Abraham Isaac Quintanilla Jr., the patriarch behind Tejano icon Selena, passed away Saturday at 86, according to an Instagram announcement from his son A.B. Quintanilla.
Early Musical Roots
Quintanilla began his career as a member of the vocal group Los Dinos in 1956, establishing a foundation that would later support his family’s musical ambitions.
Building Selena y Los Dinos
After discovering Selena’s vocal talent, he formed the band Selena y Los Dinos, which included Selena and her two older siblings. Under his leadership, the group achieved great success in Tejano music during the late 1980s, enabling Selena to launch a solo career and become one of the most acclaimed Latin music artists.
Legacy and Film Production
Following Selena’s tragic murder in 1995 by her manager Yolanda Saldívar, Quintanilla served as executive producer for a biographical film about her life. The film featured actor Edward James Olmos portraying Quintanilla.
Key Takeaways
- Abraham Quintanilla Jr. died Saturday at age 86.
- He founded Selena y Los Dinos and guided Selena’s rise to fame.
- He produced the biopic that chronicles Selena’s story.
The death of Abraham Quintanilla Jr. marks the loss of a pivotal figure in Tejano music and the enduring legacy of Selena’s family.
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