Selena | Courtesy photo
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — Suzette Quintanilla, sister of Tejano music legend Selena Quintanilla-Perez, recently opened up about her personal journey in preserving the legacy of the late superstar during a heartfelt conversation on the On That Note podcast, hosted by Boyz II Men member Shawn Stockman.
Speaking candidly in an edited video shared on Instagram by Golden Era Stories, Suzette discussed how the tragic loss of her sister in March 1995, during the peak of Selena y Los Dinos, altered her life permanently — both professionally and personally.
“When she died, drumming meant nothing to me anymore. And I don’t play anymore,” Suzette shared emotionally. “I miss it, but I don’t miss it. I don’t see myself performing without her.”
As the drummer of the family band, Suzette was more than just a bandmate — she was also a partner and co-owner of the group. After Selena’s death at just 23 years old, the group disbanded, and Suzette stepped away from performing altogether.
“I just knew in my heart that my life was going to change forever,” she said. “I didn’t see myself performing with anybody else.”
Now, nearly 30 years later, Suzette serves as CEO and President of Q Productions, the family’s music production company, and oversees the Selena Museum in Corpus Christi. She was trained in the business by her father, Abraham Quintanilla, and has become the driving force behind the numerous initiatives that continue to celebrate Selena’s legacy.
“At one point, maybe 10 years in, I really was like, you know what? Before I leave this earth, I want to make sure that nobody forgets my sister,” she explained. “Her life got robbed. Her life was taken from her and it’s unfair. So I will be her voice for her, and my family will be. And her fans are her voice. A hundred percent.”
Suzette has played a vital role in a number of recent and upcoming tributes, including:
- The 30th Anniversary of Dreaming of You: A special edition of Selena’s groundbreaking English crossover album will be released on July 18 in remastered and remixed formats across vinyl, cassette, CD, and streaming platforms in Dolby ATMOS audio.
- Netflix Documentary: Suzette and her brother A.B. Quintanilla III are executive producers of the award-winning documentary chronicling the journey of Selena y Los Dinos, set to premiere this fall on Netflix.
- Siempre Selena Radio: A newly launched channel on SiriusXM celebrating Selena’s timeless music and cultural influence.
- Selena x Bumpboxx Remixx Bluetooth Speaker: A collector’s item that blends modern technology with iconic imagery of the Tejano star.
- Selena: The Series on Netflix: A dramatized retelling of Selena’s life, for which Suzette also served as executive producer.
From music to merchandise to media, Suzette’s work ensures that Selena’s memory continues to transcend generations. The Queen of Tejano music remains a powerful influence on today’s artists, including Beyoncé, Karol G, Becky G, Cardi B, and Drake — all of whom cite Selena as an inspiration.
“I know now, and I feel confident — it might sound a little cocky — but I am so grateful that if I die tomorrow, my sister’s legacy will live on,” said Suzette. “My job of embracing who she was and what we created back then… has been done.”
Selena’s light may have been extinguished far too soon, but thanks to Suzette and the devoted Selena community, her legacy burns brighter than ever.
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