134 Facts About Pete Astudillo

Pete Astudillo wrote or collaborated on some of the most popular Tejano music songs of the 1990s and was inducted into the Tejano Roots Hall of Fame in 2019.

Pete Astudillo's addition involved harmonizing with Selena and performing various roles within the band's dynamic.

Pete Astudillo remained dedicated to Selena y Los Dinos, contributing to songwriting while on tour.

At the 1994 BMI Latin Music Awards, Pete Astudillo received Songwriter of the Year honors.

Pete Astudillo co-wrote "Amor Prohibido" and "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom" for Selena's Amor Prohibido, both becoming char-toppers on Billboards Hot Latin Songs chart, while the latter became the most successful US Latin single of 1994.

On March 31,1995, Selena was shot and killed and Pete Astudillo resumed performing during the opening of Sea World Texas, while still recovering from his mother's death the year prior.

Pete Astudillo released Como Te Extrano on December 1,1995, as the title track served as a tribute to Selena and Pete Astudillo's mother, Paz.

Pete Astudillo received Most Promising Band honors at the 1996 Tejano Music Awards and began to be hailed as the "next big thing" in the Tejano market.

At the 1996 BMI Latin Music Awards, Pete Astudillo tied with Juan Luis Guerra for Songwriter of the Year.

Pete Astudillo left Q-Productions in 2001 to forge his label, Peace Rock Records and released his albums independently.

Pedro Pete Astudillo was born on December 1,1963, at the Las Palmas ranch in Laredo, Texas.

Pete Astudillo worked alongside his parents and siblings on farms in Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana, thinning beets and potatoes, until he was 13 years old.

Pete Astudillo described working in the fields as demanding but rewarding for the strong familial bonds.

Pete Astudillo worked as a dishwasher and later a cook at his family's restaurant.

At the age of nine or ten, Pete Astudillo began writing love poems and songs to express himself.

Pete Astudillo acknowledged that it was never a planned endeavor to become a singer, but rather a surprise discovery.

Pete Astudillo initially began singing on a whim, without any preconceived notions of pursuing it as a career.

Pete Astudillo was raised in an economically disadvantaged neighborhood but remained resolute in his pursuit of a musical career.

Pete Astudillo reapplied for college, majoring in accounting and attending vocal classes, and worked at his father's restaurant in Laredo.

In 1985, Pete Astudillo revealed his aspirations to his family, who were surprised as he had not previously disclosed his passion for music to them.

Pete Astudillo met Joe Ojeda, through a mutual friend, who was seeking a lead singer.

Pete Astudillo attributed this to their relative obscurity and the skepticism surrounding the potential of a two-person band.

Pete Astudillo described it as a stroke of luck, feeling they were in the right place at the right time.

Pete Astudillo remarked that he knew who Selena was, but noted that he was not too into Tejano music at the time.

Pete Astudillo stated how he and Ojeda "were happy just to be on the same stage with [Selena y Los Dinos]", and thought that the group was "just being polite" when they were asked to continue to support the group as opening acts.

Pete Astudillo likened Selena y Los Dinos to the "Latino Brady Bunch" and described Selena as "goofy, crazy and loud".

Pete Astudillo experienced a profound sense of fulfillment when he was invited to join Selena y Los Dinos, feeling as though his aspirations had finally materialized.

Pete Astudillo often performed duets with Selena on tour, while Ojeda joined as the second keyboardist.

Pete Astudillo brought complex lyrics and melodies with lots of chords to his songwriting assistance for the group.

Pete Astudillo was removed from the studio after an unsuccessful session; he expressed his disappointment at not meeting the desired range.

Pete Astudillo said his aspirations of recording in a professional studio inspired him to not give up.

Pete Astudillo assisted with the arrangements for "My Love" on Selena, to which Selena's biographer, Joe Nick Patoksi, interpreted the track as an homage to Madonna.

Pete Astudillo recorded the duet with Selena on "Yo Te Amo" for Ven Conmigo, which was nominated for Vocal Duo of the Year at the 1992 Tejano Music Awards.

The compositions Pete Astudillo wrote or co-wrote were largely responsible for Ven Conmigos continued commercial success on the US Billboard Regional Mexican Albums chart, which by March 1992, ranked as the second-most weeks an album has remained on the chart behind Ana Gabriel by two weeks.

