It is the late 1950’s in southern California, and a young superstar named Ritchie Valens, whether he knows it or not, is about to change the culture of America forever. In a matter of eight months, the Hispanic student at San Fernando High School just became one of the biggest celebrity musicians of the day.1 After dropping out of school in order to record and tour full time, Richard Valenzuela was making phenomenal Rock N’ Roll music, both on stage and in the studio. While America quickly became obsessed with the undeniably talented teen, nothing could prepare them for his next release.
From the beginning, the odds were against young Richard. He was merely sixteen, and, as a young Latino, there were few opportunities for someone like him in the American mainstream music industry, let alone in Rock ’n Roll. He saw proof of this fact early in his career, facing prejudice and discrimination at every turn. He was even forced to change his name to Ritchie Valens in order to make it easier for his fans to pronounce—a compromise that gave way to controversy and anger from his family.2 Ritchie realized that, even though he was opposed to the changing of his name, it would be a smart move for him as a musician. But even after his family name was taken from him, he refused to let go of his heritage. In fact, it seemed that he tightened his grip.
Ritchie wanted to do something to pay tribute to his Latino culture. With the assistance of Bob Keane of Del-Fi Records, he decided he would combine the two worlds that he was now so heavily a part of, by turning the Spanish tune “La Bamba” into an upbeat rock song. Only knowing English, Ritchie had to learn the lyrics of the traditional Mexican folk song phonetically. After countless takes in the studio, he recorded the song on a two-track record with a second soon-to-be hit Oh, Donna.3
Ritchie released the track and promptly shook up America. Most people had no idea what the song was about, but, for one of the first times in modern music history, they didn’t care. The charismatic rhythm of the song combined with Ritchie’s unique voice; it was impossible to dislike it, and the song spread like wildfire, taking his career to new heights.
Seeing Ritchie perform was a spectacle only few Americans were graced with. His energy and impeccable guitar skills would engage the thousands of audience members from start to finish.4 While the crowd was swooning over every single song, there was nothing like that epic guitar riff that carries the tune of La Bamba.3 As soon as Ritchie’s guitar pick hit his strings, the fans simply could not contain themselves.
Unfortunately, Richard Valenzuela’s career was ended even quicker than it begun. Soon after his explosive rise to fame was sparked, and before he could finish his tour, Ritchie Valens was killed in a plane crash along with fellow artists Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper J.P. Richardson.6 The tragedy triggered nation-wide shock, and the day became known by many as “The Day The Music Died.”7
Although his life was ended much too early, perhaps it was this terrible fate that immortalized him in music history. His music and the rest of Valens’ amazing life inspired the film La Bamba, a timeless and classic film. Ritchie’s brave move in the release of “La bamba” inspired and enabled many other Hispanic artists to begin to make their way into the spotlight, making it much more than just a great song. We see the repercussions still today, through modern Latin Rock bands and all the sub-genres surrounding them, and will without a doubt continue to experience the fruits of the song for decades to come. Needless to say, American music and culture would not be the same without Richard Valenzuela’s audacious contributions.
- Encyclopedia of World Biography, 2004, s.v. “Ritchie Valens.” ↵
- Salem Press Biographical Encyclopedia, January 2017, s.v. “Ritchie Valens,” by Scot M. Guenter. ↵
- “‘La Bamba’ one of the 100 most important American musical works of the 20th century,” Broadcast Transcript. Weekend All Things Considered, NPR, July 15, 2000. ↵
- St. James Encyclopedia of Popular Culture, 2nd ed. “Valens, Ritchie (1941–1959),” Candida Taylor. ↵
- “‘La Bamba’ one of the 100 most important American musical works of the 20th century,” Broadcast Transcript. Weekend All Things Considered, NPR, July 15, 2000. ↵
- Robert Wright, “The Day The Music Died,” Aviation Safety, July 1, 2015. ↵
- “What Went Wrong On The Day Music Died?” Interview by Robert Siegel, Melissa Block, All Things Considered, NPR, February 3, 2009. ↵
163 comments
Sarah Mares
I absolutely loved reading this article, it had a great storyline and was definitely clear in explaining who Ritchie Valens was, his life, what he did to achieve his dream and the impact he left upon the music industry universally. I was introduced to Ritchie Valens and his music when I was very young, thanks to my grandparents and parents, so I was previously aware of him and his rise to fame, short career and his unfortunate death. I have seen the film La Bamba and I particularly enjoy watching it because much like this article, it captures intricate detail of a fallen hero in the music world and how huge of an impact his legacy will leave.
Sebastian Castro Ramos
As a child I remember hearing this song popularized by Richie Valens on all types of events. How important it was Richie on the paving of the road where many other Latino artists would go through over the years. He was truly an inspiration to many, and it is lamentable that he died at a young age. Excellent article, very well written and very engaging as well.
Thomas Fraire
Growing up I absolutely loved this movie it was good. My grandparents like this kind of music; this young superstar was an inspiration to many. It’s insane how he rose to stardom at the age of 17 out of luck. This article was written very well, and it told his story even better. I really enjoyed this article grate job!
Zeresh Haman
Great article, very interesting. I have heard this song, but I did not know the history of the song or the man who wrote the song. It is really sad how his story ended, I think that music really lost a great artist in that plane crash. The movie “La Bamba” is a great tribute to Richie Valens. Very well written and put together article.
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Andrew Rodriguez
I remember listening to this song when I was young my grandpa would play this song every time we got in the car. I had no idea of his death on a plane crash, but I do think that the author was right that it did immortalize himself into the music industry. The name change was shocking to me too, just so that it will be more appealing to the public. He had such great accomplishments at such a young age. This article was very impressive and entertaining.
Evelin Joseph
I had never before heard of Ritchie Valens’s story, but through this article I definitely gained a lot of knowledge on such a great artist. Valens went through an enormous number of struggles in order to become a mainstream music icon. Even though he faced prejudice and familial disapproval, he still persevered and preserved his culture. This has simply made him an even greater artist in my eyes. It is really depressing that as soon as he achieved his goal, his life was taken, but I am glad that he was able to influence music in the way that he did.
Josselyn Arrieta-Meraz
Such a well known song, and to know who the artist of the spin off of “La Bamba” was Ritchie Valens. Such an inspiring article he did so much at such a young age, and the fact that he knew this song was going to be a hit since he did not know Spanish. This song is a great example of the power of music, so many people had no idea what the song was saying but the rhythm made anyone move. His success may have been take over by fate but this song lived and will continue to live through generations
Maria Callejas
PERFECT title choice! Indeed, la Bamba is a song for everyone, breaking any time or age barrier. It’s actually the first song I learned to play on the guitar. I knew little about Ritchie, so most of your article was new knowledge for me. You use great evidence throughout the text, specifically when mentioning the reason for Valens’ name change and what it provoked. Without a doubt, he left behind the greatest musical legacy, the most timeless song of all time. I am sure if he was alive, he would have produced more of those tunes. What a great take on a great individual! Good job!
Samman Tyata
Great article! I really liked how you effectively structured you article. Honestly, I have never heard about the context before. It’s amazing how he decided to combine the two worlds that he was a part of by turning the Spanish tune “La Bamba” into an upbeat rock song with the assistance of Bob Keane of Del-Fi Records. It was upsetting to read that Ritchie Valens was killed in a plane crash. To sum it up, i really enjoyed reading your article.
Amanda Figueroa
I remember singing and dancing to this song as a child, but never knew about the singer. It’s unfortunate to read that he had to change his name for his career to be successful, but I like how he didn’t forget about his culture and still kept his Hispanic identity. This is a very well written and informative article. Good job!