Who is Abraham Quintanilla Jr.’s son? Everything to know about Abraham “A.B.” Quintanilla III

Abraham Quintanilla Jr. and the brother of late Tejano icon Selena Quintanilla-Perezbut also due to his own long and influential career as a musician, songwriter, and producer. Over the decades, A.B. has played a major role in shaping Tejano, cumbia, and Latin pop music, earning recognition far beyond his family legacy.

Who Is Abraham Quintanilla III?

Abraham Isaac Quintanilla IIIpopularly known as A.B. Quintanillawas born on December 13, 1963in Toppenish, Washington, and later raised in Corpus Christi, Texas. He is the eldest child of Abraham Quintanilla Jr. and Marcella Ofelia Samora. Growing up in a deeply musical household, A.B. was exposed to performance and songwriting from an early age, which naturally shaped his future in the music industry.

He is widely recognized as the brother of Selenathe “Queen of Tejano Music,” and as a creative force who worked closely behind the scenes during her rise to stardom.

Role in Selena’s Career

A.B. Quintanilla played a crucial part in Selena’s success as a songwriter, producer, and bassist for the family band Selena and The Dinos. Many of Selena’s biggest hits were written or co-written by A.B., making him an integral part of her musical identity. His ability to blend traditional Tejano sounds with pop influences helped Selena connect with a wider audience and achieve international fame.

Even after Selena’s tragic death in 1995, A.B. continued to work on projects that preserved and expanded her legacy, including posthumous releases and tribute initiatives.

Music Career After Selena

Following Selena’s passing, A.B. Quintanilla built a successful independent career. He went on to create popular Latin music groups such as Kumbia Kings and later Kumbia All Starzwhich mixed cumbia with pop, hip-hop, and R&B elements. These groups found commercial success in the United States and Latin America and introduced a modern sound that appealed to younger audiences.

Because of his impact on the genre, A.B. is often referred to as the “King of Kumbia.” In addition to performing, he has worked extensively as a music producer, collaborating with various Latin artists and continuing to influence the industry behind the scenes.

Personal Life and Public Presence

A.B. Quintanilla has remained a public figure for decades, balancing fame, family responsibilities, and creative work. While his personal life has often attracted media attention, he has consistently emphasized his commitment to music and to honoring Selena’s memory. He frequently participates in interviews, documentaries, and special events related to Selena’s life and career, helping introduce her story to new generations.

Abraham Quintanilla Jr.’s Death Today

In breaking news on December 13, 2025, Abraham Quintanilla Jr.the father of Selena and A.B. Quintanilla, passed away at the age of 86. The news of his death was confirmed by A.B. Quintanilla IIIwho shared a heartfelt message on social media paying tribute to his father’s life, guidance, and lasting influence.

As of now, the cause of death has not been publicly disclosed. Abraham Quintanilla Jr. was widely respected as a singer, producer, and manager who dedicated much of his life to building Selena’s career and safeguarding her legacy after her death. His passing marks the end of a significant chapter in Tejano and Latin music history.