Pete Astudillo's rapid rise led Abraham and EMI Latin to recognize his potential as a solo artist.

Music critic for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times, Rene Cabrera proclaimed Pete Astudillo as possessing the requisite attributes to succeed as a soloist, noting his adept vocal abilities harmonized with a polished and commanding stage demeanor.

Pete Astudillo released his debut album, Entregate a Mi, in January 1992.

Pete Astudillo, despite pursuing a solo career, remained dedicated to Selena y Los Dinos, emphasizing his loyalty to the band.

Pete Astudillo mentioned that although the band wasn't entirely certain, they had sensed that something was developing between Selena and Perez.

Pete Astudillo received the nomination for Single of the Year for "Un Hombre Busca Una Mujer" as well as Male Vocalist of the Year at the 1993 Tejano Music Awards.

Pete Astudillo made his debut appearance on television with his band on the Johnny Canales Show on November 19,1993.

Pete Astudillo began working on this third studio album in January 1994.

Pete Astudillo was nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year and Vocal Duo of the Year with Selena at the 1994 Tejano Music Awards.

Pete Astudillo welcomed the chance to showcase his abilities independently, eager to perform more of his material.

Pete Astudillo separated from Oxygeno and embarked on conceptualizing a distinctive moniker for his new band which included Jesse Jesus Ybarra on guitar, who formerly was the guitarist for Selena y Los Dinos in the 1980s, Danny Hernandez and Mike Hererra on keyboards, Sernando Orosco on bass, and Ricky Landeros on drums.

At the 1994 BMI Latin Music Awards, Pete Astudillo won Songwriter of the Year.

Pete Astudillo co-wrote "Amor Prohibido" and "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom" for Selena's Amor Prohibido, which became the two most popular tracks off the album.

Pete Astudillo remarked that co-writing "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom", was one of the best memories he shared with Selena.

Pete Astudillo made his second appearance on the Johnny Canales Show on July 3,1994.

Pete Astudillo appeared on the music TV program Padrisimo on December 17,1994.

Pete Astudillo spoke to KBNA-FM following the news, talking about Selena as he wept on air, as he was still recovering from his mother's death the year prior.

Pete Astudillo commenced delivering his amalgamation of Selena's songs during his concerts, expressing that he manages her death like any other individual who deals with a loss.

Pete Astudillo expressed gratitude for the lessons gleaned from Selena, which facilitated his coping mechanisms.

Pete Astudillo collaborated with Vela on "Estupido Romantico", which was recorded by Mazz.

Pete Astudillo released his third studio album, Como Te Extrano, on December 1,1995.

Pete Astudillo emphasized that the songwriting process was deeply personal, allowing him to express his feelings without pretense.

Pete Astudillo aimed to capture universal sentiments of longing and ache in "Como Te Extrano", purposefully omitting Selena and his mother's name to allow listeners to personalize the song.

In January 1996, Pete Astudillo opted for a more contemporary and sophisticated appearance by cutting his long locks, despite reservations from EMI Latin and advice from his label's manager, Lee Garza.

Pete Astudillo jokingly cited piojos as the reason for the change.

Pete Astudillo was inundated with requests from various musicians seeking material, among them were Liberacion, Fugitivos, and Ramon Ayala.

Pete Astudillo debuted his band's new name, Grupo Futuro, during his concert at the Pure Country nightclub in Abilene, Texas.

Pete Astudillo co-headlined a sold-out concert in Odessa, Texas with Jennifer Pena, drawing a crowd of 18,000.

At the 1996 Tejano Music Awards, Pete Astudillo received the nomination for Most Promising Band, Male Vocalist of the Year, Male Entertainer of the Year, and Song of the Year, along with Vela, for composing "Estupido Romantico".

Pete Astudillo won Most Promising Band, and began to be hailed as the "next big thing" in the Tejano market.

At the 1996 Premio Lo Nuestro, Pete Astudillo received the nomination for Male Regional Mexican Artist of the Year, New Regional Mexican Artist, as well as Song of the Year for "Como Te Extrano".

Pete Astudillo performed at the Six Flags' Music Mill Amphitheatre, becoming the third Tejano act to perform at the theme park, following Emilio Navaira and Selena.

