Pete Astudillo

Biography

Pedro "Pete" Astudillo (born 1963 in Laredo, Texas) is an American songwriter. Astudillo was one of the leaders of the Tejano music scene, and from an early age followed mariachi and conjunto music. He began his musical career as a back up vocalist for the queen of Tejano, Selena, as a member of Selena y Los Dinos. Astudillo also sang two duets with her -- 1989's "Amame, Quirereme" and 1992's "Siempre Estoy Pensando en Ti", both of which were nominated for Vocal Duo of the Year at the Tejano Mus...

Pedro "Pete" Astudillo (born 1963 in Laredo, Texas) is an American songwriter. Astudillo was one of the leaders of the Tejano music scene, and from an early age followed mariachi and conjunto music. He began his musical career as a back up vocalist for the queen of Tejano, Selena, as a member of Selena y Los Dinos. Astudillo also sang two duets with her -- 1989's "Amame, Quirereme" and 1992's "Siempre Estoy Pensando en Ti", both of which were nominated for Vocal Duo of the Year at the Tejano Music Awards. He co-wrote some of Selena's number one hits such as "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom", "Amor Prohibido", and the BMI award-winners "La Carcacha", "Qué Creias", and "Como la Flor." Astudillo also wrote the song "Estúpido Romántico" that was sung and made popular by Grupo Mazz.

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. Also in 1993, he released his next album entitled Como Nadie. This album also had the same winning formula.

In 1995 after Selena's death, he released his third album Cómo te Extraño, which included his award-winning song by the very same name. This song was dedicated to Selena, as well as his grandmother that he had lost the previous year. Pete is most well known for this song, which he co-wrote with A.B. Quintanilla, Selena's older brother.

In 1997, Warner Bros. released the biopic film, Selena, telling her life story. Astudillo played himself in the movie. During this same year, Astudillo released his fourth album entitled Si Tu No Estas featuring the single by the album name. 1999 gave birth to his fifth and last album to date, Donde Estas Amor.

In 2005, his Greatest Hits album was released under the Univision label. He re-united with the original Dinos from Selena y Los Dinos for a historic massive tribute concert in honor of the slain superstar on April 7, 2005, at the Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. They performed "Como La Flor," as sung by Selena in her famed 1995 Astrodome concert, which over 64,000 fans attended.

In 2003, Astudillo made an appearance at the 11th Annual El Premio ASCAP Awards, where he expressed that even though he did not win any awards, he was there to show support for the people who did. He is related to Pablo Astudillo and Michael Astudillo of Arlington, Virginia.
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