Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, popularly known as ‘Selena’, was a celebrated singer and fashion innovator who drastically changed the Latin music industry before her untimely death in 1995. Chris Pérez, guitarist in Selena’s band and spouse of three years prior to her passing away tragically due to an ex-employee action, has devoted his life since then to honoring his late wife’s legacy while also chasing his own dreams.
Musical Career
Music is a long-held passion of Pérez’s, and he never stopped performing or recording once Selena passed away. He initially created the Chris Pérez Band and dropped an album titled “Resurrection,” yet eventually returned to his Tejano music origins with The Chris Pérez Project. This project has issued multiple albums since then, such as “Una Noche Más” in 2012 and most recently introducing the 2019 hit record “Todo Es Diferente” – proving that this veteran musician still knows how to keep us grooving!
Throughout his career, Pérez has also collaborated with other musicians. In 2015, he had the opportunity to reunite with Los Dinos (Selena’s former band) for a tour named “The Selena Experience.” This particular tour was created to honor her music and commemorate her life. Other than that, Pérez has partnered up with Mexican-American singer-songwriter Frankie J as well as rock group Maná in different projects.
Entrepreneurship
Apart from his successful music career, Pérez also made a name for himself as an entrepreneur with the creation of Perez Pepper Saucein in 2016. This lifestyle brand offers hot sauces and merchandise in many flavors that have gained immense popularity due to their exceptional flavor! His products are now available across various stores nationwide and online; ensuring everyone has access to this delightful sauce.
In his book, entitled “To Selena, With Love,” Pérez invites readers into his relationship with the late star and sheds light on her meteoric rise to fame as well as how her life was tragically cut short. The bestseller has been overwhelmingly praised by both dedicated fans of Selena’s music and members of the general public alike.
Personal Life
Pérez has been candid about the personal repercussions of Selena’s death. From interviews to his book, he has opened up about his grief and guilt in her wake. Additionally, Pérez shared the struggle he experienced while discovering himself as an artist and public figure linked with being known as Selena’s husband.
Amidst his numerous professional accomplishments, Pérez also found bliss in his own life. In 2001, he re-tied the knot with Vanessa Villanueva and together they share two children. Moreover, through it all, Pérez has kept a close bond with Selena’s family which is particularly noticeable by the immense respect he pays to her sister Suzette Quintanilla. Above all else though – whether professionally or personally – Pérez champions honoring Selena’s legacy and cherished memory by celebrating her music forevermore.
Future Plans
Currently, Pérez is working hard to juggle his music career, entrepreneurship, and personal life. He has even hinted at potential new musical projects with other musicians in the works! Not only that, Pérez intends on taking his Perez Pepper Sauce brand to the next level by exploring fresh business opportunities.
Pérez is devoted to preserving Selena’s memory and keeping her music alive. He has joined in a number of events that recognize her life, such as the 2020 Selena XXV tribute concert. Additionally, Pérez ardently advocates for the Corpus Christi Museum dedicated to Selena which features various items from her life and career.
Conclusion
In the past two decades, Chris Pérez has not only proved himself to be an accomplished musician and entrepreneur but also a resilient individual. He’s overcome his grief from Selena’s death with newfound joy in life and stays dedicated to keeping her memory alive. As he embarks on new music projects and business ventures, fans of Tejano music can rejoice to know that they’ll get more chances to enjoy his work which celebrates the spirit of Selena!
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Christopher Gilbert Pérez |
| Date of Birth | August 14, 1969 |
| Place of Birth | San Antonio, Texas, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Musician, songwriter |
| Instruments | Guitar |
| Genre | Tejano, rock, Latin pop |
| Years active | 1986 – present |
| Associated Acts | Selena y Los Dinos, Kumbia Kings, The Chris Pérez Band, etc. |
| Spouse | Venessa Villanueva (m. 2001, div. 2008), Melissa Jiménez (m. 2011) |
| Children | With Venessa Villanueva: Cassie Pérez, Noah Pérez |
| Awards/Honors | Grammy Awards, Tejano Music Awards, Texas Music Awards, etc. |
