Richard Steven Valenzuela was born in Pacoima (California) on May 13, 1941. Ritchie Valens (17 years old) was a Mexican-American musician who created Latino rock using a traditional Mexican folk song. Valens, who was a guitarist at the time, joined the “Silhouettes”, a local band that was founded in 1958. This was where his musical talents first gained attention and recognition.
After hearing Valens perform at local theaters, Bob Keane, owner of Del Fi’s label, invited Valens to audition. He was quickly signed on the label in May 1958. Ritchie Valens’s most memorable period was the eight-months prior to his death. This is when he was able to be in the national spotlight. He also recorded sessions at Los Angeles’ Gold Star Studios. His first single, “Come On, let’s Go”, was not in the Top 40. His next single, “Dona”, reached #2 on Billboard’s Hot 100s Billboard charts. His highest-charting single was “Dona”. This slow ballad was written for his high school girl. His second song, “La Bamba”, reached #3 on Billboard Hot 100 year later. However, it was still #22 at the time. This song was a mix of traditional Hispanic music and Rock ‘n Roll. Valens appeared on American Bandstand’s December 1958 Christmas Show and Alan Freed’s Christmas Show. Ritchie Valens was just starting to achieve success in music when he lost his life in a plane crash. Buddy Holly, Jiles Perry and Roger Peterson were all aboard the plane. All three were on their way to North Dakota for the Winter Dance Party Tour. Minutes after takeoff from Iowa, the aircraft crashed into a snowstorm and claimed all lives. Ritchie Valens had just turned 17 when the plane crashed.
This time period is called “The Day The Music Died”, because many of the major players in the music industry were gone. This artist was chosen because I grew up watching the movie “Ritchie Valens”, which was about his brief, but influential life. Since then, I’ve been curious about Ritchie Valens. “La Bamba”, a Latino song, is something I grew to love singing. The song is well-known, and many Americans may be familiar with it. However, not all Americans will know the Spanish lyrics.
