Manny R. Guerra, Abraham Quintanilla | Courtesy photos
The Tejano music world is united in grief following the loss of two towering figures whose lives and legacies shaped the genre for generations. Taken just one day apart, the passing of pioneering producer Manny Guerra and legendary patriarch Abraham Quintanilla Jr. marks one of the most somber moments in Tejano music history.
On December 12, Manny Guerra—renowned producer, engineer, and recording artist—passed away after battling cancer. Guerra was one of the most influential architects of Tejano music, helping define its sound, soul, and industry for more than five decades. His work behind the console and in the studio helped launch, shape, and elevate countless careers, making him a trusted mentor and visionary force to artists across generations.
Tributes quickly poured in from across the Tejano community. Tejano legend “Little Miss Dynamite” Shelly Lares shared on Instagram, “Rest in Peace Manny Guerra. The first to ever record me at 10 years old. The first to sign me at 17 years old to my first record contract. Thank you for showing me how to run the console, for training me in studio work ethic. Thank you for the good and the hard experiences. I’m forever grateful.”
Fellow Tejano icon David Marez reflected on Guerra’s immense impact, writing, “I just heard of your passing. I am at a loss for words, my dear friend, my brother Manny Guerra. So many stories, so many recordings. One of the most influential figures in Tejano music. You were a master music producer and engineer. I will treasure our last lunch together. Rest in eternal peace.”
Just one day later, on December 13, the genre lost another giant. Abraham Quintanilla Jr., patriarch of the Quintanilla family and father of the late Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, passed away at the age of 86. A cause of death was not disclosed.
In a family statement shared on social media, the Quintanillas described Abraham as “a devoted family man whose life was marked by faith, discipline, and steadfast love,” adding that he worked tirelessly to lead his family with integrity and to honor Selena’s legacy with care and respect.
Abraham Quintanilla Jr.’s influence on Tejano music extended far beyond his role as Selena’s father and manager. Through Q-Productions, he helped jumpstart and guide the careers of numerous artists, earning a reputation for recognizing talent, demanding excellence, and mentoring with purpose.
Bobby Pulido shared his condolences, stating, “Sending my heartfelt condolences to the Quintanilla family on the loss of Mr. Abraham Quintanilla. His dedication and vision helped shape our genre and opened doors for so many artists, myself included. I’ll always be grateful for the impact he made.”
Six-time Tejano Music Awards winner Monica Saldivar, including current Female Vocalist of the Year, shared a deeply personal tribute recalling her relationship with Quintanilla and her time recording at Q-Productions.
“His guidance, strength, and belief helped shape a legacy that will live on forever… Mr. Q definitely knew talent and exactly what he wanted and how to guide you to your full potential. Mr. Q, we will miss you dearly.”
Latin Grammy-nominated singer and multiple Tejano Music Awards winner Isabel Marie Sanchez, who began her career under Quintanilla’s guidance, wrote, “To my first mentor… He believed in me and my voice and what I had to offer to the world. Music is what brings people together, and I thank God He put Mr. Q and his family in my life because they changed our life.”
A.B. Quintanilla III, who was first to share the news of his father’s passing, posted an emotional message on Instagram reflecting on the deep personal loss:
“Losing Selena 30 years ago is still a daily struggle for me… But losing my Dad hits differently… My Dad truly was a genius and I will miss him tremendously.”
San Antonio Radio Hall of Famer Jonny Ramirez summed up the sentiment felt throughout the industry with a simple but powerful message shared on X (formerly Twitter):
“2 of our musical pioneers. RIP. Mr. Manny Guerra. Mr. Abraham Quintanilla.”
Two lives. Two legacies. One unforgettable impact on Tejano music.
As the industry mourns the loss of Manny Guerra and Abraham Quintanilla Jr., their influence will continue to echo through the music, the artists they nurtured, and the generations still inspired by their extraordinary contributions.
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