Pete Astudillo

One of the leaders of the Tejano music scene, Pete Astudillo was born in Laredo, TX, and from an early age followed mariachi and conjunto music. He began his musical career as a backup vocalist for the queen of Tejano, Selena, and sang two duets -- 1992's "Aname, Quirereme" and 1993's "Siempre Estoy Pensando en Ti," both of which were nominated for Vocal Duo of the Year at the Tejano Music Awards. Astudillo also wrote or co-wrote several of Selena's chart-toppers, including "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom," "Amor Prohibido," and the BMI award-winners "La Caracha," "Que Creias," and "Como la Flor." As his collaboration with Selena flourished, Astudillo developed as a solo artist as well. In 1992, his debut album Entregate a Mi, which included six songs written by him, was released on EMI Latin. 1993 also saw Astudillo nominated for Male Vocalist and Best Single at the Tejano Music Awards. His following releases -- 1993's Como Nadie, 1995's Como Te Extrano, and 1997's Si Tu No Estas -- continued with the same winning formula of well-written Cumbias, ballads, and Astudillo's charismatic voice. 1999 saw the release of his fifth album, Dondes Estas Amor. ~ Heather Phares, All Music Guide