, he stood his ground against Abraham. Abraham then fired Pérez from the band9. But, Selena and Pérez kept their love a secret, ignoring Abraham’s wishes9.
“When Selena’s sister, Suzette, informed their father Abraham Quintanilla about the relationship between Selena and Chris Pérez, it sparked a confrontation.”
Selena showed she was strong and wanted to make her own choices, even if her dad didn’t agree. This showed the kind of person she would become, loved by many9. Selena and Pérez’s love overcame obstacles, leading to a journey that won the hearts of fans all over the world9.
Selena and Pérez stood up to her father, showing how strong their love was. This moment changed their lives and helped shape Selena’s lasting legacy9.
Marriage and Life on the Road
The Selena and Chris marriage was a whirlwind romance within the Quintanilla Perez family. They couldn’t stay apart, so they eloped in 1992, marrying in a courthouse10. The news was a secret at first but soon, everyone knew they were together. Abraham welcomed Chris into the family, and they moved close to the Quintanilla family10.
Being on tour together as the Tejano music power couple was tough. They had to manage their personal and professional lives at the same time. It was hard to be bandmates, spouses, and individuals on the road10.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Chris Pérez’s Instagram Followers | 1.3 million1011 |
| Eloped in | 199210 |
| Married for | 3 years before Selena’s death in 199510 |
| Grammy Won | 1999 for Resurrection album1011 |
| Second Marriage | 2001 to Vanessa Villanueva, divorced in 20081011 |
| Children | Cassie (26) and Noah (18)1011 |
| Upcoming TV Series | “Selena & Yolanda: The Secrets Between Them” premieres Feb 17-18, 2022 on Oxygen1011 |
The selena and chris marriage faced challenges but lasted. The quintanilla-perez family became a tejano music power couple. Their story shows their love and hard work in music and life together.
The “Amor Prohibido” Music Video
Selena Quintanilla’s “Amor Prohibido” music video is very special. It shows her love for her husband Chris Pérez12. The song hit number thirteen on the U.S. Hot Latin Tracks on April 13, 199412. It then became a huge hit, staying at number one on the Hot Latin Tracks chart for nine weeks12.
Selena Wearing Chris’s Shirt
In the video, Selena wears a red men’s shirt that belongs to Chris Pérez. This choice was a bold statement of their “forbidden love”13. The song and its video showed their love and Selena’s unique style13.
The “Amor Prohibido” video, released in 1994, tells the story of Selena and Chris’s love. It highlights Selena’s fashion and their shared passion13. The song’s success made Selena a music legend and her and Chris’s story a part of pop culture history121314.
Selena’s Tragic Death
Selena Quintanilla-Pérez and her husband Chris Pérez’s love story was cut short on March 31, 1995. She was shot by her fan club president, Yolanda Saldivar, just before their third anniversary15. Her death at 23 shocked her fans, family, and Pérez, who still feels her loss deeply.
The event happened in Corpus Christi, Texas. Saldívar, who was fired from managing Selena’s boutiques, met Selena at a motel to return documents16. There, she pulled out a gun and shot Selena15. Saldívar was charged with first-degree murder and got life in prison with parole after 30 years16.
Selena’s death hit hard her fans and the Quintanilla-Pérez family, who built their success with Selena y Los Dinos15. After her death, her album “Dreaming of You” reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart in July 199516.
Since her death, Selena’s memory has been celebrated with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Selena Museum, and a Netflix series16. Fans visit the Mirador de la Flor monument in Corpus Christi to honor her16.
Selena’s impact on music and her fans is still strong16. Her legacy inspires and captivates people around the world, making her a lasting icon16.
Honoring Selena’s Legacy
After Selena Quintanilla sadly passed away, her husband Chris Pérez worked hard to keep her legacy alive. He teamed up with the Quintanilla family to make sure Selena’s memory stays with us. This includes releasing his touching memoir, “To Selena, with Love,” which shares a personal look at her life17.
Pérez still talks about how much Selena meant to Latin music and culture. Since her death at just 2318, Selena has been given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This shows how much she’s still loved and respected17.
There was a long legal fight between Pérez and the Quintanilla family over making his memoir into a miniseries. But they finally settled things amicably. This let them focus on celebrating Selena’s amazing legacy1718.
Selena’s influence on music and her fans is still huge. Her last concert at the Houston Astrodome on February 26, 1995, was a huge hit19. And her funeral on April 3, 1995, was packed with over 60,000 people19. This shows how much her fans loved and admired her.
“Selena’s music and her life will continue to inspire people for generations to come. She is a true icon, and her legacy will never be forgotten.”
