I'll never forget the day we were driving down Whittier Blvd. in my sister's '57 ford listening to KFWB and they interrupted the song to announce Ritchie died. We were devastated my sister had to pull over and cry. Last week my daughter and I had to drive through Pacoima to pick up something, I got really sad. Rest in Power Ritchie you are a legend.
@LyleStyle87
3 жыл бұрын
You're beautiful 🌹
@danielupsdell2697
2 жыл бұрын
You mean 1959
@loreenhlavac5586
2 жыл бұрын
I was finally able to get to see the Surf Ballroom. I cried the entire time.
@eddierodrgz77
Жыл бұрын
My mom told me the story when she heard about Buddy Holly , Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper being killed in a plane crash in early morning breaking news over the radio on her way to school in Corpus Christi, Texas. Shew was really devastated to hear of their passing back in early '59. Being an LA native from Highland Park. Ritchie Valens is an icon, of course a huge icon in Pacoima. He's the pride of the Velley!
@brandonbrake5104
Жыл бұрын
@@danielupsdell2697 may not have been driving a ‘59
@roxanneveeck291
5 ай бұрын
I was raised by boomers so music from this era was what I was raised listening to. I’ve seen the movie probably 30, 40 times, 12 times in the theater. I streamed it last night and it still hits.
@garyvandecar2580
3 жыл бұрын
It's nice hearing from both Connie and Donna, They both sound very sweet and both loved Ritchie very much.
@portervillelouis
3 жыл бұрын
Hello everyone . Thank you , and Connie and Donna for making this video. It will remain a historical record for all those young people who are now hearing Ritchies voice for the first time...AND it remains a treasure to those older fans like me. Ritchie was born in 1941 , Donna was born in 1942 and I was born in 1943 . I still remember waking up on February 3, 1959 ( I was 15) and reading the headline news in the newspaper. No one had internet back in those days. We only had a black and white TV and programs were not 24/7 as today. YEARS passed , then in 1987 the movie La Bamba was released......its a long story.....but my wife and I went to the Hollywood premier , thanks to Melanie Steele from Columbia pictures who I had met just weeks before. AT the premiere we met Ritchies mom and brother Bob and his wife Joanie . I took a photo with Ritchies mom . She was in a wheelchair and we stared at each other...very long stare ...even my wife said it. My mother’s maiden name was Reyes as was Ritchies mom ...my mom was from Nogales Arizona . .
@robertgarcia4117
3 жыл бұрын
Steven. Richard Steven Valenzuela is still alive he lives in the hearts of all his fans. It was awesome hearing Connie and Donna. RIP Ritchie. ✌😎👍
@bentrujillo6406
2 жыл бұрын
I have a 8 year old that is a very big Ritchie Valens fan!! His music and legacy will last generations. RIP to one of the God Fathers of Rock in Roll..
@MAJ0R3
3 жыл бұрын
It messes with my mind how much music history and just history would have changed that night of the crash. I'm 15 and love this type of music.
@radoflyr
3 жыл бұрын
Yep! All on a coin flip. Crazy.
@sandraevason4099
3 жыл бұрын
I had my ticket to see Richie Buddy and the Big Hopper in Halifax Yorkshire but as we all know they were tragically. killed before they were able to visit England RIP you will always be remembered your music will live forever
@joseamador5516
Жыл бұрын
Wow amazing. How old were you at the time if you don’t mind me asking miss Sandra
@plymouthduster225
Жыл бұрын
Didn't Buddy Holly and The Crickets do a tour of England before they split up?
@wormsnake1
Жыл бұрын
They weren’t scheduled to appear in the UK? It was a one off tour.x
@wormsnake1
Жыл бұрын
@@plymouthduster225 Yes they toured the UK.x
@portervillelouis
3 жыл бұрын
PART 2: At the Hollywood premier, I also met Bob Keane. He had one copy of the new release, La Bamba 87. When I asked where I could buy a copy, he gave it to me . As Connie said, her mom passed in October of 1987, after the movie came out. I attended her funeral at the San Fernando mission cemetery . A few of Ritchies songs were played on a tape recorder after the services. Years later , at the Hollywood Walk of Fame , I met Connie briefly , and the Big Boppers son. I thank Bob Keane for recording Ritchies wonderful voice and his extraordinary guitar , saving it for all of us .....for all time .
@vivhiggins5656
2 жыл бұрын
He is brilliant and will live,in the heart,'s off million's and a gentle lad,and thy are a lovely race,and beautifull whith he had gift,'s that meny would have given,there eye teeth for,and left handed so thing on that some off you righty,'s has half dont know what your talking a bout rip too richie and too his family,from england,♥️♥️♥️👀♥️😪♥️♥️♥️😪♥️👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑😥
@mollielambert9501
2 жыл бұрын
Richy was a compassionate caring gentle and persistent man with a lot of love to give. His songs are heartfelt 💕 through and through RIP 🙏 😢 ❤
@jenniluwhitney123
2 жыл бұрын
You know, even though that plane crashed 6 months before I was born, I find myself completely FASCINATED by Ritchie! I've always loved 50's music, but I can't hear enough of Ritchie. I've lost track of how many times I've seen "La Bamba"!
@cruzgarza2431
2 жыл бұрын
RIP Ritchie. Love your music...
@fasteddie9055
2 жыл бұрын
This is Eddie in the Bronx, NY. I remember Feb.3, 1959 like last night. Richie was one of my favorites and I remember seeing him on TV singing DONNA. I thought that he was from Venezuela because I heard his last name was Venezuela not Valenzuela. He is truly one of the great Chicano stars of both today and yesteryear. I ve seen LA BAMBA dozens of times and I love that movie. I ve also seen GO JOHNNIE GO dozens of times. I love to see Richie singing LETS GO (?) . I love videos like this because I feel that I m touching base with a fellow Hispanic that I've known practically my whole life. TY Rockin John Henry 4 posting.
@juliemarshall7913
3 жыл бұрын
Bless him he's a sweetheart. Thank you so much Ritchie for your beautiful music.
@nelitasciretta7101
3 жыл бұрын
Heartbreaking that such a sweet, talented young man was taken away so early in his life. Your mine will always be my favorite of Richie's. I know this was not his song, but every time I hear Sleepwalk it makes me think of him.
@bentrujillo6406
2 жыл бұрын
Its sad but at the same time maybe it was a blessing in the time frame that he went away. Who knows sometimes not knowing the ending of the story is also in the beauty.
@kristopherguilbault5428
2 жыл бұрын
@@bentrujillo6406 I don't find any part of his departure from this Earth a blessing in any way whatsoever!? 🤔
@RG-ja34sep
2 жыл бұрын
It’s incredible that Ritchie wrote and performed so many songs at such a young age. The tragic way that he lost his life at 17 years of age, along with Buddy Holly, JP “The Big Bopper” and the pilot on February 3rd 1959, is surely the saddest thing to have happened in the history of Rock & Roll. Had he lived, Ritchie would most certainly have been one of the biggest icons of the music world, and it’s amazing that even now, 63 years later, we are still talking about him, loving his music and honouring him! RIP Ritchie, we will miss you forever! In conclusion, I must say that this video does justice to the great talent of Ritchie Valens, as well as the fantastic human being he was, a modest and humble superstar. Beautiful production, congratulations to the team that put everything together 👏👏.
@2015Zoe
3 жыл бұрын
Loved this Thanks On his 80th birthday today in 2021. Was up at The Surf & Crash site Monday...R.I.P. !!! Ritchie
@paz2941
2 жыл бұрын
My grandpa died last year and we grew up in San Fernando/Pacoima area. He used to go to the Richie Valens park everyday. Learning about him because Richie is important to the culture and makes me feel closer to my grandpa
@slowflores3258
2 жыл бұрын
John Henry your Great for posting the History of " RITCHIE VALENS" WOW!! HE WAS SOO TALENTED. HE could play his, FLYING GUITAR" SOO WELL & SING FANTASTIC.. GONE TO SOON!! RIP OUR HERO, HE DID MAKE HIS MUSIC FLY!!! 😍💝🎉🎥. A 🎁 HE ALWAYS WILL BE A 🌟!!
@juliemarshall7913
3 жыл бұрын
Let's go. Is my favorite Ritchie Valens song. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 🎶😔💙
@stevenbrewer9306
3 жыл бұрын
hearing cry, cry, cry, just hearing him speak is priceless. he always looked older because man he was a big guy but you can hear the uth and magnetism in just a few words he spoke, thanks for sharing this!
