Michelle Yvette Lares, better known by her stage name Shelly Lares, is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and percussionist who was born on November 13, 1971. Since 1984, Lares has been nominated thirteen times in a row for Female Vocalist of the Year. She has also won numerous additional Tejano Music Awards over her career. In 1986, she agreed to a recording deal with Manny Records. She joined Sony Music Latin after leaving the label in 1996 but was dropped in the late 1990s. She committed to a recording deal with Tejas Records in 2006.
Career
In 1985, Shelly and her cousin Tony Lares founded the band “The New Generation Band.” The following year, Tony invited Chris Perez to become the lead guitarist for their band. Perez and Shelly changed the name of their band to the “Shelly Lares Band” after Tony left in 1987. Lares was nominated for a Tejano Music Award for Best Female Vocalist of the Year after Perez quit the group to perform with Selena y Los Dinos. Lares secured a recording deal with Sony Music Latin in 1996 to make the transition to country music.
Shelly’s 1996 self-titled album, which featured duets with Vince Gill, was released. The most well-liked female Tejano singer by the year 2000 was Shelly Lares. At the Tejano Music Awards in 2005, Shelly Lares took home the prizes for Female Vocalist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year.
On the US Billboard Hot Latin Tracks list, her track “Siempre Lo Esperare” peaked at number thirty. The Regional Mexican Songs chart saw her other hit, “No Me Olvides,” reach its highest position at number 40. Quiero Ser Tu Amante, her album, reached position 39 on the Top Latin Albums list.
Lares revealed herself as an LGBT person in 2008. Lares relocated from San Antonio to West Texas to be with the woman she was dating at the time. Lares started dating Mia Gutierrez in 2018. She collaborated vocally with rapper Squishy, Tejano pop artist Eric Lee, Anjelique, and ISXK on the single “Break Through” in 2022. Shellshock Records 3, which Lares started running, has signed TikToker El Gallo Dez and 12-year-old Allie. Lares has also produced music for Alicia C. and New Mexico vocalist Keana Huerta.
Discography
- Tu Solo Tu (1989)
- Dynamite (1990)
- Sabes Que Si (1991)
- Tejano Star (1992)
- Apaga La Luz (1993)
- Quiero Ser Tu Amante (1994)
- Shelly (1996)
- Aqui Me Encuentro (1997)
- Donde Hay Fuego (1998)
- Mil Besos (2000)
- 3 Veces (2002)
- Encore (2003)
- Sigue Mi Camino (2004)
- Reflejo (2007)
- Mirando Adelante (2010)
- Renacer (2012)
- De Mi Corazon (2013)
Rise to Stardom
Shelly Lares joined the Freddie Records label in the late 1980s, which launched her ascension to fame. Her 1989 debut album, “No Me Quieres T,” which received both critical acclaim and commercial success, launched her into the public eye. Lares immediately gathered a loyal following as a result of her unusual voice, which is known for its range, emotional depth, and adaptability. With hits like “Donde Hubo Fuego,” “Estupida,” and “Siempre Tuya Desde La Raz,” she established herself as one of the top performers in the Tejano genre.
Musical Style and Innovations
A distinctive and infectious combination of traditional Tejano sounds and contemporary influences may be heard in Shelly Lares’ music. Her ability to seamlessly meld elements of cumbia, ranchera, pop, and country music has allowed her to gain followers outside of the Tejano community. Lares usually addresses the emotive topics of love, heartbreak, and empowerment in her songs. Her talent as a lyricist, which she has demonstrated throughout her career, further enhances her artistic ability.
Legacy
Even after three decades in the industry, Shelly Lares is still able to captivate audiences with her engaging presentations and powerful vocals. Her ability and genuine connection to her fans have ensured her longevity and notoriety as a Tejano music singer. Lares has won several Tejano Music Awards and has been inducted into the Tejano Roots Hall of Fame for her contributions to the genre. She actively participates in charitable endeavors, supports causes close to her heart, and supports her community, which broadens the scope of her influence beyond music.
Conclusion
The influence of Shelly Lares on Tejano music is immense. Her strong voice, honesty, and pioneering spirit have put her place in the history of the genre. As the undisputed Queen of Tejano Music, Lares upholds a thriving musical history by encouraging and empowering new generations of performers. She has cemented her place in the pantheon of Tejano superstars with her enduring legacy, permanently leaving her imprint on her fans’ hearts and souls.