Selena

She's a performer and designer and a music pioneer. She was at the same time classic and contemporary a Mexican-American performer who merged both worlds in a singular way--and delivered excellent Tejano music to a mainstream public. She was a rising star but her sudden death broke it. As is the norm for a gifted, charming and young performer dies in a hurry, many grieved her talent and potential which she had yet to reach. In the following years, fans were encouraged to work even harder to make sure that Selena's successes would not fade away. Selena was the Tejano artist tragically shot to death by a gunshot accident sparked an Latino response that could be likened to the reaction to John Lennon's deaths. Selena was a hugely loved Latino singer across North America. Her music transcended boundaries and inspired both youngsters and adults. Selena is a gorgeous, glamorous performer, who has been compared to the Latina Madonna. She's a family-oriented role model active in drug as well as AIDS awareness efforts.