Ritchie Valens

Ritchie Valens

Richard Steven Valenzuela, better known as Ritchie Valens (May 13, 1941 - February 3, 1959) was an American singer-songwriter and musician. He died with Buddy Holly, and "Big Bopper" Richardson in a plane crash in Iowa on 3 February 1959, in an event that would become known as The Day the Music Died. He was 17 years old.

He was born to Mexican parents.

Valens most notable work include recordings of “La Bamba” a Mexican folk song which became a hit in the U.S. “Donna” a song dedicated to his friend and the phrase “Come on let’s go”

Ritchie Valens Media

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  Billboard advertisement, December 15, 1958

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  Grave of Valens and his mother at San Fernando Mission Cemetery

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  Poster for the "Winter Dance Party" tour.

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  Monument in front of Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa