Chris Perez, real name Christopher Gilbert Pérez, born on August 14, 1969, in San Antonio, Texas, is a prominent American guitarist, songwriter, and author, best known as the lead guitarist for the Tejano band Selena y Los Dinos. His life story is one marked by both incredible success and profound tragedy, particularly through his relationship with the late Selena Quintanilla, a beloved figure in Latin music.
Table of Contents
Who is Chris Perez?
- Age: 55 years old
- Family: Joe Asher (father) and Antoinette Gallo (mother)
- Ex-Wife: Venessa Villanueva
- Wife: Selena Quintanilla
- Marital Status: Single
- Children: Cassie and Noah
- Net Worth: USD 1 Million – USD 5 Million
- Height: 5’ 9”
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Chris Perez Age, Family, Young, and Early Life Background
He was born in San Antonio, Texas, to Gilbert Pérez and Carmen Medina. He is of Mexican-American descent and grew up in a culturally rich environment that influenced his musical career. Pérez’s parents divorced when he was four years old, and he developed an early interest in music, initially learning to play the French horn in middle school.
Despite his mother’s initial disapproval of rock music, he taught himself to play the electric guitar, drawing inspiration from iconic bands such as Van Halen and Iron Maiden. He began his career in music by joining a band called Los Bad Boys and later played the guitar for Shelly Lares in 1986. By the late 1980s, he had gained respect in the Tejano music scene for his exceptional guitar skills, which eventually caught the attention of A.B. Quintanilla, Selena’s brother and the bassist for Selena y Los Dinos. In 1990, Pérez joined the band, marking the beginning of a life-changing journey.
Chris Perez Relationship with Selena Quintanilla
Selena Quintanilla was the frontwoman of Selena y Los Dinos band. Pérez’s relationship with Selena blossomed quickly after he joined the band. Their love story was both passionate and tumultuous; they initially kept their romance secret due to concerns about Selena’s father’s disapproval.
However, they eloped on April 2, 1992, solidifying their bond amidst the pressures of their careers. Together, they navigated the complexities of being young artists in love while striving for success in the music industry.
Rise to Fame
Under Pérez’s guitar work, Selena y Los Dinos achieved significant success in the Tejano music scene. Pérez contributed significantly to several groundbreaking albums, including: Ven Conmigo (1990) and Entre a Mi Mundo (1992). The band became known for their energetic performances.
The group achieved massive commercial success, earning multiple awards and accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best Mexican-American Album in 1994. Pérez’s guitar work was pivotal to the band’s sound and success. Tragically, Selena was murdered on March 31, 1995, which profoundly impacted Pérez both personally and professionally.
Nevertheless, Perez channeled his emotions into music. He formed The Chris Pérez Band, which released the album “Resurrection” in 1999. This album won a Grammy Award for Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album and showcased Pérez’s growth as an artist.
The band continued to produce music until their disbandment after releasing their second album, Una Noche Más, in 2002.
Later Projects
After the Chris Pérez Band disbanded, he collaborated with A.B. Quintanilla’s groups Kumbia Kings and Kumbia All-Starz. In subsequent years, Pérez continued to evolve as a musician. He formed the Chris Pérez Project in 2010 and released music that reflected his diverse influences and personal experiences.
In 2012, he published a memoir titled “To Selena, With Love,” providing an intimate look at his relationship with Selena and his life after her passing.
Chris Perez Ex-Wife Venessa
Six years after Selena’s death, Chris Pérez married Venessa Villanueva, whom he met through mutual friends. They had two children together: a daughter named Cassie (born in 1998) and a son named Noah (born in 2002). Chris and Venessa divorced after seven years of marriage.
Despite the separation, he remained involved in his children’s lives and supported their musical pursuits. As of now, he continues to be an influential figure in the music industry while keeping Selena’s legacy alive through his work.
Chris Perez Net Worth
As of 2025, Chris Perez’s net worth is estimated between $1 million and $5 million. This range reflects his multiple income streams from music royalties, live performances, book sales, and entrepreneurial ventures. The variability in estimates can be attributed to different sources and the dynamic nature of his earnings.
Perez’s primary source of income stems from his music career. He was integral to Selena’s success during her lifetime and has continued to earn royalties from album sales and streaming services related to their work. His on-going performances attract a loyal fan base and contribute significantly to his income.
His memoir “To Selena, With Love” has become a bestseller and provides a steady stream of royalties. The book’s emotional depth resonates with many fans and has maintained its popularity over the years, especially following adaptations related to Selena’s legacy
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Perez Pepper Sauce: Launched in 2019, this line of hot sauces honors Selena by incorporating her favorite flavors. The product has received accolades for its quality and has become a notable part of his business portfolio.
Blue Mariachi Productions: This production company allows him to sign new artists and produce music, further diversifying his income sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chris Perez still Married?
No. Despite his separation from Venessa Villanueva, he remained involved in his children’s lives and supported their musical pursuits. As of now, he continues to be an influential figure in the music industry while keeping Selena’s legacy alive through his work.
How old is Chris Perez?
55 years
How tall is Chris Perez?
Pérez is 5 feet 9 inches tall, which is approximately 175 centimeters.
What is Chris Perez Net Worth?
As of 2025, Chris Perez’s net worth is estimated between $1 million and $5 million.
How did Selena Quintanilla die?
Quintanilla-Pérez, the beloved Tejano singer, was tragically shot and killed on March 31, 1995, by Yolanda Saldívar, who was the former president of her fan club and manager of her boutiques. The incident occurred at a Days Inn motel in Corpus Christi, Texas, during a meeting that was ostensibly about retrieving financial records after Saldívar was accused of embezzling money from Selena’s businesses.
How old was Selena when she died?
Quintanilla was 23 years old when she died on March 31, 1995. She was just two weeks shy of her 24th birthday, which would have been on April 16, 1995.
How old was Selena when she married Chris?
Quintanilla was 20 years old when she married Chris Pérez on April 2, 1992. Chris was 22 at the time of their elopement, which they undertook in secret due to concerns about Selena’s father’s disapproval of their relationship.
What is Selena Quintanilla known for?
Quintanilla is widely recognized as the “Queen of Tejano Music,” a title reflecting her significant impact on the genre and her status as a cultural icon.