# Ritchie Valens

> Native Latino American musician (1941–1959)

**Wikidata**: [Q309725](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q309725)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ritchie_Valens)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ritchie-valens

## Summary
Ritchie Valens was a Native-Latino American musician (1941–1959) known as a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and composer. He gained fame as a pioneer of rock and roll and Chicano rock, leaving a lasting impact on music history despite his untimely death at age 18.

## Biography
- Born: May 13, 1941, in San Antonio, Texas, United States
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Attended San Antonio's John B. Connally High School for Boys
- Known for: Pioneering Chicano rock and contributing to early rock and roll
- Employer(s): Del-Fi Records (record label)
- Field(s): Music, rock and roll, Chicano rock

## Contributions
Ritchie Valens was signed to Del-Fi Records in 1957 and released his debut single, "Donna," in 1958. He later recorded "La Bamba," a song that became a global hit and remains iconic in Chicano rock. His music blended rock and roll with Latin American influences, shaping the genre's evolution.

## FAQs
**What genre of music did Ritchie Valens popularize?**
Ritchie Valens is best known for pioneering Chicano rock, a genre that combines rock and roll with themes and influences from Chicano culture.

**Where did Ritchie Valens work during his career?**
Ritchie Valens was signed to Del-Fi Records, a US record label, where he recorded and released his music.

**What was Ritchie Valens's most famous song?**
"La Bamba" was Ritchie Valens's most famous song, which became a global hit and remains a landmark in Chicano rock.

**How did Ritchie Valens influence the music industry?**
Ritchie Valens influenced the music industry by blending rock and roll with Latin American influences, contributing to the evolution of Chicano rock and leaving a lasting impact on music history.

## Why They Matter
Ritchie Valens mattered because he was a trailblazer in Chicano rock, blending rock and roll with Latin American influences to create a unique and enduring musical style. His music, particularly "La Bamba," became a global phenomenon and remains iconic in the genre. Despite his untimely death at age 18, Valens's contributions to music have had a lasting influence on artists and fans worldwide.

## Notable For
- Pioneered Chicano rock, a genre that combines rock and roll with themes and influences from Chicano culture
- Released "La Bamba," a song that became a global hit and remains iconic in Chicano rock
- Signed to Del-Fi Records, a US record label, where he recorded and released his music
- Known for blending rock and roll with Latin American influences, shaping the genre's evolution
- Left a lasting impact on music history despite his untimely death at age 18

## Body
### Early Life
Ritchie Valens was born on May 13, 1941, in San Antonio, Texas, United States. He attended San Antonio's John B. Connally High School for Boys, where he developed his musical talents. Valens began performing in local clubs and events, gaining recognition for his guitar skills and songwriting abilities.

### Career
Ritchie Valens signed with Del-Fi Records in 1957, marking the beginning of his professional music career. His debut single, "Donna," was released in 1958, showcasing his early musical style. Valens continued to record and perform, gaining a following in the rock and roll scene. His most famous song, "La Bamba," was released in 1958 and became a global hit, solidifying his place in music history.

### Influence
Ritchie Valens's music had a significant influence on the rock and roll and Chicano rock genres. His ability to blend rock and roll with Latin American influences created a unique and enduring musical style. "La Bamba" remains a landmark in Chicano rock, inspiring countless artists and fans worldwide. Valens's contributions to music have left a lasting impact on the industry.

### Legacy
Despite his untimely death at age 18, Ritchie Valens's legacy continues to inspire artists and fans. His music remains influential in the rock and roll and Chicano rock genres, and his contributions to the industry are widely recognized. Valens's story serves as a reminder of the power of music to transcend cultural and generational boundaries.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.maniadb.com/artist/129648?o=s)
2. [Source](https://roadtrippers.com/blog/rock-and-roll-deaths)
3. BnF authorities
4. Integrated Authority File
5. [Source](http://sound-park.ru/album/torrent-43480-ritchie-valens-the-very-best-of-ritchie-valens-1999)
6. [Source](http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/pbs-buddy-holly-tribute-shows-rave-early-rocker-article-1.987467)
7. [Source](http://www2.gibson.com/News-Lifestyle/Features/en-us/chord-progression-0324-2011.aspx)
8. International Standard Name Identifier
9. MusicBrainz
10. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
11. SNAC
12. Find a Grave
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. Virtual International Authority File
15. CONOR.SI
16. BBC Things
17. Quora
18. Carnegie Hall linked open data
19. [Source](https://www.musik-sammler.de/artist/ritchie-valens)