Tejano singer Graciela Beltran is widely known as one of regional Mexican music's most influential female voices. Next to artists like Rocío Dúrcal and Selena, Beltran is credited with helping to form the genre, as well as solidifying a woman's place in it. Under the name Gracielita Beltran, she began recording albums of norteño, banda, and mariachi music. Some four years later, Beltran was noticed by record execs at EMI, where she recorded six albums. She was eventually called "La Reina del Pueblo" ("The Queen of the People") both in the press and among her fans. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez