Pete Astudillo | Courtesy: Jonny Ramirez
Tejano legend Pete Astudillo sat down with San Antonio Radio Hall of Famer Jonny Ramirez for an emotional, revealing interview discussing Netflix’s highly anticipated new Selena Y Los Dinos documentary—and the wave of new music he’s releasing alongside it. Astudillo, who spent years creating music and memories with Selena y Los Dinos, admitted he was skeptical when first approached about yet another retelling of her story.
“When they told me about this documentary two years ago… I said to myself, like a lot of people probably said, ‘What are they going to show that we haven’t seen?’” Pete shared. “And I’ll be honest with you—I was wrong. Absolutely wrong.” He says this documentary stands apart for one reason: “The difference this time around is that Selena is telling the story. You’re hearing it from her… reinforced by her family, by Chris (Perez), her husband, and by Los Dinos.”
Astudillo described being blown away by the never-before-seen home movies, many of which even he had never watched. “When I watched it the first time, I was freaking out,” he said. “You see step by step, year by year, song after song… the journey, the sacrifices. It takes you into our world.” For Pete, the film is more than nostalgia—it’s a blueprint for young people searching for direction. “Anything worthwhile costs you, compadre,” he said. “Selena was an incredible role model then and now. A hard worker. Respect for the fans. Respect for her craft.”
Alongside the documentary’s release, Pete dropped a powerful tribute track, “El Ritmo Se Acabó (Versión Cumbia)”, featuring none other than Chris Perez. The collaboration came after months of coordinating with Perez’s packed schedule. “Finally… he goes, ‘Can you come to the house next week?’ I told him, ‘I’ll be there right now if you tell me to go,’” Pete laughed. Recorded in October and released just weeks ago, the track honors Selena’s legacy and the fans who keep her memory alive. “I call it the ‘Como Te Extraño’ of this generation,” Pete shared. “New fans—kids who never even met her—keep her alive.”
Pete also revealed his long-awaited collaboration with David Lee Garza Y Los Musicales on “Haces Falta Tú.” A song he originally wrote and recorded years ago but never released, it finally found the perfect home when David Lee asked him personally for music. “To me, it’s a bucket-list moment,” Pete said. “I did a song for David Lee Garza—and I sing on it, man.” Featuring Los Musicales lead vocalist Cezar Martinez, the track blends classic DLG essence with a retro horn arrangement that surprised even Pete. “Everything’s great… but the only thing is Haces Falta Tú.”
Rounding out his current slate of releases, Pete announced an original Christmas song, inspired by the holiday messages he posts every year: “Ya Nació el Rey de Reyes.” Last Christmas, the phrase struck him as more than a greeting—“Hey, that’s a good title for a song, man.” Determined to finish it this year, Pete crafted a joyful, celebratory track meant for tamaladas and family gatherings. “If the King of Kings is being born, shouldn’t it be celebrating with drums and fanfare?” he said. Influenced by José Feliciano, the song includes bilingual moments and an upbeat rhythm. “Put it on. Get grandma dancing. Get la tía dancing. It’s a celebration.”
Subscribe to Tejano Nation on YouTube
With a landmark documentary, a heartfelt tribute, a dream collaboration, and a festive original track, Pete Astudillo is closing out the year with passion, purpose, and pure Tejano spirit—ensuring Selena’s legacy continues to shine for generations to come.
Follow Tejano Nation on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with everything Tejano. Listen to new Tejano music first with our Spotify playlists and iHeartRadio podcast.
