EMI LATIN TO RELEASE SOUNDTRACK TO "SELENA" FEATURE FILM; ALBUM TO INCLUDE PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED MATERIAL BY THE TEJANO SUPERSTAR
Directed by the acclaimed Gregory Nava, Selena stars Jennifer Lopez and Edward James Olmos, and will be released theatrically March 21.
The soundtrack, comprised of materials recorded between 1990-1995, will feature original cuts by Selena, including several that have never been previously released. The songs include the ballads Where Did the Feeling Go?, Only Love and Is It The Beat? In addition, two live disco medleys of I Will Survive / Funkytown and Last Dance / The Hustle / On The Radio are also part of the soundtrack. Both medleys were recorded during Selena's March 1995 concert at the Houston Astrodome, which took place one month prior to her death.
"This album is a labor of love that was done as if Selena had been working with us," Behar said. "Her dedication and determination are examples that continue to inspire."
In addition to its English-language cuts, the album includes a live medley of Selena's Spanish anthems, Baila Esta Cumbia, La Carcacha, Como La Flor and Bidi Bidi Bom Bom, also recorded during the Astrodome show.
Selena's father, Abraham Quintanilla, Jr., who served as the principal adviser on the film, said that the medley arrangements were all supervised by Selena.
"The final mix was sensational," he commented. "Selena's voice can be heard beautifully. The soundtrack, like the film, has drama, humor and sadness."
One of the album's most emotional moments is Viviras Selena , a new song written by Ruben Garza and produced by A.B. Quintanilla III (Selena's brother). The musical tribute, recorded in the same Corpus Christi studio where Selena cut her albums, includes the voices of Graciela Beltran, Bobby Pulido, Barrio Boyzz, Emilio, Jennifer Pena (of Jennifer y Los Jetz) and Pete Astudillo.
It was a privilege for all of the artists to participate in recording Viviras Selena," said Graciela Beltran.
"Selena made a valuable contribution in both the U.S. and Mexico by achieving the 'crossover,'" she says. "She spurred us to follow her example."