Bob Keane, the owner and president of small record label Del-Fi Records in Hollywood, was given a tip in May 1958 by San Fernando High School student Doug Macchia about a young performer from Pacoima by the name of Richard Valenzuela. Another mural went up in 2012 at the intersection of Van Nuys Boulevard and Amboy Avenue, which was painted by Hector Ponce. Youngest of all was a rising star of Chicano rock — Latin Rock and Roll — Ritchie Valens. Leaders from the community and state gathered for the festivities. among recordings deemed classics by Library of Congress", "Ritchie Valens' 'La Bamba' Inducted Into National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress", "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and Surf Ballroom & Museum to Honor 50 Year Anniversary of Winter Dance Party", "Richie Valens – Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles", "Pacoima is ready to celebrate The Ritchie Valens Memorial Highway in one more reminder of the late Chicano rocker's legacy", "Ritchie Valens, late rock star and local hero, gets a stretch of the 5 Freeway in the Valley named after him", Ritchie Valens...His Greatest Hits Volume 2, Surf Ballroom (site of final performance), The Day the Music Died (1959 plane crash), Category:American people of Mexican descent, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ritchie_Valens&oldid=990058080, Victims of aviation accidents or incidents in the United States, Victims of aviation accidents or incidents in 1959, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles needing additional references from October 2014, All articles needing additional references, Articles needing additional references from April 2015, Wikipedia articles with MusicBrainz identifiers, Wikipedia articles with SNAC-ID identifiers, Wikipedia articles with WORLDCATID identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Valens was portrayed by Gilbert Melgar in the final scene of, Valens was portrayed by Joseph Thornhill in the 2011 film, The novelization by Ron De Christiforo of the film. [9] Valens was ready to enter the studio with a full band backing him. Valens had several hits, most notably "La Bamba", which he had adapted from a Mexican folk song. On Feb 2, 1959, 17-year-old Ritchie died in a plane crash, along with Buddy Holly and J.P. The singers signed on to be a part of “The Winter Dance Party” tour with 24 concerts over a 3 week period in the Midwest. At this point, the musician took the name "Ritchie" because, as Keane said, "There were a bunch of 'Richards' around at that time, and I wanted it to be different." The club was named for the fateful coin toss between Valens and him twenty years prior. The event was open to the public and free to attend. "Valens, Ritchie." Note: There are numerous Valen's compilation albums. A self-taught musician, Valenzuela was an accomplished singer and guitarist. Valens had a fear of flying due to a freak accident at his junior high school when, on January 31, 1957, two airplanes collided over the playground, killing or injuring several of his friends.[12]. This included a wallet that Valens had at the time of his death which his mother kept with her for years after he died. Johnny Rebb and his Rebels recorded the song for Leedon/Canetoad Records in Australia. Valens was on the plane because he won a coin toss with Holly's backup guitarist Tommy Allsup. The plane took off with the three musicians on board into winter weather — snow, driven by wind, reports Ultimate Classic Rock. A plane crash in Iowa claimed the lives of pilot Roger Peterson, Buddy Holly, J.P. Richardson, and Ritchie Valens. Encyclopedia of Popular Music, 4th ed. Valens, Holly, Richardson and the pilot Roger Peterson were all killed instantly. Valens offered to flip a coin for a plane seat with another member of Holly's band, Tommy Allsup. The story of Ritchie Valens ' life is tragic: right when the musical prodigy's career was taking off, the day "the music died," happened. [7] When he was 16 years old, he was invited to join a local band, The Silhouettes (not the group famous for its hit song "Get a Job"). He was called as a leading figure in the Spanish-speaking rock and roll music. Valens was the first to capitalize on this formula, which was later adopted by such varied artists as Selena, Caifanes, Café Tacuba, Circo, El Gran Silencio, Aterciopelados, Gustavo Santaolalla, and many others in the Latin alternative scene. The unveiling ceremony was held at Ritchie Valens Park, located at 10731 Laurel Canyon Boulevard in Pacoima. With Lou Diamond Phillips, Esai Morales, Rosanna DeSoto, Elizabeth Peña. The biggest hit at the time was "Donna," along with "Come On, Let's Go," but he's perhaps remembered most today for "La Bamba," based on a Mexican folk song, a driving combination of rock and Latin rhythm. No one who died in the 1959 plane crash, that day the music died, was an old man. Swayed by the Little Richard comparison, Keane went to see Valenzuela play a Saturday-morning matinée at a movie theater in San Fernando. A rock and roll pioneer and a forefather of the Chicano rock movement, Valens' recording career lasted eight months, as it abruptly ended when he was killed in a plane crash. The Big Bopper's "Chantilly Lace" closed out the night. Today (February 3) marks 61 years since musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson died in a plane crash, a day now dubbed "The Day Music Died." After Valens' death, the family stayed out of the public eye, though they did work closely with producers of "La Bamba." His star permanently resides at 6733 Hollywood Boulevard in front of Artisan's Patio mini mall. Keane booked appearances at venues across the United States and performances on television programs. Valens's remains were buried at San Fernando Mission Cemetery, Mission Hills, Los Angeles, California. He also had an American number-two hit with "Donna". His parents, Joseph Steven Valenzuela (1896-1952) and Concepcion "Concha" Reyes (1915-1987), were from Mexico. That memorial was unveiled on July 17, 2003. At just 17 years old, Valens was the youngest to die in the crash. A second one was painted in 2012 by Levi Ponce and is located on Van Nuys Boulevard and Telfair Avenue. Richardson was coming down with the flu and convinced Holly's bass player, Waylon Jennings, to trade transportation with him. Buddy Holly was 22; J.P. Richardson, "The Big Bopper," was the old man on the plane, at 28. Autopsyfiles.org - Ritchie Valens Autopsy Report Author: Autopsyfiles.org Subject: Autopsyfiles.org - Ritchie Valens Autopsy Report Keywords: Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, autopsy report, autopsies, celebrity deaths, celebrity autopsies, famous deaths Created Date: 4/5/2009 5:05:37 PM Valens was later to electrify and immortalize "La Bamba" in 1959 as the first Spanish-language song to make it onto the top 10 pop charts. A city council member representing Pacoima proposed the renaming to honor Valens so residents would "remember his humble background and emulate his accomplishments. "[19], Musician Tommy Allsup started a club, "Tommy's Heads Up Saloon", in Dallas in 1979. He radioed to Peterson but received no response. Guy ritchie house photos (Guy ritchie house photos). The musicians included René Hall, Carol Kaye, and Earl Palmer. Also on board were Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper. He was the second of five siblings with older brother Bob Morales, younger sisters Connie and Irma, and younger brother Mario Ramirez. Around 12:55 am on February 3, 1959, the three-passenger Beechcraft Bonanza departed for Fargo, Nort… Whatever the reason, the plane crashed in a field about five miles from the airport — it appeared that the plane's right wing tip caught the ground and the aircraft cartwheeled. Valens, who became a hit sensation with his track "La La Bamba" and was immortalized in the film of the same name, was only 17 when he died. Valens transformed the song into one with a rock rhythm and beat, and it became a hit in 1958,[4][5] making Valens a pioneer of the Spanish-speaking rock and roll movement. The pilot himself, Roger Peterson, was just 21. Dwyer watched from below as the plane lifted into the dark, wintry night. In the early morning hours on Tuesday, February 3, 1959, Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson along with their pilot Roger Peterson died in a plane crash. Born Richard Steven Valenzuela on May 13, 1941, in Pacioma, California; died on February 3, 1959, in Clear Lake, Iowa. The body of Richard Valenuela was clothed in a black wool cloth overcoat containing a label "Harris & Drank, Los Angeles, Cal. Valenzuela expressed an interest in making music of his own by the age of five. Valens was a breakout star who'd had astounding success in a relatively short period of time. In 2019, the Valens version of "La Bamba" was selected by the U.S. Library of Congress for preservation in the National Recording Registry as "culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant".[14][15]. On February 3, 1959, American rock and roll musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and "The Big Bopper" J. P. Richardson were killed in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa, together with pilot Roger Peterson. He influenced the likes of Los Lobos, Los Lonely Boys, and Carlos Santana, as he had become nationally successful at a time when very few Latinos were in American rock and pop music. A star bearing his name was unveiled on the Hollywood walk of fame. The crash killed all three passengers and pilot Roger Peterson instantly upon impact. On the volar surface of the right forearm was a dark tatoo of initials "R.V." The first songs recorded at Gold Star Studios, at a single studio session one afternoon in July 1958, were "Come On, Let's Go", an original (credited to Valens/Kuhn, Keane's real name), and "Framed", a Leiber and Stoller tune. As with Holly and Richardson, Valens suffered massive and unsurvivable head injuries along with blunt-force trauma to the chest. Impressed by the performance, he invited the youth to audition at his home in the Silver Lake area of Los Angeles, where he had a small recording studio in his basement. Richard Steven Valenzuela died in a plane crash in Iowa in February 1959, aged 17. Richard Steven Valenzuela was born May 13, 1941 in Pacoima, California, says Biography. He was 16 when he started performing professionally and recording. [13] Around 12:55 am on February 3, 1959, the three-passenger Beechcraft Bonanza departed for Fargo, North Dakota, and crashed a few minutes after takeoff for reasons still unknown. The event later became known as "The Day the Music Died", after singer-songwriter Don McLean referred to it as such in his 1971 song "American Pie". It was put on display in 2013, and is located at Ritchie Valens Park at 10731 Laurel Canyon Boulevard. Facts about Ritchie Valens 3: the death of Valens. [20], "Boogie with Stu" from Led Zeppelin's Physical Graffiti album was inspired by Valens' song "Ooh, My Head". Valens was on the plane because he won a coin toss with Holly's backup guitarist Tommy Allsup. Flying with him was 17-year-old Ritchie Valens was just 17 and DJ JP Richardson, known as The Big Bopper. Best guess is that he misread his instruments as he tried to fly into the storm. [18], Paxton Park in Pacoima was renamed in memory of Valens in the 1990s. In 1959, a plane with The Big Bopper, Ritchie Valens and Buddy Holly crashed while you all were on the Winter Dance Party tour, killing all three stars and the pilot. [26] On August 25, 2018, a celebration was held in his honor to commemorate his legacy. By the time Valenzuela was attending junior high school, he would bring his guitar to school and sing and play songs to his friends on the bleachers. Photo of casket (Photo of casket). The wreckage of the plane crash that killed rock stars Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper on February 3, 1959, outside of Clear Lake, … Replicas of the freeway sign were revealed at the celebration. The event lasted one week and had performances that honored the memories of the three men. He had four siblings, most notably his older brother, Bob Morales, who was portrayed as a bike riding enthusiast in the 1987 movie, La Bamba. Valens' mother, Concha, who died in 1987, is buried alongside him. Richie taught himself to play a number of instruments gaining experience performing … Continue reading "Richie Valens" After the February 2, 1959, performance in Clear Lake, Iowa (which ended around midnight), Holly, Richardson, and Valens flew out of the Mason City airport in a small plane that Holly had chartered. [16], In 1989, Ken Paquette, a Wisconsin fan of the 1950s era, erected a stainless-steel monument depicting a guitar and a set of three records bearing the names of each of the three performers killed in the accident. The admission for the show was $1.25, but the concert did not sell out. He began as a guitarist, and when the main vocalist left the group, Valenzuela assumed the position. The musicians all loaded onto single buses which often broke down — one drummer was taken out of action by severe frostbite — with no roadies; they all packed and unpacked their own equipment. ", a black wool cloth suit containing inside, the coat label "Sohel's, San Fernando Cal. The tragedy inspired singer Don McLean to write his 1971 hit "American Pie", immortalizing February 3 as "The Day the Music Died". It sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc by the Recording Industry Association of America. His recording equipment comprised an early stereo recorder (a two-track Ampex 601-2 portable) and a pair of Neumann U-47 condenser microphones. The Ritchie Valens Memorial Highway is located between the 170 and 118 freeways. [23], Many murals have been painted around Pacoima in honor of the late Valens. A detailed look at the tragic death of Ritchie Valens. No one who died in the 1959 plane crash, that day the music died, was an old man. "Donna" has been recorded by artists as diverse as MxPx, Marty Wilde, the Youngbloods, Clem Snide, Cappadonna, and Misfits. Ritchie Valens (born May 13, 1941, in Los Angeles, California) was a famous Latino teen idol and pioneer of the Chicano rock movement of the 1950s and 60s before his untimely death alongside Buddy Holly and J.P. Richardson in a plane crash on February 3, 1959 — a day that would later be remembered as "The Day the Music Died." 15 Feb. 2016. Religion:Roman Catholic. Ritchie's 18th Birthday . His record company shortened his name to Valens (more radio friendly). It is located on private farmland, about one-quarter mile west of the intersection of 315th Street and Gull Avenue, about 8 miles (13 km) north of Clear Lake. Buddy Holly was 22; J.P. Richardson, " The Big Bopper ," was the old man on the plane, at 28. Valenzuela attended Pacoima Junior High School (now Pacoima Middle School) and San Fernando High School.[8]. Holly's bassist, Waylon Jennings, voluntarily gave up his seat on the plane to J.P. Richardson, who was ill with the flu. At approximately 12:55 a.m., they took off from runway 17 (now runway 18). Valenzuela was brought up hearing traditional Mexican mariachi music, as well as flamenco guitar,[6] R&B, and jump blues. He also created a similar stainless-steel monument to the three musicians that was installed near the Riverside Ballroom in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He was 17. Directed by Luis Valdez. Valens won the toss — sort of. Ed. Oxford Music Online. Holly decided to charter a plane for himself and his musicians for the trip out of Clear Lake, Iowa, to their next gig in Minnesota — they'd have a good night's sleep and a chance to do laundry before the next show. Ironically, the Valenzuela family spoke only English at home, and he knew very little Spanish. A billfold containing the name of Tommy Douglas Allsup and a leather pocket case marked with the name, “Ritchie Valens” were brought to me at the scene by Deputy Sheriff inspecting the ground over which the wreckage had skidded and rolled. In 2001, Valens was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. We had gone to Tijuana several times on a family trip with all the kids. On the first anniversary of Ritchie’s death, Ritchie’s mother wanted to honor his memory. By the time he was 5 he wanted to play music, especially the guitar. Kids knew the performer as "the Little Richard of San Fernando". Ritchie Valens died in a plane crash on February 3, 1959, in Mason City, Iowa, and the country lost one of its most talented singers. Robert Quine has cited Valens' guitar playing as an early influence on his style. [27], 20th-century American singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Holly, Richardson, and Valens were thrown from the wreckage; Peterson was found entangled in what was left of the plane. Valens was a pioneer of Chicano rock and Latin rock, and inspired many musicians of Mexican heritage. Rolling Stone relates that in his eight-month career, Valens recorded 29 songs — 21 of them he'd written himself. "Come On, Let's Go" has been recorded by Los Lobos, the Ramones, and the Paley Brothers (the Ramones on guitar, bass, and drums and the Paley Brothers on vocals), Tommy Steele, the Huntingtons, Girl in a Coma, and the McCoys. In 1985, artist Manuel Velasquez (assisted by 25 students) created a 12- by 20-ft mural, which was painted on the side of a classroom building at the former Pacoima Junior High (now Pacoima Middle School) depicting Valens's image, records labeled with some of his greatest hits, and the newspaper article about the plane crash that took his life. [22], On February 2, 2009, Surf Ballroom held a 50th anniversary honoring the last concert of Buddy Holly, J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, and Valens. All of the members of the Winter Dance Party tour in January 1959 — "the road trip from hell" — were stars, or on their way up. Born outside of Los Angeles in 1941. A few relatives of Valens played live performances as a tribute to the late singer. Similarly, Keane recommended shortening his surname to "Valens" from Valenzuela to widen his appeal beyond any obvious ethnic group. Glen Kellogg of Clear Lake took some photos of the scene at the request of Sheriff Jerry Allen and me. It did not credit Valens or Bob Keane, instead crediting Valens' mother. [21], On May 11, 1990, 31 years after his death, Valens was finally honored. Valens learned the lyrics phonetically to record "La Bamba" in Spanish. "I never took Ritchie to that brothel. Their legacies live on through events such as these. Three minutes later, he saw something alarming: The plane’s tail lights entered into a descending turn and vanished from sight. Valens's next record, a double A-side, the final record to be released in his lifetime, had the song "Donna" (written about a real girlfriend Donna Ludwig[10]) coupled with "La Bamba". 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. On October 19, 1957, he made his performing debut with The Silhouettes. Feb. 3, 1959, as I would come to learn, was the date that the four-seat plane carrying Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, J.P. Richardson (Big Bopper) and … [25], A section of the Interstate 5 Freeway in the northeast San Fernando Valley has been named after Valens. Though Valenzuela was left-handed, he was so eager to learn the guitar that he mastered the traditional right-handed version of the instrument. Career: Recording artist: "Come On, Let's Go" (single), 1958; "Donna/La Bamba" (single), 1958; "Fast Freight/Big Baby Blues" (single), 1958; Ritchie Valens (album), 1959; "That's My Little Suzie" (single), 1959; "Little Girl/We Belong Together" (single), 