Selena Quintanilla and Chris Pérez's love story is one of forbidden romance and enduring passion. As the lead guitarist for Selena y Los Dinos, Chris joined the band in 1990 and quickly formed a connection with the iconic Grammy-winning singer. Despite the disapproval of Selena's father, the couple eloped on April 2, 1992, and embarked on a whirlwind journey that was tragically cut short by Selena's untimely death on March 31, 1995.
In a recent documentary, Chris revealed that the loss of Selena remains the most challenging experience of his life. He fondly reminisces about her infectious laughter, her beautiful face, and her incredible spirit. Selena had a profound impact on Chris, not only in their years together but also in shaping the trajectory of his life.
Growing up in San Antonio, Texas, Chris always dreamed of being a rock star. He honed his musical talents by experimenting with various instruments before finally purchasing his first electric guitar at the age of 15. By 17, he was already performing in a tejano band, making a name for himself in the local music scene. His undeniable talent caught the attention of Selena's brother, A.B Quintanilla, who hired him as a guitarist for Selena y Los Dinos.
Chris was captivated by Selena's music even before joining her band. He admired the extensive involvement of her brother, A.B, and her father's impressive sound engineering skills. But it was Selena's talent and charm that truly won him over. The first time he saw her, he couldn't help but think of her as both beautiful and talented. As a naturally shy person, Chris found himself drawn to Selena's ability to bring out his true self.
While their relationship initially remained professional, the dynamic shifted during a trip to Mexico. As the band traveled to Acapulco, sponsored by Coca-Cola, Selena's carefree nature began to shine. Throughout the trip, they found themselves sitting beside each other at dinner and, on the flight back to the U.S., Selena held onto Chris' hand, connecting on a deeper level. It was a moment filled with both turbulence and sparks, igniting the flames of their love.
Aware of the disapproval they would face, Selena and Chris kept their relationship a secret. They continued to nurture their feelings for each other clandestinely while on tour. It was during their time in Laredo, Texas, that they finally confided in each other, expressing their mutual affection. Forever etched in Chris' memory is the radiant smile on Selena's face as they walked back to the bus, both of them cherishing the shared knowledge of their love.
However, when Selena's father discovered their relationship, he made the difficult decision to dismiss Chris from the band. Although Selena fought for his reinstatement, her father ultimately had the final say. Despite this setback, the couple's bond remained unbreakable. On April 2, 1992, they eloped in a Texas courthouse, declaring their commitment to each other in a simple and intimate ceremony. Chris wore jeans and a T-shirt, reflecting the casual yet profound love they shared.
Their marriage marked a turning point in their public display of affection for one another. During the 1993 Tejano Music Awards, Selena openly thanked Chris on stage after accepting the award for female entertainer of the year. Over time, their connection deepened, and Chris became an integral part of Selena's life and career. In fact, in the music video for the immensely popular song 'Amor Prohibido' ('Forbidden Love'), Selena chose to wear Chris' red button-down shirt, infusing their relationship with a tangible symbol of their shared passion.
Sadly, their time together was tragically short-lived. On March 31, 1995, Selena's life was abruptly taken by Yolanda Saldívar, the former president of her fan club and business associate. Chris was left to navigate the profound grief of losing his beloved wife. In the aftermath of Selena's death, Chris found solace in his music and formed the Chris Pérez Band. Their album Resurrection, released in 2000, earned a Grammy Award. One of the songs on the album, 'Best I Can,' was dedicated to Selena, serving as a testament to their enduring love.
While Selena's death left an indelible mark on Chris' life, he acknowledges the powerful lessons she taught him. Selena inspired him to express his emotions openly, to love fearlessly, and to appreciate the importance of vulnerability in human connections. These lessons helped him navigate subsequent relationships, including his marriage to Venessa Villanueva, which resulted in the birth of their children, Cassie and Noah. Chris acknowledges Selena's profound influence on his life beyond her untimely passing.
Throughout the years, Chris has actively preserved Selena's legacy. In his memoir, To Selena, with Love, he aimed to showcase a different side of Selena, while honoring her values and the impact she had on people's lives. He remains committed to ensuring that Selena's memory lives on, continually paying tribute to her through social media posts, interviews, and involvement in projects that celebrate her extraordinary talent. Additionally, the iconic couple's relationship has been immortalized in media, including the 1997 biopic Selena, where Chris was portrayed by actor Jon Seda.
Despite the loss and heartache, Chris Pérez continues to honor Selena's legacy and the love they shared. Their connection, although brief, was undeniably profound. As he embraces new chapters in his life, he remains grateful for Selena's enduring influence, allowing him to carry her spirit with him as he explores new musical endeavors and keeps her legacy alive.
