Ritchie Valens - Bio, Age, Chinese Zodiac Sign & Timeline
| Born | May 13, 1941 |
|---|---|
| Age | 84 |
| Birthplace | Pacoima, Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus - (see also Ritchie Valens's horoscope and birth chart) |
| Chinese Zodiac | Snake |
| Generation | Silent Generation |
| Known For | Hit songs 'La Bamba' and 'Donna'; influential role in early rock and roll and Chicano rock. |
Intro
Ritchie Valens was an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist who became a rock and roll pioneer and a forefather of the Chicano rock movement. Despite his short career, he achieved major chart success with songs like 'La Bamba' and 'Donna.' Valens died tragically in a plane crash at age 17, an event immortalized as 'The Day the Music Died.'
Early Life & Background
Ritchie Valens was born Richard Steven Valenzuela to a Mexican-American family in Pacoima, Los Angeles. He began playing guitar and singing at a young age, influenced by traditional Mexican music and rock and roll. By his early teens, he was a talented musician, performing with local bands before earning his big break at age 16.
Career Highlights
- Released the hit singles 'La Bamba' and 'Donna' in 1958, both of which charted in the Billboard Top 40.
- Inducted posthumously into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.
- Pioneered the Chicano rock movement, inspiring later generations of Latino musicians.
- Subject of the 1987 biographical film 'La Bamba.'
Trivia
- He died in a plane crash on February 3, 1959, alongside Buddy Holly and J.P. 'The Big Bopper' Richardson.
- 'La Bamba' is a Mexican folk song that Valens adapted into a rock and roll hit.
- He was only 17 years old at the time of his death.
FAQs
People also ask
Ritchie Valens is 84 years old.
Ritchie Valens was born the 13 May 1941.
Pacoima, Los Angeles, California, United States.
On His Birth-Day
About May 13th, 1941, in brief:
- Historical events: Honoré d'Estienne d'Orves, a French naval officer and member of the French Resistance, was tried by a German court martial on May 13, 1941. He claimed full responsibility for his network, defending his fellow prisoners. On May 23, he was sentenced to death, and the execution took place on August 29, 1941.
- Day of the week: May 13th, 1941 was a Tuesday
- Zodiac Sign: Taurus (in western zodiac), Snake (in Chinese zodiac)
- Moon Phase:
- Popular movie: Sergeant York directed by Howard Hawks
Check the link for more news and curiosities on May 13th, 1941.