Pete Astudillo recorded "Tu Robaste Mi Corazon", originally performed by Selena and Navaira, for the Siempre Selena album.

Pete Astudillo tied with Juan Luis Guerra for Songwriter of the Year.

Pete Astudillo expressed that being acknowledged as a songwriter held special significance for him, as he viewed writing as equally crucial to his artistry as performing.

On March 9,1996, Pete Astudillo narrated a pay-per-view unaired 1991 Market Square concert of Selena y Los Dinos.

Pete Astudillo joined the cast of Selena, a biographical film directed by Gregory Nava, portraying himself as a dancer and backup vocalist to Jennifer Lopez's portrayal of Selena.

Pete Astudillo considered it important to contribute to the film's success, drawing from his personal experiences with Selena to assist his co-stars.

Pete Astudillo struggled to contain his emotions during the film's premiere, finding it challenging to watch recreated moments he described as "the happiest moments of my life".

Pete Astudillo found the track to be one of the best recordings on the soundtrack, despite its departure from traditional Tejano beats.

At the 1997 BMI Latin Music Awards, Pete Astudillo was awarded Songwriter of the Year.

In March 1997, Pete Astudillo released his lead single, "Si Tu No Estas".

At the 1997 Pura Vida Awards, Pete Astudillo faced logistical issues that delayed the show's commencement as he was slated to co-host alongside George Rivas.

Pete Astudillo expressed satisfaction with the reception he had received during his tour, noting invitations to return to Georgia and Florida.

Pete Astudillo believed that Si Tu No Estas contained material of equal or superior quality, though acknowledged its success did not measure up to that of Como Te Extrano.

Pete Astudillo was nominated for Song of the Year for "Si Tu No Estas", Male Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, and Tejano Crossover Song of the Year for "No Lo Niego" at the 1998 Tejano Music Awards.

Pete Astudillo was featured on Puro Tejano en Vivo along with La Tropa F on March 25,1998, and released a promotional jingle for the Laredo National Bank.

Pete Astudillo participated in VH1's Behind the Music episode that highlighted Selena on March 29,1998.

Pete Astudillo aimed to cater to a broad audience, believing the album's varied content would resonate with younger and older listeners.

Pete Astudillo expressed a commitment to crafting music that transcends industry standards, prioritizing songs that resonate with the public's preferences over those solely aimed at garnering industry acclaim.

Pete Astudillo performed during the 41st annual Feria de Las Flores pageant on August 12,2000, held at the Selena Auditorium within the Bayfront Convention Center.

Pete Astudillo acknowledged that sales were disappointing, leading to concerns about future sales, his performances, and overall direction.

Pete Astudillo decided to part ways with Q-Productions in 2001 due to "creative differences" regarding his career trajectory.

Pete Astudillo revealed that discussions with EMI Latin indicated a softening Tejano market, and the label suggested that he had already passed his professional peak.

Pete Astudillo founded Peace Rock Records, an extension of Peace Rock Publishing, aligning with the pattern observed among Tejano artists venturing into autonomous record labels amidst the genre's persistent downturn.

Pete Astudillo observed that assuming a passive role merely facilitated the presentation of ideas, yet failed to garner financial support from record executives, reflecting the prevailing sentiment among executives that Tejano is in decline and lamenting the genre's perceived stagnation, deeming it is "not where it's at".

Pete Astudillo released his first album independently, El Rey del Ritmo, in August 2001, and ranked among the most appealing musicians in the Tejano market.

Pete Astudillo characterized the album as a fusion of diverse rhythms rooted in Tejano influences.

The Corpus Christi Caller-Times observed that Pete Astudillo unleashed a torrent of Latin sounds, incorporating various musical elements into El Rey del Ritmo with uninhibited creativity.

Pete Astudillo began experimenting with vallenato-influenced tracks in his Tejano recordings, following the footsteps of other Tejano artists.

Pete Astudillo produced singer Sesi's Chiquita Pero Picosa album.

Pete Astudillo recorded "Eclipse", a duet with Denisse, on her debut album in 2002.

On July 9,2003, Pete Astudillo announced plans to release his first album in over two years, emphasizing quality over frequency and aiming to reconnect with the Mexican music market.

Pete Astudillo remarked that the project had blended romantic cumbias, pop, Colombian influences, and rock elements.

