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Ritchie Valens Biography

Birth Name:Richard Steven Valenzuela

Birth Place:Pacoima, California, United States

Profession Soundtrack, Actor

Fast Facts

Has been recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame
In 2001, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Started out as a musician by playing in the local band "The Silhouettes․"
Was discovered by record label executive Bob Keane
At the age of nine, he decided to start playing the guitar
Was best known for his recording of the song "La Bamba․"
Was killed in a plane crash that took the lives of musicians Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper