LatinaLista — For many of us, one of the first Latino singing idols was Richie Valens. He may been born before our time but it doesn’t matter because the one song that catapulted him to fame is one that every person, Latino or not, instantly recognizes and can sing at least the chorus.
Of course, I’m talking about La Bamba.
There’s probably no song that can instantly trigger orgullo in being Latino/a than this tune. It was made all the more famous with the movie La Bamba that starred Lou Diamond Phillips and featured Los Lobos singing the classic.
As most know, Richie Valens died in a horrible plane crash over Iowa in 1959, along with, some of the biggest names in the history of rock’n roll — Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper.
Next year, will be the 50th anniversary of this tragedy. To help commemorate the tragedy and the accomplishments of these three legendary musicians, fans and organizers will officially declare the final performance venue of the three, the Surf Ballroom & Musuem in Clear Lake, Iowa, a rock’n roll landmark.
The week prior to the official unveiling officials of both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and the Surf Ballroom & Musuem will bring in various musical artists to perform.
The Big Bopper’s son, The Crickets, Chris Montez and Bobby Vee are among those who will pay tribute to the ill-fated stars.
President and CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Terry Stewart says, “For one week we will focus on the extraordinary lives and legacies of three pioneering men who forever left their mark on rock and roll history and American society.”
