RV1941 to 1959
- Born
- 13 May 1941, Los Angeles, California, United States
- First work
- 1958: Come On, Let's Go
- Peak
- 1958 to 1959 (estimated)
- Last work
- 1958: Donna
- Died
- 3 February 1959, Clear Lake, United States; aged 17; accident
Ritchie Valens
Music: singer, guitarist, songwriter, United States
Ritchie Valens was an American singer, guitarist, and rock and roll pioneer who became the first prominent Hispanic rock star. Born in the Pacoima district of Los Angeles, he scored rapid national success in 1958 under the guidance of producer Bob Keane. His career produced enduring hits, notably the romantic ballad Donna and his revolutionary rock adaptation of the Mexican folk tune La Bamba. Valens's vibrant momentum was cut short in February 1959 when he died in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa, alongside Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper at just seventeen years of age.
Who else was born on 13 May or who died on 3 February.
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Signature works
- Donna 1958
- La Bamba 1958
- Come On, Let's Go 1958
- Ritchie Valens 1959
Honours
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, 2001