@LawMami0806
2 жыл бұрын
Im not sure, then other photos I've seen of him, he look regular teen-child age 16 or 17. A few other pics, we seen of him, was chubby sorta, then others, was skinnier. but had just an "older face, at times." Great movie LA' BAMBA. CONTINUE RIP Ritchie. and all he victims, that horrific day, imo completely avoidable. I never fly in rain or snow. good night all, be safe out there."
@joseamador5516
Жыл бұрын
He was only 5’7”. Small guy but chubby
@billgonzales8978
Жыл бұрын
La Bamba forever
@thewenik6876
2 жыл бұрын
Nice hearing about this fantastic artist. Thanks.
@LocoMenteClaraOne
10 ай бұрын
His hermanita Connie says "it'll be 35 years next year" Next year It'll be 65 years. 30 years have passed since this amazing broadcast aired Dang Gone way too soon RIP Ritchie
@MrCheerbo
3 жыл бұрын
I’m heartbroken for Ritchie that he die too young. It’s like I know him in 2021.
@Ale_100G
3 жыл бұрын
Imagine having one of the youngest, best Rock n' Roller enjoy your music? I idolize Ritchie Valens and to be in little Richard's shoes is a dream.
@wormsnake1
2 жыл бұрын
I’m only beginning to appreciate how good RV really was. A brilliant guitar player too, a great rhythm and feel. What a voice too, full of gusto, soul and power. The live performances also show how good he was in the flesh. I also think that from the footage we have of him, he seems authentic, lacking in false pose or pretension. Like his sister said “you just get a warm feeling from him”. 🎸🎼. I always wrongly assumed it was Buddy Holly who had all the talent but this guy was “at least” as good as him. Not forgetting The Big Bopper who was also a unique, interesting person. Robert Peterson should never be forgotten either.🙏❤️. I think we remember February 3rd 1959 because it’s a lesson as to how fragile and temporary our life is. To make the most of our time here on earth, to cherish the brief moments we have, to count the blessings. Those 4 men will always be intrinsically linked but Ritchie should be remembered for being a most unique individual person. Even listening to the demos and the few songs Mr Valens released it was clear that in a parallel universe he was going to be a round for a long time. The talent was evident and it suggested a long and successful career. I mean most teenagers are stick picking there nose whilst this young man was buying his mother a house!! Bless him. I can’t wrap my head around the fact he was only 17 years old. Compared to Buddy who was only 22 he was young pup. However he got to experience things most people can only dream about in there wildest imaginings. I feel he was an old soul whose life shone so bright for a short period of time. Sometimes like his sister Connie said “life feels like a dream” but it’s a blessing he was here. Anyone who knows the story of Ritchie and gets to hear his songs is blessed for having done so. It’s good to hear he was a a good soul and brother. I have no doubt he went back to God and the heavens acquired a musical Angel that day he passed over. R.I.P Ritchie.🙏❤️.x
@chiasanzes9770
Жыл бұрын
Ritchie played several different intstrument not only the guitar but yes his guitar solo is great.
@portervillelouis
3 жыл бұрын
PART ONE - Ritchie was born in 1941- Donna born in 1942, I was born in 1943- I was 15 when I woke up and read the newspaper about the plane crash - Ritchies life and music remain an important part of my life to this day- I never saw Ritchie perform live - the birth of the I internet opened up lots of photos and facts about Ritchie. In 1987 I met Melanie Steele from Columbia pictures - I attended the Hollywood premier of La BAMBA - And took a photo with Ritchies mom - my mother was born in 1921 in Nogales Sonora Mexico, a border town . Ritchies mother was born not far from that area - my mothers biological maiden name was REYES - same as Ritchies mom who was born in 1915 -
@annielocin3632
5 ай бұрын
WOW! 😳 What a small world! I'm a "REYES" as well! Through my biological father. In fact his father (my grandfather) was born in Monterrey, Mexico later became a U.S. citizen. This is too COOL! 😁😎 Thanks! For Sharing. 🤗 Della R. 💋 Forever! Ritchie Valens!! 🎸 📝 🎶 ⭐ 💕 😘
@katemaloney4296
Жыл бұрын
That was a nice tribute--heartfelt without being sappy, and informative without being redundant. You gave Ritchie life beyond what we already know with the movie and songs by dogging a little deeper and letting us see who he could've been. Connie was correct when said said "as long as [Ritchie] is in our hearts, he is still alive."
