In an emotional ceremony at the White House, President Joe Biden honored several figures from the entertainment world, with a special recognition given to the iconic Selena Quintanilla, who was posthumously awarded the National Medal of Arts and Humanities. Known as the "Queen of Tejano," Selena was celebrated for her lasting impact on music and Latin culture, a legacy that continues to inspire new generations.
Accompanied by First Lady Jill Biden, the president delivered a heartfelt speech emphasizing the importance of the arts in society. "You are the storytellers of truth, the bridge builders, and the seekers of change," the president said. While mentioning Selena, Biden highlighted how her music and style became symbols of pride for the Mexican American community. "Let's remember every song she shared with us. We miss her deeply," he added.
Selena Quintanilla was tragically murdered in 1995 at the age of 23, but her legacy lives on through her hits like "Como la Flor" and "Amor Prohibido." Her family has been instrumental in keeping her memory alive, with her sister Suzette Quintanilla saying that Selena would be "over the moon" for this recognition. "With hard work and dedication, you can achieve so much," Suzette said.
🌹🎶 SELENA HONORED! Tejano Queen Selena Quintanilla was awarded the 2022-2023 National Medal of Arts! Her sister, Suzette, accepted the honor at the White House from President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. It is a beautiful tribute to Selena’s legacy. 💖 pic.twitter.com/m351R92XBM
— John-Carlos Estrada 🎙️ (@Mr_JCE) October 22, 2024
In addition to Selena, other honorees included prominent figures such as Queen Latifah, Eva Longoria, Steven Spielberg, and Spike Lee.
The National Medal of Arts adds to a list of posthumous accolades Selena has received, including:
- Special Merit Award: Presented at the Grammys for her musical career and influence on the Tejano genre and beyond.
- Lifetime Achievement Award: A posthumous honor received by her family at the Grammys, celebrating her contributions to music.
- Hollywood Walk of Fame: Immortalized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a symbol of her impact on the entertainment industry.
- Induction into the Billboard Latin Music Hall of Fame: Recognizing her influence and success in Latin music.
- Spirit of Hope Award: Created in her honor to recognize Latino artists who participate in humanitarian and civic causes.
- Tejano Music Awards: Selena was a multiple award winner, including Artist of the Year and Album of the Year.
- Billboard Latin Music Awards: Selena received numerous Billboard awards, including Latin Artist of the Year and Album of the Year.
- Wax Figure at Madame Tussauds: Her likeness was unveiled at Madame Tussauds in Hollywood, celebrating her legacy and contribution to pop culture. The figure captures her iconic look based on a famous outfit worn during a concert.
And with this recognition, Selena joins a select group of Latino artists who have received the National Medal of Arts, including:
- Celia Cruz, the "Queen of Salsa"
- José "Cheo" Feliciano
- Eva Longoria
Legacy
Born in Lake Jackson, Texas, in 1971, Selena Quintanilla became one of the most celebrated Mexican American artists of the late 20th century. Her meteoric career began as a member of the family band Selena y Los Dinos, overcoming obstacles in a male-dominated genre. In 1989, she signed with EMI Latin, marking the beginning of a golden era for Tejano music.
Notable achievements:
- First Grammy in 1993 for Best Regional Mexican Album
- Recognized as the "Tejano Madonna" for her style and influence
- Ranked by Billboard as the third-greatest Latin artist of all time
Selena not only revolutionized Tejano music but also paved the way for future generations of Latino artists. Her posthumous crossover album catapulted her to international fame, solidifying her status as a cultural icon. Beyond her music career, Selena ventured into fashion and became a spokesperson for renowned brands such as Coca-Cola.
Selena's legacy is still shining, showing that her impact on music and culture transcends time and borders.
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