Selena Quintanilla-Pérez (1971–1995), often hailed as the “Queen of Tejano Music,” occupies various spaces in American popular culture. While her legacy has been explored through media, fan culture, and cultural studies, her music remains underexamined in musicological discourse. This project seeks to recenter Selena’s musical output by approaching it through an interdisciplinary lens, combining musicological analysis with other preestablished theories. Specifically, this research asks: Which musical elements characterize the diverse genres represented in Selena’s repertoire? In what ways do re-released versions of Selena’s songs, presented in varying styles, resonate with and appeal to different audience segments? How does Selena’s fusion of Tejano and American musical styles reflect and shape bicultural identity in her audience? How do contemporary audiences reinterpret Selena’s musical legacy to construct a shared cultural identity among Latinos today? By analyzing her music alongside contemporary fan interpretations, this study aims to uncover how Selena’s artistry continues to resonate with the Latino experience. The three songs chosen for this analysis were “Besitos” (1989), “No Me Queda Más” (1994), and both releases of the song “Missing My Baby” (1992 and 1995). Through this approach, the project contributes to a deeper understanding of how musical styles and genres operate within bilingual, bicultural, and transnational communities in America, situating Selena in tandem with her audience.

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Sarah Lucas

School of Music