Selena

She broke through the barriers of the music industry as a singer, performer and designer. The Mexican-American singer was also traditional. She brought Tejano into the mainstream of music. Similar to how there are many who mourn a superstar who passed away too young, her death was untimely and shattered a growing career. Fans have worked harder through the years to ensure that her legacy is kept alive. Selena was the Tejano singer who tragically shot to death by a gunshot accident has sparked the Latino reaction that can be thought of as similar to the reactions to Elvis Presley's and John Lennon's deaths. An enormously popular singer within Latino communities throughout North America her music crossed cultural boundaries to touch the lives of children as well as old. Selena was a sexy and flamboyant stage performer that was frequently known as her as the Latina Madonna. Off-stage Selena was a strong role model as she was active in anti-drug and AIDS campaigns.