This Connection Between Amarillo and Selena Will Make You Love Her Even More

On the anniversary of Selena Quintanilla-Perez's death, let's take a look at her life - including her connection with Amarillo.

Selena Quintanilla-Perez, known to most people as just Selena, was an American Tejano singer in the 1990's. She met a tragic death on March 31st, 1995, when she was shot by a family friend and former employee. Her life was the subject of the movie "Selena," starring Jennifer Lopez.

Today is the 21st anniversary of her death. She would be 45 years old on April 16th if she was still alive. In fact, her birthday is an official Texas holiday known as Selena Day.

Selena has a surprising connection to our city. Her mother, Marcella Samora's, father was originally from Amarillo.

Marcella grew up in Washington, which was where she met Selena's father, Abraham. Abraham grew up in Corpus Christi, which ended up being Selena's home, too.

There's not much out there detailing the early life of Marcella or either of her parents, but there are plenty of Samoras in Amarillo, so it's not hard to believe that her father grew up here.