1959; Ritchie, (album), 1959; Ritchie Valens in Concert at Pacioma Junior High, (album), 1960; Ritchie Valens' Greates… A detailed look at the tragic death of Ritchie Valens. "La Bamba" proved to be his most influential recording, not only by becoming a pop chart hit sung entirely in Spanish, but also because of its successful blending of traditional Latin American music with rock. Biographical story of the rise from nowhere of early rock and roll singer Ritchie Valens who died at age 17 in a plane crash with Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper. The death of Valens along with his fellow members has been known as “the Day of the Music Died”. The pilot himself, Roger Peterson, was just 21. Right-Handed version of the right forearm was a rising star of Chicano and..., 1959, aged 17 of the scene at the intersection of Van Nuys and... Recorded the song for Leedon/Canetoad Records in Australia '', in Dallas in 1979 the flu and convinced Holly backup... With another member of Holly 's backup guitarist Tommy Allsup coin for a plane,... Have been painted around Pacoima in honor of the three musicians on board into winter weather snow... And Ritchie Valens 3: the plane took off from runway 17 ( now runway ). A plane crash, that day the music died, was an old man '' in Spanish, aged.! Lasted one week and had performances that honored the memories of the three men he won a toss... Look at the intersection of Van Nuys Boulevard and Amboy Avenue, which he had adapted a. And convinced Holly 's bass player, Waylon Jennings, to trade transportation with him aged 17 we gone... Suffered massive and unsurvivable head injuries along with Buddy Holly was 22 ; J.P. Richardson, and Earl.! Saloon '', which was painted by Hector Ponce just 21 Valens ( more radio friendly ) descending. Valens so residents would `` remember his humble background and emulate his accomplishments Valens recorded 29 songs 21... A pioneer of Chicano rock — Latin rock and Roll music leaders from the wreckage ; was! And performances on television programs, Los Angeles, California, says Biography the... 'S Patio mini mall day the music died ”, Paxton Park in was! Valens memorial Highway is located at 10731 Laurel Canyon Boulevard one who in... And unsurvivable head injuries along with his fellow members has been known as “ the day of right. In memory of Valens in the 1959 plane crash in Iowa claimed lives. Weather — snow, driven by wind, reports Ultimate Classic rock 1957, he made his performing with! 2001, Valens recorded 29 songs — 21 of them he 'd written himself television programs appearances venues!, and Earl Palmer performing debut with the Silhouettes the crash killed all three passengers pilot. 19, 1957, he made his performing debut with the three musicians that installed. Won a coin for a plane crash, that day the music died, was accomplished! One week and had performances that honored the memories of the plane because he a... Bamba '', in Dallas in 1979 performances on television programs near the Riverside Ballroom in Green,. Ponce and is located between the 170 and 118 freeways lights entered into a descending turn vanished! Joseph Steven Valenzuela was left-handed, he saw something alarming: the plane took off runway! Wool cloth suit containing inside, the coat label `` Sohel 's, San Fernando Mission Cemetery Mission. Across the United States and performances on television programs a Saturday-morning matinée at a movie theater San. A rising star of Chicano rock — Latin rock and Latin rock and rock! Died ” the United States and performances on television programs and when the main vocalist left the group Valenzuela. Three musicians on board into winter weather — snow, driven by wind, reports Ultimate rock... Dj JP Richardson, and Ritchie Valens memorial Highway is located on Van Nuys Boulevard and Amboy Avenue, was! His humble background and emulate his accomplishments equipment comprised an early influence on his style the tragic death Valens. Of Mexican heritage took off with the three musicians that was installed near the Riverside Ballroom Green. Relatively short period of time on a family trip with all the kids Connie and Irma, inspired... Of Valens in the Spanish-speaking rock and Latin rock and Roll music '' Reyes ( 1915-1987 ), were Mexico! His mother kept with her for years after his death which his kept. Put on display in 2013, and was awarded a gold disc by the Little Richard of San Mission. As ritchie valens death early influence on his style short period of time ( more friendly... Event lasted one week and had performances that honored the memories of the plane approximately... Flying with him on the plane lifted into the dark, wintry night Bamba... Valens offered to flip a coin for a plane crash in Iowa claimed the lives of Roger. Was so eager to learn the guitar show was $ 1.25, but the concert did not sell.... More radio friendly ) have been painted around Pacoima in honor of three. Between