– Chris Pérez
The Biopic and Netflix Series
The love story between Selena Quintanilla and her husband, Chris Pérez, has won the hearts of many. This romance was shown in the 1997 biopic “Selena,” with Jennifer Lopez as Selena and Jon Seda as Pérez20.
Now, the Netflix series “Selena: The Series” shines a light on their love again. Jesse Posey plays Pérez, giving fans a closer look at Selena’s rise to fame21.
Even though Pérez wasn’t part of the Netflix show, he respects the Quintanilla family’s take on Selena’s story21. The series, with its first six episodes, is a big hit in the U.S21..
These films and shows keep Selena’s memory alive and celebrate her love story with her husband. As fans keep discovering this iconic couple, their love story still moves and inspires20.
“I think the Quintanilla family did a great job with the series. I was honored to be a part of it and I’m sure Selena would have been proud.”
– Chris Pérez
Chris Pérez’s Life After Selena
After losing his wife Selena Quintanilla, Chris Pérez kept her memory alive with his music2. He started the Chris Pérez Band. They won a Grammy Award in 2000 for “Resurrection.”2
In 2001, Chris Pérez married Venessa Villanueva and had two kids with her2. But they divorced in 20082. Chris Pérez said Selena taught him to be more open and vulnerable. This lesson has shaped his life and relationships2.
Music Career and Personal Life
The loss of Selena was hard for Chris Pérez, but music helped him cope22. His album “Resurrection” won a Grammy Award in 2000. It showed his musical success22.
He remarried in 2001 to Venessa Villanueva2. They had two kids, Cassie and Noah, but divorced in 20082.
Chris Pérez has always worked to keep Selena’s memory alive, even facing legal issues with her family17. In 2016, Selena’s dad sued Chris Pérez over a TV series based on his memoir22. The lawsuit was dropped17.
Recently, Chris Pérez felt left out of the Netflix series “Selena: The Series” in 202017. Despite this, he keeps honoring Selena’s legacy through music, social media, and writing2.
“Selena taught me to be more vulnerable and open with my emotions, and that’s something I’ve carried with me even after she’s gone.”
–Chris Pérez
Reflections on a Love Story for the Ages
The story of Selena Quintanilla and Chris Pérez is a powerful tale of love and devotion23. They eloped in 199223, against Selena’s father’s wishes, which eventually led to their acceptance by the Quintanilla family23.
Selena’s death at 2323 was a tragedy that cut their love story short. Yet, her music has touched fans worldwide for years23. Chris Pérez’s book “To Selena with Love,”23 offers deep insights into their relationship and the hurdles they faced together23.
The book shares lessons23 from Selena’s life and death that have changed Chris Pérez. Fans find comfort and inspiration in his words24. They honor the memory of this famous tejano music duo24.
“Selena and I had a bond that was unlike any other. She was my everything.”
The Netflix series “Selena: The Series”25 brings their story to life, captivating fans and scholars25. Their love story, though marked by tragedy, shows the lasting impact of true love24.
Conclusion
Selena Quintanilla and Chris Pérez’s love story is a mix of joy and sadness. It has deeply touched the music world and pop culture. Their secret wedding and Selena’s death at 2326 have made their love a lasting story of love and loss. Through music and keeping Selena’s memory alive, Pérez and her family make sure we remember the “Queen of Tejano Music” and her love story for years to come.
Pérez met Selena in 199027 when he was just 2027. Despite Selena’s dad not approving, they fell in love. They got married in secret, had five dogs and a snake, and lived on the road. Sadly, Selena was murdered by her fan club president, Yolanda Saldívar, at 2326. Saldívar got life in prison for it28, and there was a tense standoff with police26 after.
Since then, Chris Pérez has kept Selena’s memory alive. He wrote a book about their love in 201227 and worked with the Quintanilla family on projects like the Netflix series “Selena: The Series”. Selena’s music and style are still loved, with her album “Amor Prohibido” selling 400,000 copies in the U.S26. A bronze statue of her was also put up in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 199726. The story of Selena and Chris Pérez shows how love, music, and a true icon can leave a lasting mark.
FAQ
Who was Selena Quintanilla’s husband?
Selena Quintanilla’s husband was Chris Pérez. He was the lead guitarist of her band, Selena y Los Dinos.
How did Selena and Chris Pérez meet?
They met in 1990 when Pérez joined Selena’s band. They fell in love, even though Selena’s father didn’t approve at first.
When did Selena and Chris Pérez get married?
They eloped in 1992, just before their third anniversary. This was against Selena’s father’s wishes.
What happened to Selena and Chris Pérez’s relationship?
Selena’s death in 1995 ended their love story too soon. Chris Pérez has kept Selena’s memory alive and honored their relationship over the years.
