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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. He also writes songs for the Ritchie started producing songs in 1957 and had sold over one million records by 1959. It was a wonderful experience and Morales was soon able to get a motorcycle of his own after performing a series of tasks for the president. [It] was devastating for mama. In 1985, artist Manuel Velasquez (assisted by 25 students) created a 12- by 20-ft (3.6- by 6.1 meters) 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. Steven was the second born in a family of five children. As his exact date of birth isnt available, his zodiac sign is also not known. That memorial was unveiled on July 17, 2003. Copyright 2023 Distractify. He was real. Originally from Los Angeles, Valens was the second of five children, including brother Bob Morales, younger sisters Connie and Irma, and younger brother Mario Ramirez. He put us through some major crap, but we held that man on the highest pedestal. He is considered the first Latino to successfully cross over into mainstream rock. Furthermore, they began dating and stayed in a live-in relationship for a many years until they got hitched. Ritchie's grown up and married sisters Connie Jr. and Irma had small parts as farm workers in the opening sequence. 25 Photos That Prove People in the Past Aged Way Faster Than Today. It's to be followed by a reunion of two performers from last year's concert, Mario Ramirez, Ritchie Valens' brother, and Richie Lee, from Des Moines. Connie was 72 years of age and according to her niece Diane Amezquita she would sometimes spend her days in the San Fernando Valley house that Ritchie purchased for her with the music earnings he secured in 1958. (Ritchie's siblings are alive and living in California, his father died in 1951 and his mother in 1987) She discussed what it was like the first time she came to Iowa, in 1988, for a Ritchie Valens memorial at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, where Ritchie boarded the plane that crashed. Keane booked appearances at venues across the United States and performances on television programs. Bob Morales had an abusive relationship with his first estranged wife, Rosie Caballero. After Morales found out about his brothers death, he became bitter and angry at the world and started drinking heavily. 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Donna became the most popular ballad in the USA, reaching number two on the charts. Morales, who was 22 when Ritchie died, had a very difficult time dealing with his brothers death. They can make those people dance: Ritchie Valens' brother, Mario Ramirez (Left); J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardon's son, J.P. Richardson, Jr. (Center); and original Cricket Joe B. Mauldin (Right) Bobby Vee with his Telecoustic-inspired guitar built by Richard Leach. Originally from Los Angeles, Valens was the second of five children, including brother Bob Morales, younger sisters Connie and Irma, and younger brother Mario Ramirez. Bob had located a pipe organ from one of the clients who stole it from the reverend's church. People here really care about each other., All because a 17-year-old-boy, who was a little overweight, who had acne, and who came from the wrong side of the tracks, had a dream,, Our family is blessed to be a part of the Ritchie Valens phenomenon,, He was only 17. However, nobody knew about Diane Olson, including Valens' friends, family members, and his agent. He is credited with inspiring many other musicians of Mexican heritage, including Los Lobos, Los Lonely Boys and Carlos Santana. Morales younger half-brother, the late Ritchie Valens, was a popular musician during his lifetime. Valens went to 'Pacoima Junior High School' and music was his passion from an . Mama told Mario that Ritchie often told her about his dreams, and then he Search Family Trees. Siblings share stories of rock 'n' roll's Ritchie Valens. Valens's remains were buried at San Fernando Mission Cemetery in Mission Hills, Los Angeles, California. Many performers came in, including the teenage sensation Ritchie Valens. Johnny Rebb and his Rebels recorded the song for Leedon/Canetoad Records in Australia. [20], Paxton Park in Pacoima was renamed in memory of Valens in the 1990s. She said he was really like a father figure to her since there was a nine-year age difference. Valens was in a relationship with Donna Ludwig, his high school sweetheart, from 1957 until his death. It was when Connie took her family to Pacoima, a suburb of Los Angeles, that Ritchie and the rest of his family's life began to change for the better. Valens was just 17 years old. He was so creepy looking, but he was so sweet. Concerning about Bob's educational background, he completed his intermediary level education with good grades from San Fernando High School. The names of Ritchie Valens' siblings are Connie, Irma, Robert Morales, and Mario Ramirez. The man rocked a mohawk, wore tattered clothing and leather motorcycle jackets, and almost always had a joint in his hand, but his "tough guy" outer persona belied his true nature: he was all about affection, something he took to heart. I didnt fit, but I fit here. There are Bob Morales, Irma Norton, and Mario Ramirez. (1937-2018) and Mario Ramirez. He also studied at San Fernando High School. He was the pioneer of Rock' n' Roll in the mid-50s and the founding father of the Chicano rock movement. His parents were from Mexico. He was struggling with prostate cancer toward the end of his life and had multiple remissions. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. brother of Luis Valdez, who was the writer and director of La Bamba, also played an important role inspiring Mario through his music. At the age of 21, one of his brother, Ritchie died in a plane crash on3rd February 1959. February 3, 1959, has gone down in history (and a Don McLean song) as "the day the music died."Rock and roll musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and "The Big Bopper" J.P Richardson were killed in a plane crash alongside pilot Roger Peterson on this fateful day.Eerily, singer Ritchie Valens, who perished in this accident, had an intense fear of flying and suffered from recurring . They can make those people dance: Ritchie Valens' brother, Mario Ramirez (Left); J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardon's son, J.P. Richardson, Jr. (Center); and original Cricket Joe B. Mauldin (Right) Bobby Vee with his Telecoustic-inspired guitar built by Richard Leach. The unveiling ceremony was held at Ritchie Valens Park, located at 10731 Laurel Canyon Boulevard in Pacoima. But by dedicating my life to music, I struggle to honor him. Bob was raised with his siblings in Pacoima. They took steps to build a healthy relationship but this was cut short after Ritchie died in a helicopter crash on the 3rd of February 1959. Valens was born as Richard Steven Valenzuela in Pacoima, a neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles. Mario Ramirez Ritchie's baby brother attends Richie Valens Day at The GRAMMY Museum on July 3, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. On October 19, 1957, he made his performing debut with The Silhouettes. He had crazy hair. I didnt fit, but I fit here. into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. When he was 16 years old, he was invited to join a local band, The Silhouettes (not to be confused with the group of the same name famous for its hit song "Get a Job"). Birthdate: May 13, 1941 Family: Parents: Joseph Steve and Concepcion (Connie) Reyes Valenzuela, brothers Robert (Bobby) and Mario, sisters, Connie and Irma. Three songs on this clip. The couple dated for four years before getting married on the 24th of February 1979. When Bob Morales passed away in 2018, Esai Morales paid him tribute on Facebook writing: Farewell, my big brother. It is generally assumed that the couple got married due to the longevity of their relationship but some sources have it that they never got married. As with Holly and Richardson, Valens suffered massive and unsurvivable head injuries along with blunt-force trauma to the chest. He later passed away in 2018. Ritchie Valens Day hit Pacoima Junior High School like a tropical wave, breaking into an explosion of warm and noisy energy, dissolving into an intricate lace of foam. For instance, when his daughters had tough times, he helped them look after their kids. I said, Im sorry but I cant listen to his music. I was still holding onto the hope that maybe he really wasnt gone. Valens pursued a music career early on while Morales was a natural hell-raiser. You can tell that we are all very different, but yet we are all very close. However, Rosie left Bob and they divorced each other because of Bobs drinking habit. Additionally, Bob was an also artist and ran a vintage style clothing brand under the name of Bob. 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. His wife, Joanie Morales, after his passing said that "He was a benefit-of-the-doubt-kind-of-guy." However, he never shared any physical statistics such as height, weight, chest size, waist size, hip size, dress size, shoe size, etc. According to a statement from Mason City Police Chief Jeff Brinkley, Tuesday morning, the Mason City Fire and Police Departments responded to . He ran a methadone program and had beds for 20 alcoholics and 20 addicts. This dulled his senses and pain but it negatively affected his work as well as his relationship with his family. Moreover, he sold numerous unisex t-shirtsmade of combed and ring-spun cotton. "Donna" has been recorded by artists as diverse as MxPx, Marty Wilde, the Youngbloods, Clem Snide, Cappadonna, and Misfits. Apart from Ritchie Valens, Connie had three other siblings. Connie's life wasn't an easy one: she was employed as a farm worker, a waitress, a bartender, and a house cleaner. Check your inbox to be the first to know the hottest news. His wife Joanie stated that he was so sweet and had a spirit like no other. Our mother taught us to take care of each other and thats what Ritchie always did for us.. He took care of us when our mother and father were gone, she said. He wrote 22 of the 33 songs he recorded at 17, Connie shared, pointing out that at the time it was an unheard of accomplishment for someone that young. Valens was a pioneer of Chicano rock and Latin rock, and inspired many musicians of Mexican heritage. (Photo by . He was suffering from prostate cancer which became the cause of his death. "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. . My daughter loves that movie.. Donna's father managed a Packard automobile dealership in Beverly Hills. They did a really good job,, I said, Im sorry but I cant listen to his music. I was still holding onto the hope that maybe he really wasnt gone. It sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc by the Recording Industry Association of America.[14]. All because a 17-year-old-boy, who was a little overweight, who had acne, and who came from the wrong side of the tracks, had a dream, Connie said. Thats what I told myself, Connie admitted. Many motorcycle clubs visited his house to pay tribute to him. He was a performer-songwriter. CLEAR LAKE To the rest of the world, Ritchie Valens is a rock n roll icon. Los Angeles, California native, Bob Morales traveled to Santa Cruz from San Fernando Valley. He had two half-brothers Roberto "Bob" Morales (19372018) and Mario Ramirez, and two younger sisters, Connie and Irma. He said Sign the paper, sir. The treatments initially left him depressed and unmotivated but he felt better along the way. He helped many people get clean. The Ritchie Valens Memorial Highway is located between the 170 and 118 freeways. That's a full life for sure. Ritchie Valens brother (s): Robert 'Bob' Morales, Mario Ramirez Ritchie Valens sister (s): Connie, Irma Ritchie Valens family: Ernie Valens (Nephew) Ritchie Valens friends: The Big Bopper, Buddy Holly Ritchie Valens favorite color (s)? Bob Morales grew up alongside his younger half-brother, his mother, and his stepfather in San Fernando Valley, California. Valens had several hits, most notably "La Bamba", which he had adapted from a Mexican folk song. He recorded numerous hits during his short career, most notably the 1958 hit "La Bamba . One Christmas we finally heard Mommy say Ritchies here, she said. Tuko.co.ke published an article about Canelo Alvarez is a Mexican professional boxer, boxing promoter, and world champion. The film covered the family struggles as Valens pursued his music career. Ritchie Valens' parents were from Mexico and shared Indian ancestry. The doctor told me to drink a lot of water to wash everything out of my system. [9], By the time Valenzuela was attending Pacoima Junior High School (now Pacoima Middle School), he would bring his guitar to school and sing and play songs to his friends on the bleachers.[10]. Another daughter named Connie described Bob Morales as a wonderful and humble man who gave everyone a chance because he had been given a chance in life and wanted to pay it forward. Originally from Los Angeles, Valens was the second of five children, including brother Bob Morales, younger sisters Connie and Irma, and younger brother Mario Ramirez. The story of Ritchie Valens' life is tragic: right when the musical prodigy's career was taking off, the day "the music died," happened. "2019 marks 60 years since the day the music died," she noted. On Saturday, Bob Morales died. [3] He joined a band called The Silhouettes and played gigs at local establishments. Bob Morales was initially supportive of Ritchies career and protective of him. A rock and roll pioneer and a forefather of the Chicano rock movement, Valens was killed in a plane crash eight months into his music career.[3]. From his second marriage to Joanie, Bob Morales had two daughters namely Gennie Diamond and Bly Morales. Are ritchie valens siblings nonetheless alive?Initially from Los Angeles, Valens was the second of 5 youngsters, together with brother Bob Morales, youthful . like Tommy Allsup, Link Wrey, and Chris Montez. Unlike his brother, Ritchie, who met his death at an early age, Bob enjoyed a long life. Ritchie Steven was born Richard Steven Valenzuela on 13 May 1941 in Pacoima, Los Angeles, California, United States. One of my favorites was Carlos Santana. Our family is blessed to be a part of the Ritchie Valens phenomenon, Connie said. He once said, Youre watching the movie. Ritchie's fire and drive fueled a passion for music in Mario, who plays harmonica The two remained married until Morales passed away in 2018. "Valens, Ritchie." Notable songs include La Bamba and Donna.. California-based mechanic, Bob was born asRoberto Reyes Morales on 9th March 1937 in Pacoima, Los Angeles County, California, USA. He also had an attractive white mustache as his distinctive feature. As the first Mexican-American hitmaker in the U.S., he laid . He also created a similar stainless-steel monument to the three musicians that was installed near the Riverside Ballroom in Green Bay, Wisconsin. 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. Morales children also paid him tribute. Valens had signed a contract with his agent Bob Keane, entitling him to retain most of the singer's music rights. Connie said the family had never really discussed Ritchie or the accident after it happened. You have permission to edit this article. Steven was the second born in a family of five children. Farewell, my big brother. He passed away in his home at night in September of 2018 at 81 years of age. Similarly, he was American by nationality and followed Christianity. She was buried at San Fernando Mission Cemetery in Mission Hills, Los Angeles County, California. American Family actor, Esai Morales played the real-life character of Bob in the biographical documentary movie of his brother, La Bamba. The singer would even take his guitar to school and sing and play songs to his colleagues. Likewise, his 19 grandchildren, Alia, Addie, Auggie, Nilah, Kailee, Amyah, Andrea, Ally, Naylea, Lennix, Brianna, Jason, Isaiah, Benito, Melanie, Richard lll, Christopher, Savannah, Lielah, Paige, Bubby, Isaiah, Uniz, Haylee, Lilly, Giovanni, Arianna, and Angel Morales were present at his funeral. The song became a minor hit since it was new to people. Though hes kept himself below the radar for many years, there have been no reports on Bob Morales death. Bob was raised with his siblings in Pacoima. In fact, songs still reference "The day the music died" even today, leaving Valens' family to carry on his legacy. Encyclopedia of Popular Music, 4th ed. She also shared another fun fact about one her brothers top hits. He, therefore, took to drinking heavily. When I went back for testing, most of my cancer cells were gone. Morales then started supporting the non-profit organization, Grind Out Hunger. He, however, became envious as his younger brother grew more successful. He was also something of a local celebrity. . Morales, brother of 1950s rock star Ritchie Valens, should have had his picture in the dictionary under "nice guy.'' The names of Ritchie Valens' siblings are Connie, Irma, Robert Morales and Mario Ramirez. Bob Morales was an American substance abuse counselor and car mechanic famous as the elder brother of Ritchie Valens, the popular Chicano rock star who tragically died at the age of 17. Bob Morales died on Saturday, September 15, 2018, at the age of 81. Ritchie Valens was born Richard Steven Valenzuela on May 13, 1941, and grew up in the San Fernando Valley suburb of Pacioma, California. With hits like their rock-and-roll cover of "La Bamba," along with "Come On, Let's Go," and "Donna," Ritchie Valens was a bonafide star. (Photo by Maury Phillips/WireImage) Embed Buy the print PURCHASE A LICENSE Get personalized pricing by telling us when, where, and how you want to use this asset. The duo met each other for the first time in North Carolina. Lemos, who moved to Arnolds Park in October 2012, said visiting the Surf was something she had to do. The pair found the bundle of joys after becoming parents of two children, Bly MoralesandGennie Diamond Morales. His parents were from Mexico. Bob Morales also was a good father to his children and grandchildren. I cant be somewhere and not make eye contact and smile at people I pass. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . Their relationship became strained due to Valens's increasing popularity and touring. Ed Sullivan Show What brought me to Iowa was a time for a change, she said. He never judged you. "Going back to school after he died was so hard. They then separated their ways because of domestic violence by Bob in the consumption of alcohol. Get the Behind-the-Seams Stories of Pop Music's Most Iconic Garments. His other daughter, Genevieve Diamond-Morales, said that he'd often bring strangers into their Royal Oaks home and he'd let them take a shower and give them a meal. I was waiting for him to walk around the corner. Also, he was too old when social sites were just launched. and was invited to perform as part of the All Star Jam at Ritchies induction In 1958, Steven released two singles, La Bamba and Donna. He never judged you. Ritchie Valens was just 17 years old when he changed the course of pop music in the late 1950s. Ritchie later reached out to him and they reconciled. He is also notable as the older brother ofRitchie Valens, an American singer-songwriter in the 90s. with, Mario Ramirez (Ritchie Valens' brother) and his Backyard Blues Band from California and with James Freeman, who is an original member of The Five Satins. 