Short-Lived Facts About Ritchie Valens, The Real Life La Bamba
Seventeen-year-old Ritchie Valens had a huge singing career ahead of him—until a simple coin toss brought it to a tragic end.
1. He Had A Fear
Ritchie Valens’ singing career lasted only eight months, but in that short time he achieved music legend status.
Despite the fear of flying that had plagued him since he was a child, and with only a couple of hit records under his belt, he chose to board a small plane during a frigid midwest snow storm.
Ritchie Valens wouldn't make it out of that plane alive—but what led him to that fateful moment? Let's find out.
2. He Was Poor
Ritchie Valens was born Richard Steven Valenzuela on May 13, 1941 in the San Fernando Valley. His parents were poor immigrants from Mexico, who made their money picking fruit. He lived in a full house with his two younger sisters and two half-brothers, but the home wasn’t just full of people.
There was something else in there that caught Valens’ attention.
3. There Was Music
The Valenzuela house was full of music. There was traditional mariachi music from their native Mexico, but the family also enjoyed flamenco, and R&B.
Back then there was no rock and roll, but even as a toddler Valens was taking in the different sounds he heard around him. By the tender age of five he was doing something incredible.
4. He Switched Over
At a very young age, Valens was already making his own music. When his parents recognized this, dad suggested he try the guitar. The only problem? Valens was left handed, but had a right handed guitar. It didn’t matter.
He was so determined to learn to play that he went against nature and learned to play with his right.
Then he turned around and taught himself how to play the drums. By then, Valens had done enough learning: He was ready to be a star.