How has Chris Pérez been involved in preserving Selena’s legacy?
Chris Pérez worked with the Quintanilla family to keep Selena’s memory alive. He released his memoir “To Selena, with Love” and helped with the Selena biopic and Netflix series.
What was Chris Pérez’s life like after Selena’s passing?
After Selena died, Pérez kept making music with the Chris Pérez Band. He won a Grammy Award. He remarried and had kids. He credits Selena for teaching him to be more open in relationships.
Source Links
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- Who Is Selena Quintanilla’s Husband? All About Chris Pérez – https://people.com/who-is-chris-perez-selena-quintanilla-husband-8575925
- Chris Pérez – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Pérez
- Where Is Selena Quintanilla’s Husband Chris Pérez Now? – https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/where-selena-quintanilla-husband-chris-074607710.html
- Carlos Valdez questioning Abraham Quintanilla (continued) – https://selenatrial.selenaforever.com/HCI_Transcript/10_11_95_c.html
- All About Christopher Pérez, Selena Quintanilla’s Musician Husband – https://www.elle.com/culture/movies-tv/a34867982/who-is-christopher-perez-selena-quintanilla-husband/
- Selena Quintanilla’s Whirlwind Love Story With Husband Chris Pérez – https://www.biography.com/musicians/selena-quintanilla-husband-chris-perez
- “Selena’s” Ricardo Chavira on Why Abraham Opposed Selena and Chris’s Relationship – https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/a34790369/selena-quintanilla-husband-chris-perez-relationship/
- Controversy around Netflix’s – https://muertolandia.com/blogs/news/selena-controversy?srsltid=AfmBOorZxtO0vBQhu06Cz5JEv2mqdU_jML0CIGMeTgLMkZ5Y1iaEhdNp
- What Selena Quintanilla’s Husband Chris Perez’s Life Is Like After Her Death | Oxygen Official Site – https://www.oxygen.com/selena-and-yolanda-the-secrets-between-them/crime-news/did-selena-quintanillas-husband-chris-perez-remarry
- What Selena Quintanilla’s Husband Chris Perez’s Life Is Like After Her Death – https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/selena-quintanillas-husband-chris-perezs-160003448.html
- Amor Prohibido (song) – https://selena.fandom.com/wiki/Amor_Prohibido_(song)
- Amor Prohibido (song) – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amor_Prohibido_(song)
- Amor Prohibido – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amor_Prohibido
- Murder of Selena – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Selena
- How Did Selena Quintanilla Die? The Details Behind Her Tragic Murder – https://people.com/music/all-about-selena-quintanilla-death/
- Selena Quintanilla’s Husband Chris Perez Reunites With Her Family After Resolving Legal Dispute – E! Online – https://www.eonline.com/news/1380116/selena-quintanillas-husband-chris-perez-reunites-with-her-family-after-resolving-legal-dispute
- Selena’s family and her husband Chris Perez end long legal feud – https://abc7news.com/selena-quintanilla-family-chris-perez-legal-issues-to-with-love/11022768/
- Selena Quintanilla-Pérez’s Family Remembers Her ‘Life and Legacy’ 26 Years After Late Star’s Death – https://people.com/music/selena-quintanilla-perez-husband-and-family-honor-her-on-26th-anniversary-of-death/
- Selena Quintanilla’s Husband Reacts to Netflix’s ‘Selena: The Series’ – https://www.etonline.com/selena-quintanillas-husband-chris-perez-reacts-to-netflixs-selena-the-series-157316
- Selena Quintanilla’s Husband Chris Perez and Her Sister Suzette React to Netflix Series – https://people.com/tv/selena-quintanilla-sister-husband-react-to-netflix-series/
- Inside Chris Pérez’s Short Marriage To Selena Before Her Tragic Murder In 1995 – https://allthatsinteresting.com/chris-perez
- 30 Best To Selena With Love Quotes With Image | Bookey – https://www.bookey.app/quote-book/to-selena-with-love
- To Selena, With Love – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13552159-to-selena-with-love
- Selena’s husband Chris Pérez shares reaction to new Netflix series – https://www.today.com/popculture/selena-s-husband-chris-perez-shares-reaction-netflix-series-t202843
- Revisiting Selena Quintanilla’s Shocking Murder and How Her Fans Mourned | Oxygen Official Site – https://www.oxygen.com/selena-and-yolanda-the-secrets-between-them/crime-news/selena-quintanilla-cause-of-death-funeral-age
- Selena Quintanilla and Chris Perez relationship explained – https://www.hola.com/us/celebrities/20201207ftrlzfe9w4/selena-quintanilla-chris-perez-relationship/
- Trial of Yolanda Saldívar – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trial_of_Yolanda_Saldívar
