Ritchie Valens – Biography, Songs, Albums, Discography & Facts

Ritchie Valens Biography

Ritchie Valens was a Mexican-American singer and composer who had a significant influence on the Chicano rock movement. During his brief career, he had a few singles, the most famous of which is “La Bamba” in 1958. He was also known for his songs “We Belong Together” and “Donna”.

Richard Steven was born in Valenzuela on May 13, 1941, in Pacoima, California, and became the first Latino celebrity in rock music. Valens had an early passion for music while growing up in Pacoima and learnt to play a variety of instruments. The guitar, on the other hand, quickly became his passion. Traditional Mexican music, popular R&B artists, and inventive rock singers like Little Richard were all sources of influence for him.

At 16 years old, Ritchie joined his first band, the Silhouettes. The group played local gigs, and Bob Keane, the head of the Del-Fi record label, recognized Ritchie at one of these performances. The youthful performer was poised for a career breakthrough with Keane’s support.

On May 27, 1958, Keane signed him to Del-Fi. “There were a bunch of ‘Richards’ about at the time, and I wanted it to be unusual,” Keane said of his decision to change his name to “Ritchie.” Keane suggested reducing his surname from Valenzuela to “Valens” to broaden his reach beyond any clear ethnic group. Ritchie was prepared to enter the studio backed by a full band. René Hall, Carol Kaye, and Earl Palmer were among the musicians.

“Come On, Let’s Go,” an original ascribed to Ritchie/Kuhn (Keane’s true name), and “Framed,” a Leiber and Stoller composition, were the first songs recorded at Gold Star Studios, in a single studio session one afternoon in July 1958. The record was a success, being pressed and released within days following the recording session. The song “Donna” (written on a real girlfriend Donna Ludwig was paired with “La Bamba” on Ritchie’s next album, a double A-side, the final single to be issued during his lifetime. The Recording Industry Association of America awarded it a gold disc after it sold over one million copies.

Ritchie had to drop out of high school in the autumn of 1958 due to the demands of his work. Keane scheduled appearances in venues across the country as well as appearances on television shows.

From 1957 until his death, Ritchie was in a relationship with Donna Ludwig, his high school sweetheart. Ludwig’s parents were against her dating a Hispanic. “Donna,” a song by Ritchie, was created specifically for her. Due to his growing prominence and touring, their relationship grew strained. Ludwig attended his funeral after he died. She attended the premiere of La Bamba, a biopic on Ritchie’s life and career, in 1987.

Ritchie died in a plane crash with Buddy Holly and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson on February 3, 1959, when he was 17 years old. The tragedy was eventually immortalized in the song “American Pie” as “the day the music died.” He was elected to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.

Ritchie Valens Discography

That’s My Little SuzieSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
DonnaSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
Come On, Let’s GoSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
Billboard Pop Albums (Billboard 200) SpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who Is Ritchie Valen?

Ritchie Valens was a rock and roll pioneer. He is best known for his hit song “La Bamba” and his tragic death in a plane crash at the age of 17. Valens was born on May 13, 1941, in Pacoima, California. He was of Mexican descent and grew up in a poor neighborhood.

When Was Ritchie Valens La Bamba Released?

The film “La Bamba” was released in 1987. Ritchie Valens was a popular musician in the 1950s. He died in a plane crash in 1959.

Ritchie Valens’S Greatest Hits?

Ritchie Valens is best known for his hit songs “La Bamba” and “Donna.” He was one of the first Latino musicians to find mainstream success in the United States.

Who Played The Guitar Solo On La Bamba?

The guitar solo on La Bamba was played by Steve Berlin.

Most Searched For Ritchie Valens Songs

We belong togetherSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
La bambaSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
DonnaSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
Come on, Lets goSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
Stay Beside meSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
My darling is goneSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
Ooh my headSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
Boney MaronieSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
FramedSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
Dooby Dooby WahSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon
MalaguenaSpotifyAppleYouTubeAmazon