Pete Astudillo wanted the album to showcase his diverse musical passions and wanted to target a younger audience.

Pete Astudillo initiated negotiations with Universal Music Group, Univison, and Sony for a distribution deal for his album.

In 2005, Pete Astudillo became a co-host for Enfoque Musical, an entertainment TV program broadcast in South Texas.

Juan Martin Ovalle of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram observed that Pete Astudillo performed the track with full intensity.

Ruiz noted that Pete Astudillo's rendition moved those in attendance to tears, including Selena's mother, Marcela.

Pete Astudillo was the master of ceremonies for the 2006 Little Miss Fitness held in McAllen.

Pete Astudillo participated as one of the judges for TeleFutura's Buscando a la Doble de Selena competition show.

Pete Astudillo performed during the first annual Fiesta de la Flor in May 2016, and the second annual's event in March 2017.

Pete Astudillo collaborated on the Christmas music song "Que Empiece La Fiesta" with Stefani Montiel, Ricky Valenz, and Raul Sanchez.

Pete Astudillo recorded "Se Que Pensabas" with Grupo Quemado for their album, A Tribute to Joe "Wajo" Carmona.

In 2019, Pete Astudillo released "El Rey del Ritmo" which featured Erick Sanchez.

Pete Astudillo recorded a duet with Isabel Marie on "Camina Conmigo" for her Sigueme album.

Pete Astudillo was slated to perform at Selena XXV, a live tribute concert that was scheduled to be held at the Alamodome and broadcast on Univision in April 2020.

In 2024, Pete Astudillo released the corrido "Esta Es Pa' Mi Raza", after realizing he had yet to release a song about his family and upbringing.

The track discusses the struggles of the American Dream and the sacrifices Pete Astudillo's parents had made for him.

On March 27,2024, Pete Astudillo announced that he and Pena collaborated on a song, which he plans to release soon.

Pete Astudillo infuses his musical arrangements with a blend of international influence and pop music.

Pete Astudillo emphasized delivering the best material and did not intend superficiality to be regarded as substantive talent or a novelty act.

Pete Astudillo enjoys the works of Van Halen and Rush.

Pete Astudillo considers himself a meticulous songwriter who is open to unconventional ideas like using "stupid" in "Estupido Romantico".

Pete Astudillo prioritizes originality, pushing creative limits for impactful recordings, and eschewing haste for distinction.

Pete Astudillo coauthored Selena's top-selling and most popular songs, cemented him into music history.

Pete Astudillo has authored or collaborated on some of the most popular Tejano songs of the 1990s, including most of Selena's repertoire and "Estupido Romantico".

Pete Astudillo was inducted into the Tejano Roots Hall of Fame by 2019.

On November 27,1996, Pete Astudillo visited Miller High School in Corpus Christi, Texas, aiming to educate students about the perils associated with drugs and alcohol.

Pete Astudillo performed several songs during his visit, that was sponsored by the Coastal Bend AIDS Foundation, as part of the school district's Red Ribbon Week initiative.

Pete Astudillo conducted free mini-concerts and engaged with students, delivering talks on the dangers of substance abuse and gang involvement.

For Labor Day 1997, Pete Astudillo participated alongside other Q-Productions artists in a benefit concert to support the Corpus Christi Food Bank by raising both food supplies and funds for the cause.

Pete Astudillo dressed as Santa Claus to fulfill a child's Christmas wish during the Cristina show.

Pete Astudillo brought gifts for the child and performed Christmas carols and "Feliz Navidad" after gifting the family a Christmas tree.

In October 1999, Pete Astudillo participated in a free festival held at Robstown-Nueces County Park, sponsored by the Robstown Area Development Commission.

Pete Astudillo performed for a free concert sponsored by local sponsors at the 2000 Cinco de Mayo celebration in Corpus Christi.

Pete Astudillo provided support for singer Devin Banda after she tearfully released a video on being cyberbullied.

Pete Astudillo has a 26-year-old stepdaughter, whom Astudillo considers his daughter.

Pete Astudillo called the event "minor" and denied being drunk behind the wheel and asked fans to not judge him, saying "We all make mistakes".

Pete Astudillo answered that he had lived a normal, quiet life, and thanked God that he could provide for his family, calling it "an incredible blessing".