Chris Pérez

Chris Pérez

Christopher Gilbert Pérez is an American guitarist, songwriter and author. He is best known as lead guitarist for the Tejano band Selena y Los Dinos. He married the frontwoman of the group, Selena, on April 2, 1992. Selena was shot and killed by her former friend and former manager of her boutiques, Yolanda Saldívar, in 1995.

About Chris Pérez in brief

Summary Chris PérezChristopher Gilbert Pérez is an American guitarist, songwriter and author. He is best known as lead guitarist for the Tejano band Selena y Los Dinos. He married the frontwoman of the group, Selena, on April 2, 1992. Selena was shot and killed by her former friend and former manager of her boutiques, Yolanda Saldívar, in 1995. In 1998 he met Vanessa Villanueva through his friend John Garza, and began dating her. In 2010 he formed the Chris PÉrez Band and released their first album, Resurrection, which won a Grammy Award for Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album. In 2012 he wrote a book about his relationship with Selena called \”To Selena,. with Love. It received a positive reception from critics and fans. He and VillanUEva had two children, Cassie and Noah, before divorcing in 2008. He has since played with his brother-in-law A. B.’s groups, the Kumbia Kings and the KUMBia All Starz. He left both groups and formed another band in 2010. He currently lives in Los Angeles, California with his wife and two children. He also has a son with his ex-wife, who he met through a mutual friend. He lives with his family in San Antonio, Texas, and has a daughter with his second wife, who lives in New York City. He was married to Selena’s father, Abraham Quintanilla, until she died in 1995, and he has remained in touch with the Quintanillas since her death.

His favorite musicians were Van Halen, Mötley Crüe, Def Leppard, Kiss, the Scorpions, Ozzy Osbourne and Iron Maiden. He grew to admire Ricky Martin during the 1990s. Many of his guitar solos are inspired by Carlos Santana. He shared an apartment with his father at the time he worked at a library. He became a musical director for Shelly Lares’ band. He wrote three songs for the group’s debut album and co-wrote three more for the band’s second album, Una Noche Mas. In 1986 he was asked by Tony Lares to join his cousin’s band, Shelly. Lares told him that Shelly performed traditional Mexican folk music polkas and country music in English or Spanish sung in Spanish. He joined Shelly’s band and became the musical director. In the late 1980s, he was respected among TeJano musicians for his guitar skills. This caught the attention of A.B. Quintanila, who was seeking another guitarist for his band he produced. He later eloped with the band and he grew to love and accept Chris as his son- in-law. The band disbanded after their second album was released. He began abusing drugs and alcohol. He now lives in California and plays in a band with his son and daughter.