Don Shelton (born Donald Burnard Shelton II) was a Black American dancer, backing vocalist, and member of Selena y Los Dinos until Selena's death in 1995. On December 2, 2014, Shelton passed away from cancer.
Early life[]
Shelton was born December 8, 1966 to Donald Burnard Shelton Sr. and Vernlee Denmon Shelton in Corpus Christi, Texas. He graduated from Carroll High School and was a member at St. Matthew Missionary Baptist Church. Shelton had two siblings, Vanessa and Dwight.
Career[]
With Three D[]
Shelton was a member of the singing group, Three D that would perform around Corpus Christi, Texas.
After a few exchanges with A.B. Quintanilla and an early listen of new song, Enamorada De Ti, Three D were hired as choreographers and dancers. They arranged to meet Selena and begin rehearsing a week before the 1990 Tejano Music Awards performance. Following the televised performance, Three D were invited to tour as dancers with Selena y Los Dinos during the Ven Conmigo Live Tour.
Following the tour, the band relocated to Los Angeles and eventually disbanded. At this time, Shelton returned to Corpus Christi.
With Selena y Los Dinos[]
Shelton began as a touring dancer (as part of Three D) with Selena y Los Dinos in 1989. He left the band briefly to study music production before returning as a backing vocalist and dancer. His first performances as a vocalist with Selena y Los Dinos were during their Premios lo Nuestro and Tejano Music Awards appearances in the early 90s.
He was assisted on back-up vocals with Freddie Corea, and sometimes Pete Astudillo.
After Selena y Los Dinos[]
Of Selena's sudden passing in 1995, Shelton stated in an interview with Tampa Bay Times, "She would want everyone to go on, including her fans.... She would want everyone to treat every day like a new day and hold their heads up."
Following Selena's death, Los Dinos disbanded. In 1997, Shelton resumed his role as a back-up dancer in the 1997 biopic film, Selena.
In the following years, Don followed his passion of cooking and became a manager at Two George's restaurant — frequented by the Quintanilla family. He later worked for Spohn South Hospital in Corpus Christi.
Death[]
On December 2, 2014, Shelton passed away from cancer at age 47; less than a week before turning 48. He was interred in his hometown of Corpus Christi.
Legacy[]
Upon learning of his death, several former bandmates posted condolences on Facebook.
Suzette Q. Arriaga said, “We loved Don. He was a great guy who brought good energy to the band. I’ll always remember his laugh. ... He had a great laugh, an infectious smile and was a cool guy.” Chris Pérez shared, “Just got the call with some bad news. A good friend and ex-bandmate lost his battle with cancer. I'm gonna miss you, Don Shelton, and our late night shenanigans. Rest in peace, my brother.” A.B. Quintanilla III said, "Don was a Dino who lost his battle with cancer. You will be missed my friend."
Former Three D bandmate, Sean Dunson, would later share, “Man, Don was ... a shining light to anyone who ever knew him. A great, awesome, funny, spirit who just enjoyed life and making those around him happy.”
Tributes[]
- Puro Tejano TV, Facebook
- Selena and Don Shelton, Selena World on YouTube
- RIP Don Shelton, LegendarySelenaQuintanillaPerez on YouTube
- Selena Quintanilla-Perez Fans, Facebook
- Clip from Pura Tejano interview, @missquintanillaperez on Tiktok
Appearance on the Netflix series[]
Selena: The Series was released on Netflix in two parts in winter 2020 and spring 2021. Don Shelton is played actor, Tyrell Washington, and appears briefly in
- “Fideo” (part one, episode 7). During Selena's performance of Enamorada De Ti, Shelton's likeness appears in a blue vest and black outfit as one of the three dancers (Three D).
- “Si una vez” (part two, episode 7). After Selena listens to "Captive Heart" with record executives when Freddie Corea's likeness asks if he can wear the vest without a shirt.
- “Astrodome” (part two, episode 8). During the portrayal of Selena y Los Dinos's last live and televised concert, Shelton is seen dancing and singing on renditions of “Amor Prohibido” and “Como La Flor.”