Remembering Ritchie Valens (1941-59)

Richard Steven Valenzuela (Ritchie Valens) was born on this day in 1941 in Los Angeles.  He became one of the first Mexican-American rockers and the inspiration for "La Bamba", a great movie from the 1980's.   

His story was also part of Don McClean's "American Pie", a song written in the early 1970's about the crash that killed Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper & Ritchie Valens.

He was 17 when he died in February 1959.  Ritchie was not around too long but did record hits like "La Bamba", "Donna", "Come on let's go" and "We belong together".

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