Ritchie valens biography movie

(1941-1959)

Who Was Ritchie Valens?

Ritchie Valens was a Mexican American singer and songwriter influential in the Chicano rock movement.

He recorded numerous hits during his short career, most notably the 1958 hit "La Bamba." Valens died at age 17 in a plane crash with fellow musicians Buddy Holly and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson on February 3, 1959.

The tragedy was later immortalized as "the day the music died" in the song "American Pie."

Early Life

Born Richard Steven Valenzuela on May 13, 1941, in Pacoima, California, Valens made history as rock music's first Latino star.

Ritchie valens biography book

Growing in Pacoima, Valens developed a love of music early on and learned to play a number of different instruments. However, the guitar soon became his passion. He found inspiration from various sources, ranging from traditional Mexican music to popular R&B acts to innovative rock performers like Little Richard.

At 16 years old, Valens jo