Richard Steven Valenzuela was born on May 13, 1941 in Pacoima, California. He had a passion for music since a young age. He played many instruments but he loved playing the guitar. Richard was a singer, songwriter, and guitarist. At age 16 he joined his first band called the Silhouettes. He also auditioned for Keane’s record label in May 1958. His top hit song is called “La Bamba”. His stage name is Ritchie Valens. Ritchie is rock music’s first Latino star, a Mexican-American musician. Sadly he died on February 3rd, 1959 during a plane crash at Clear Lake, Iowa. After a long period of time he was put into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.