Ritchie Valens
Richard Steven Valenzuela, better known as Ritchie Valens (May 13, 1941 - February 3, 1959) was a Native Latin 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.
Ritchie Valens | |
|---|---|
 Valens in 1958 | |
| Born | Richard Steven Valenzuela May 13, 1941 |
| Died | February 3, 1959 (aged 17) Grant Township, Iowa, U.S. |
| Cause of death | Blunt trauma as a result of a plane accident |
| Resting place | San Fernando Mission Cemetery |
| Other names | Ritchie Valens, Avree Allens |
| Occupation | |
| Years active | 1957–1959 |
He was born to Native Latin American parents. Mr. Valens has Yaqui Native American ancestry.
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”[1]
Ritchie Valens Media
Donna - La Bamba - Billboard ad 1958
Ritchie Valens Promotional Photo for the 1959 film “Go Johnny Go”
Grave of Valens and his mother at San Fernando Mission Cemetery
Kato Ballroom poster
Monument in front of Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa
References
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