Lubbock Remembers “La Reina”

It’s now been 21 years since the world lost the sensational vocals and contagious laugh of Selena Quintanilla.

On March 31, 1995, 23-year-old Selena was fatally shot by Yolanda Saldivar, the founder of her fan club, in a Corpus Christi motel. Saldivar was found guilty and is serving a life sentence.

Now over two decades after her death, fans not only in Texas, but across the nation, still fondly remember “La Reina” and her incredible story of how she grew up from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most respected artists in the music industry.

Selena’s music career began in 1980 as a member of “Selena y Los Dinos,” a band that she was a part of with her siblings. In her short life time, she quickly rose to stardom in what was a traditionally male-dominated Tejano music scene, and then soon crossed over into mainstream. Billboard magazine named her the “Top Latin Artist of the ‘90s,” and the “Best Selling Latin Artist of the Decade.”

Former Lubbock Tejano music show host, J.R. Castilleja, remembers sitting down for a one-on-one interview with the starlet. He says that she was just as genuine and friendly in person as she appeared on the screen.

“Selena meant the world not only to Lubbock, but throughout the United States and other countries because she was on the verge of becoming what J Lo is today. She is a role model for all children. I was one of many lucky folks who got to meet and interview her and it’s more of a reason to share who she really is so others can witness, especially those too young to remember her or know who she is,” said Castilleja.

During his interview he even gifted her a Lady Red Raiders T shirt, which she proudly held up for the camera. Although they had only met that one time, he says that when he learned of her passing, it was as if he had lost a dear friend.

“That’s the way she treated you, as though you were her best friend.”

On Thursday, March 31, several parents shared on social media photos of their little ones dressed as the Tejano pop star. One of those parents, Desirae Castro, says that when she was little she greatly looked up to Selena, something she now shares with her two little girls.

“They like the music, the performing, the way she danced, just the way she was in general,” said Castro. “The girls couldn’t take their eyes off the screen. It was so cute. It was like love at first sight. She was my hero when I was little and I’m sure it’s the same for them.”

Although Selena is well before their time, Castro’s daughters, Aleeya (4) and Draeya (2), say Selena is their “favorite.”

“I want to be just like her,” said Aleeya Castro, “I like doing the ‘washing machine.’”

Castro says that although Selena is gone, she still serves as a great role model for not only her children, but young girls from all walks of life.

“At the age of five, I was looking up to her, so many girls looked up to her and still look up to her. With fashion, her music, and just the way she carried herself.”