@gokuson8090
Жыл бұрын
As a 23 year old, I very much enjoyed and will continue to listen to his music
@TomClarkSouthLondon
9 ай бұрын
Awesome talent that will be appreciated forever 👍❤️🙏🏽
@4sixLostSouls
2 жыл бұрын
Proof of course that the music never died
@agapitosmith319
3 жыл бұрын
THAT SONG LA BAMBA HAS A VERY IMPRESSIVE GUITAR SOLO, AND LOOKS LIKE LA MALGUENA WAS GOING TO BE ANOTHER BIG HIT.
@louievaga762
3 жыл бұрын
Inspired me to be a song writer.RIP RITCHIE
@agapitosmith319
3 жыл бұрын
THIS KID IS A LEGEND NOW, I WONDER IF HE HAS A STAR ON HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME OR IF HE’S IN THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME.
@linnyhajnalka4393
Жыл бұрын
He has both!
@lupitaseoane7466
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you much, John Henry for the great research work, compiling all this information about Ritchie. I didn’t know he had worked on/ recorded so much material, besides his own. Congratulations, well done!! 🙂👍
@ellejayem9969
2 жыл бұрын
Watching this in 2022 and going to make sure I do my part to carry his legacy on as long as I live!
@juliebrtek4506
10 ай бұрын
Nice everyone learned to every Music artist. This very interesting. Rock N Roll music. I learn from video film movie video tape at garage sale. Pick up videos . Now on dvd Richie and Buddy Holly. Enjoy his music. Blue Bird over the Mountains. Come On Lets Go. So many others . Thank you for sharing it. First time I was on the inside of The Surf Ballroom in 2015 was like dream come true and see Richie Valens and Buddy Holly Photo on top of the floor .
@joeydiaz9451
3 жыл бұрын
This is fantastic!
@mrsx7944
3 жыл бұрын
I wish another movie would be made about Ritchie. The one w Lou Diamond Phillips was great but the story needs updated.
@wendygonzalez9944
3 жыл бұрын
🥰RITCHIE #1
@snakefinger
Жыл бұрын
May 13 th ? I knew I loved you dude. We miss you tremendously Ritchie !
@judidave
7 ай бұрын
this brings back memories, saw him perform in the gym at San Fernando high school
@MrFargo1001
9 ай бұрын
He went to grammar school, then High school, had some good songs, then the plane crashed. Listen to his songs and let the kid rest.
@mrmetalministry5624
3 жыл бұрын
Excellent video! It was a great privilege to finally visit Pacoima a month and a half ago. To see where Ritchie grew up and went to school; and the cool murals in town was fantastic. Hopefully again I will visit Pacoima.; next time in California.
@Ghost_of_Joe_Biden
9 ай бұрын
Love Ritchie Valens. Hope he is at peace in Heaven forever!
@juancarlosluna2854
Жыл бұрын
Grew up In San Fernado, attended SFHS 93 I played with the Band over Paxton Park met the cast there not Donna nor Lou. Igrew up going to the SF Cemetery saw his burial. Now leaving in the mid- west Chicago. Took my Son 16 yr old, this summer 22 over to Iowa. It was a personal visit that waited 20 year's to fulfill. An amazing experience being in the surf ball room. A must do visit if your in the area.
@mannylopez973
2 жыл бұрын
Remembering meeting him at an aunt's house and his sister Connie and the other sister Summer of 1959 that's another story
@SanchoSanto
Жыл бұрын
If I ever get a chance to go back in time I'm going a night earlier to fire bomb that stupid plane. I remember going to the theater when I was a kid to watch La Bamba. It was so sad. It was the first time I cried while watching a movie. I found out later that the story was based on real events, I couldn't believe it. I bought the soundtrack on cassette and would listen to it every night. There was a girl that I first loved at around 12yrs old but my mother wouldn't let me see her so Dona became my favorite song. It is so great that today I can hear a little here and there about Richie and his family. Thank You for doing this interview and sharing it with the world.