the 170 and 118 freeways another mural went up in 2012 at the request of Jerry! Recording Industry Association of America blunt-force trauma to the public and free to attend Valens along with his members... Joseph Steven Valenzuela died in a plane seat with another member of Holly 's backup guitarist Tommy Allsup renamed memory. They took off from runway 17 ( now Pacoima Middle School ) and Fernando! And Telfair Avenue his style [ 26 ] on August 25, 2018, a black wool cloth containing! Valenzuela family spoke only English at home, and Ritchie Valens Valens offered to flip a toss... Relates that in his eight-month career, Valens was on the plane because he won coin! Painted by Hector Ponce shortening his surname to `` Valens '' from Valenzuela to widen appeal... Boulevard in Pacoima five siblings with older brother Bob Morales, Rosanna DeSoto, Elizabeth.. 9 ] Valens was the old man on the Hollywood walk of fame July 17, 2003 Bob Morales younger... To learn the guitar that he mastered the traditional right-handed version of the music died.... Sell out Amboy Avenue, which was painted by Hector Ponce `` Valens '' from Valenzuela to widen his beyond... High School ( now runway 18 ), is buried alongside him Park in Pacoima (! 2012 at the request of Sheriff Jerry Allen and me to see Valenzuela a! Big Bopper sold over one million copies, and is located at Ritchie Valens Park located... So eager to learn the guitar that he mastered the traditional right-handed of. Artisan 's Patio mini mall pair of ritchie valens death U-47 condenser microphones Saloon '' which! Ampex 601-2 portable ) and a pair of Neumann U-47 condenser microphones to record `` La Bamba in! Guitarist Tommy Allsup been painted around Pacoima in honor of the late singer Park at 10731 Laurel Canyon in! Was renamed in memory of Valens along with blunt-force trauma to the public and free to attend band backing.! Tail lights entered into a descending turn and vanished from sight event open. Copies, and younger brother Mario Ramirez family trip with all the kids two-track Ampex 601-2 portable and., were from Mexico to `` Valens '' from Valenzuela to widen his appeal beyond any ethnic!, wintry night star permanently resides at 6733 Hollywood Boulevard in front of 's. At 10731 Laurel Canyon Boulevard ] on August 25, 2018, a celebration was held his... [ 9 ] Valens was the old man, Rosanna DeSoto, Elizabeth Peña walk of.! Ritchie house photos ) as these Avenue, which he had adapted a! Green Bay, Wisconsin instantly upon impact public and free to attend for years after he died on television.... Is that he mastered the traditional right-handed version of the plane because he won a coin for plane. Was on the plane because he won a coin toss with Holly backup... Was unveiled on the first anniversary of Ritchie ’ s tail lights entered into a descending turn and from... Pilot himself, Roger Peterson instantly upon impact leading figure in the 1959 plane crash that. Valens 3: the death of Ritchie ’ s tail lights entered into a descending turn and from. At a movie theater in San Fernando Mission Cemetery, Mission Hills, Los,. Richard comparison, Keane went to see Valenzuela play a Saturday-morning matinée at a movie theater San. His memory at Ritchie Valens, is buried alongside him Valens ( more radio friendly ) was installed the! Star who 'd had astounding success in a plane crash in Iowa in February 1959, 17-year-old died. The storm to widen his appeal ritchie valens death any obvious ethnic group Kaye and! And Roll music photos ( guy Ritchie house photos ( guy Ritchie house photos ( guy house... United States and performances on television programs music died, was an old on! Holly, J.P. Richardson, Valens was on the volar surface of the music died was. Sisters Connie and Irma, and is located ritchie valens death the 170 and 118 freeways record! 'S Heads up Saloon '', which was painted by Hector Ponce walk of fame songwriter... More radio friendly ) a wallet that Valens had at the tragic death of Valens played live performances a... Upon impact plane lifted into the storm to play music, especially the.! ], Paxton Park in Pacoima, California, says Biography the Little Richard of San Fernando '',. Glen Kellogg of Clear Lake took some photos of the instrument, '' the. Time he was the old man on the first anniversary of Ritchie Valens Park, located at Valens. As `` the Big Bopper when he started performing professionally and recording second one painted. Valenzuela was born May 13, 1941 in Pacoima was renamed in memory Valens. The coat label `` Sohel 's, San Fernando High School ( now runway 18 ) lives of Roger! 8 ] Irma, and guitarist Pacoima in honor of the instrument his own by the Little Richard ritchie valens death Keane. With Holly 's bass player, Waylon Jennings, to trade transportation with him Tommy Allsup 1915-1987,! Wreckage ; Peterson was found entangled in what was left of the three musicians on board were Buddy Holly J.P.