Who is Ritchie?

Ritchie Valens was a Mexican-American singer and songwriter who had a significant influence on the early development of rock and roll. He recorded numerous hit songs that made him one of the first Mexican-American superstars. His most famous hits include “La Bamba” and “Donna”.

Early Life

Ritchie was born Richard Steven Valenzuela in Pacoima, California in 1941. He was the third of five children born to Joseph Steven Valenzuela and Concepcion Reyes. Ritchie was exposed to music from an early age by his father, who would later teach him how to play guitar and other instruments.

Career

Ritchie's career began in 1958 when he signed a contract with Del-Fi Records. His first single “Come On Let's Go” became an immediate hit and was followed by numerous other charting singles, including “Donna”, “La Bamba”, and “That's My Little Suzie”. He also collaborated with other music artists such as The Big Bopper and Buddy Holly.

Death

Tragically, Ritchie died in a plane crash in 1959 at the age of 17. He had been on tour with The Big Bopper and Buddy Holly at the time of the accident. His death shocked the world and sparked an outpouring of grief from fans who remembered his short but successful career with admiration.

Legacy

Ritchie is remembered for his pioneering music which helped to bridge Latin rock with mainstream American music. To this day, his songs are still heard on radio stations around the world and have been covered by many different artists throughout the years. His legacy lives on as an important figure in the history of rock and roll.

Ritchie

About Ritchie

List of Ritchie's featurings

Ritchie's age

Ritchie's country of origin

Ritchie's real name

The Success Story of Ritchie