Selena‘s Father, Abraham Quintanilla Jr., Dies at 86 – A Legacy in Music and Family
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San Antonio, TX – December 15, 2025 – abraham quintanilla Jr., the father of the late Tejano music superstar Selena quintanilla-Pérez and the driving force behind her meteoric rise to fame, has died at the age of 86. The news, confirmed by the Quintanilla family today, marks the end of an era for Tejano music and a profound loss for fans worldwide.
Quintanilla Jr. was a pivotal figure in Selena’s career,serving as her manager,producer,and unwavering advocate. He recognized her talent early on and tirelessly worked to build her platform, ultimately propelling her to international stardom before her tragic death in 1995. He founded SELENA ETC. a production company that helped launch Selena’s career.
“The Quintanilla family has a heavy heart to announce the passing of Abraham Quintanilla Jr., father of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez,” the family stated in an official release (San Antonio Express-News).
News of his passing has been widely reported by major news outlets including The New York Times, Texas Public Radio, ABC News, and numerous others (Google News). Tributes are pouring in from across the music industry and from fans who remember Selena’s vibrant spirit and groundbreaking music.
Beyond his role in Selena’s success, Quintanilla Jr. was remembered as a dedicated family man and a pillar of the San Antonio community. He continued to champion Tejano music and his daughter’s legacy in the years following her death, ensuring her music and story lived on.
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States Army.
Wikipedia‑style Context
Abraham Quintanilla Jr. was born on March 13, 1939, in Corpus Christi, Texas, into a Mexican‑American family with deep musical roots. During the 1950s he performed as a guitarist and vocalist in the pioneering rock‑and‑roll group los Dinos, one of the first Tejano bands to embrace electric instrumentation. after a stint in the United States army (1958‑1960), Quintanilla returned to Texas and re‑formed Los Dinos as a family ensemble, recruiting his children - Abraham ”AB” III, Suzette, and later Selena - into the lineup.
Recognizing his daughter’s extraordinary talent, Quintanilla shifted from performer to manager and producer in the early‑1970s. He established the family’s own recording studio, Q‑Productions, in 1993, making it the hub for Selena’s chart‑topping releases such as “Amor Prohibido” and “Dreaming of You.” His diligent business acumen secured national distribution deals, television appearances, and tours that propelled Selena from regional fame to international stardom.
Beyond the music, Quintanilla was instrumental in shaping the cultural legacy of Tejano music. He founded Selena Etc.,a management and publishing company that safeguarded Selena’s catalog after her tragic death in 1995,and later opened the Selena Museum in Corpus Christi (1997) to preserve the family’s history. His autobiography, A Father’s Dream (1997), offers an insider’s view of the challenges and triumphs of navigating the music industry as a Mexican‑American family.
Abraham Quintanilla Jr. passed away on December 15, 2025, at the age of 86. His death marked the end of an era for Tejano music, but his influence endures through the continued operation of Q‑Productions, the enduring popularity of Selena’s recordings, and the inspiration he provided to generations of Latino musicians.
Key Milestones & Biographical Data
| Event | date | Details / Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Birth | 13 Mar 1939 | Born in Corpus Christi, texas, USA. |
| Military Service | 1958 - 1960 | Served in the United |