@ralphlazio505
3 жыл бұрын
Ritchie Valens should’ve been in the painting: “Boulevard of Broken Dreams”.
@debbiekeithley7440
2 жыл бұрын
I was only about a year old but to know how sweet he was and how much he loved his family. 🙏💜☦
@azv343
4 ай бұрын
How dafuq can a kid so young have this mastery in music without the aid of keyboards, computers, dj apps? Like... How much time did he dedicate to his craft? Mindboggling
@jonlo4256
Жыл бұрын
Ritchie was forsure a gentle giant
@monika123870
3 жыл бұрын
Love music style forever Richite Valens Buddy Holly,the best genial Richite Valens Buddy Holly.
@reginaphalange7959
Жыл бұрын
I had NO idea what an accomplished guitarist he was. Malaguena... WOW!
@bojeejee2627
Жыл бұрын
I don’t know why he hasn’t gotten a big tribute like other artist, especially in the Latin community. Forever young RIP Ritchie 😢
@raymondguzman
11 ай бұрын
My Mom was born and raised in pacoima ca,she would tell me all kinds of stories. My auntie martie went to school with him,till this day she has the pictures of him,
@johnpearson429
Жыл бұрын
RIP Richie ❤️😇❤️
@Verge63
Ай бұрын
Their death is why authorities tell the family first and not media.
@rafaelchipana1470
3 жыл бұрын
Q lástima q no haya muchos vídeos de Richie en Estados Unidos en ese tiempo no le daban mucha importancia a Richie
@elizabethmencia6027
Жыл бұрын
🎙️🎙️🎸🎸🇺🇸🇲🇽🎶🎶
@Michael..r
2 жыл бұрын
i actually thought ritchie was kinda making fun of little richard song..because he says no tutie fruti or lollipop just rock rock rock......maybe i mis heard that not sure
@stephenalanmoore7278
10 ай бұрын
Why just include a still photo of Ritchie, but with no footage of him at all? Disappointing.
@davidflores5877
3 жыл бұрын
😎❤️
@MiguelHernandez-pv7xi
Жыл бұрын
Who was Ritchie’s favorite artist?
@diobrando4063
7 ай бұрын
40 min mark ?? Talk about Johnny Cash if y’all don’t hear it y’all don’t know music
@ttdenadaabba2149
Жыл бұрын
It makes me kind of angry in some ways that this Golden Era of innocence had to end ,in such a drastic manner, because afterwards it was the Kennedy Asasination, and the Vietnam War, and so on! I whish everything was like the 50's again. If someone walked up to me, and said " I'll take you back 50's , however you need to forget your cell phone, and your convenience with Technology",, I'd swear that I would do it in a second, and I would absolutely leave this present Cruel, Satanic World 🌎 ! I WOULDN'T THINK TWICE 🤔 ..
@EM-km8em
Жыл бұрын
What year is this recording from
@rockinjohnhenryarchives2071
Жыл бұрын
1993
@diobrando4063
7 ай бұрын
I love Ritchie and I know a lot about him but to this day i don’t approve of Lou ..I feel it was Hollywood selling an Imiage..that’s just me though and I’m nobody just a fan ❤
@billmcdonald7103
Жыл бұрын
P
@patriciamcminn6399
Жыл бұрын
These are all Peruvians!
@eloinaseguro5230
3 жыл бұрын
LOS LOBOS SING A 100% WAY BETTER
@googalacticgoo
3 жыл бұрын
Not! Just advanced in recording but not the same heart and soul
@laurencemckinney646
3 жыл бұрын
are you nuts? I'm 76, I've been playing LaBamba since 1969 - it's so clear: Ba Da Ba Da Ba LA BAMBA! Listen to the original, there's Carol Kaye with the chords, high tinkling piano - got to You Tube and hear it - Los Lobos sing it like they have a mouthful of mush bladabladba Bamba - there's a little hesitance ...it's never going to capture the spirit of the original.
@LyleStyle87
3 жыл бұрын
@@laurencemckinney646 "para bailar là bamba"
@dannyromo1494
3 жыл бұрын
Great music from a young man who has inspired me to perform on stage with my Band. Thanks for the music Ritchie.
@barrytooley6724
2 жыл бұрын
Smoking too much crack can really mess with your mind
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