Biography
Richard Steven Valenzuela (May 13, 1941 – February 3, 1959), known professionally as Ritchie Valens, was an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist. A rock and roll pioneer and a forefather of the Chicano rock movement, Valens was killed in a plane crash eight months into his recording career.
Valens had several hits, most notably "La Bamba", which he had adapted from a Mexican folk song. Valens transformed the song into one with a rock rhythm and beat, and it became a hit in 1958, making Valens a pioneer of the Spanish-speaking rock and roll movement. He also had an American number 2 hit with "Donna".
On February 3, 1959, on what has become known as "The Day the Music Died", Valens died in a plane crash in Iowa, an accident that also claimed the lives of fellow musicians Buddy Holly and J. P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, as well as pilot Roger Peterson. In 2001, Valens was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Filmography
all 8
self 6
Movies 5
TV Shows 3
The True Buddy Holly Story (2012)
Rock 'n' Roll and the 1950's Vol. 2 (2003)
Behind The Music: The Day The Music Died (1999)
Go, Johnny, Go! (1959)
Information
Known For
Acting
Gender
Male
Birthday
1941-05-13
Deathday
1959-02-03 (17 years old)
Birth Name
Richard Steven Valenzuela Reyes
Birth Place
Pacoima, United States
Religion
Catholicism
Citizenships
United States
Also Known As
Richard Steven Valenzuela Reyes
Awards
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Grammy Hall of Fame, star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
This article uses material from Wikipedia.
Last updated:
,
-
Ritchie Valens - Filmography
- Information
- Related Persons