Christopher Gilbert Pérez (born August 14, 1969) is an American guitarist, best known as lead guitarist for Selena y Los Dinos. He married Selena on April 2, 1992. Raised in San Antonio, Texas, Pérez joined Shelly Lares’ band in 1986, earning respect for his guitar skills. This led A.B. Quintanilla to recruit him for Selena y Los Dinos. Despite Abraham Quintanilla’s disapproval, Pérez and Selena continued dating.
After being fired, Pérez and Selena married. On March 31, 1995, Selena was murdered by Yolanda SaldÃvar, leaving Pérez devastated.
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Chris Perez Net Worth
Chris Pérez has a net worth of $1 million. He is best known as the lead guitarist for the Tejano band Selena y Los Dinos. His music blends cumbia, Latin rock, R&B, funk, and classic rock.
His band, The Chris Pérez Project, received mixed reviews for its debut album, including praise for its pop rock and Tejano soul fusion. Jon Seda portrayed him in the 1997 film Selena, and Jesse Posey in Selena: The Series.
Early life
Christopher Pérez was born on August 14, 1969, in San Antonio, Texas, to Gilbert Pérez, a computer programmer, and Carmen Medina, a City Hall employee. After their 1974 divorce, his mother remarried in 1978. Pérez learned French horn in school but taught himself electric guitar, inspired by Van Halen, Kiss, and Carlos Santana.
At 17, while working at a library, he joined Shelly Lares’ Tejano band in 1986. Though initially reluctant, he became musical director and co-wrote songs for her 1989 debut album, gaining acclaim for his guitar work.
Career
Roger Garcia left Selena y Los Dinos in 1989 after marrying, prompting A.B. Quintanilla III to scout Christopher Pérez based on praise from other Tejano musicians. After watching Pérez rehearse with Shelly Lares, A.B. invited him to join the band. Pérez accepted, impressed by the group’s “hip and sophisticated” sound.
Though Abraham Quintanilla Jr. disliked Pérez’s rocker image, A.B. persuaded him. Pérez adapted his style, bonded with A.B., and co-wrote songs. With little Spanish fluency, Pérez was tutored by keyboardist Ricky Vela while developing his musical versatility.
Personal life
Christopher Pérez is known as a shy, private person, the opposite of Abraham Quintanilla’s ideal of “clean-cut” musicians. Once seen as a rebellious rocker, he disliked media attention and felt uncomfortable as an entertainer. Carlos Valdez called him sincere and honest, saying music was his “reason for existence.”
Critics like Leila Cobo and Chuck Taylor praised his fusion of classic rock, R&B, funk, and cumbia. His debut with The Chris Pérez Project blended Latin rock, pop, and Tejano soul, though some, like David Cazares, found it average.
How long was Selena married to Chris Perez before she died?
Selena and Chris Perez were married for three years before her untimely death in 1995.
Conclusion
Chris Perez’s life and career have been marked by both his musical achievements and his enduring connection to Selena. Despite personal tragedies, Perez has continued to make his mark in the music industry.
FAQs about Chris Perez
- What are some notable achievements of Chris Perez in music? Chris Perez won a Grammy Award for Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album with his band and is known for his skilled guitar work.
- How has Chris Perez honored Selena’s legacy? Perez has been vocal about preserving Selena’s memory and legacy, including through his book “To Selena, with Love.”
- What musical style is Chris Perez known for? Chris Perez is primarily known for his work in Tejano and Latin rock music.
- What impact did Selena’s death have on Chris Perez’s career? Selena’s death profoundly impacted Perez, leading him to pursue solo projects and continue his passion for music.
- What is Chris Perez’s involvement in the music industry today? Chris Perez remains active in the music industry, performing, writing music, and participating in projects that honor Selena’s memory.