11 min read. He prefers to keep it secret from the media. He was a performer-songwriter. Valenzuela was brought up hearing traditional Mexican mariachi music, as well as flamenco guitar,[6] R&B, and jump blues. Bob Morales had a total of ten children out of which nine survived him. Bob Morales died as a result of complications arising from prostate cancer on the 15th of September 2018. Councilman Richard Alarcon attends Ritchie Valens Day at The GRAMMY Museum on July 3, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Moreover, Bob's parents Conception and Louis, one younger brother Ritchie and older son, Brandon Morales preceded him to death. Steven began singing for Donna another hit song called We Belong Together. ", hey guys guess who im hanging out with, my grandpa bob morales, Ritchie Valens brother . Still, he was a father figure, said Lemos, who was 8 years old when her brother died. 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. Donna inspired Valens to release the song Donna in 1959. Buzzsouthafrica.com copyright 2021. He had been walking home when the president of a local M.C. Bob was a mechanic by profession, so he didnt have as much wealth as other celebrities. Im watching the real thing. Overview Biography Discography Songs Credits Related Share on facebook twitter tumblr Similar To Bo Diddley Carl Perkins Eddie Cochran Gene Vincent He started playing and singing in his college days. He joined the family, temporarily working in agricultural camps in San Jose; picking produce and loading them onto trucks. He died in a plane crash on February 3, 1959, at age 17. His mothers name was Concepcin Concha Reyes while his biological fathers name is Louis Morales. Bob, a resident of Watsonville, California, died at the age of 81 after suffering from prostate cancer. The Day That The Music Perished On February 3, 1959, Ritchie Valens, along with Buddy Holly and "The Big Bopper" J. P. Richardson, died in an airplane crash. On the other side, his late younger brother, Ritchie maintained a fruitful net worth of$500,000when he was alive. Moreover, they married each other at the addiction-treatment center in 1979. In 2001, Ritchie was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. A few months passed by and I started to feel a lot better. The impact killed the pilot, a 21-year-old named Roger Petersen, and all three passengers: Buddy Holly, 22, Ritchie Valens, 17, and Jiles Perry "J.P." Richardson Jr., also known as the Big . He also brawled at his brothers local performances. They got to talking about who my father was and he ran to his car and got a torn piece of paper. He had only released two albums by 1959. When the couple were newlyweds, they moved to San Fernando Valley from North California. Valens was just 17 years old. Originally from los angeles, valens was the second of five children, including brother bob morales, younger sisters connie and irma, and younger brother mario ramirez. This made his children and grandchildren love him very much. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Bob Morales, Ritchie Valens Older Brother, Dies at 81 https://t.co/LDP5qCIYLx via @remezcla. Caption: Bob with his brother Ritchie (source: Remezcla). You are already subscribed to our newsletter! He always said the truth needs no explanation. A city council member representing Pacoima proposed the renaming to honor Valens so residents would "remember his humble background and emulate his accomplishments. Ritchie, one of his brothers, perished in a plane disaster on February 3, 1959, when he was 21 years old. that he called Ritchie Ricardo, my latin buddy. Mario performed at Viva Las Just sign it. Connie, who was 8 years old at the time of the crash, now lives in Okoboji, Iowa. He later worked there as a substance abuse counselor, though he was unsure if he could do the job properly. Concepcion Reyes' older son, Bob passed away at the age of 81 on 15th September 2018, Saturday in his Central Coast house based in Pacoima, Los Angeles County, California. Caption: Bob with his ex-wife Rosie (source: FaveBites). The movie was a critical and commercial hit and grossed more than $50 million at the U.S. box office. Bob had married twice in his life. Later, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer after ultra-body sound checkup in 2010. Valens was 17 at the time of his death. 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. Bob Morales was also an avid motorcycle and car enthusiast during his lifetime. Bob Morales was married twice in his lifetime. (Arian Schuessler/The Globe Gazette). He had two younger brothers named the late Ritchie Valens and Mario Ramirez, and two younger sisters named Connie and Irma. I love you all very much for keeping his memory alive.. Ritchie Valens' brother, Bob Morales, the eldest of the siblings, died in 2018 at 81 years. Pressed and released within days of the recording session, the record was a success. However, something happened in their conjugal life which resulted in an abusive relationship. Multiple motorcycle clubs also came together at Watsonville Plaza in Santa Cruz County for a last ride as a tribute to Morales. Murrieta resident Bob Munson, 79, shows his personal photographs of his junior high and high school friend Ritchie Valens Monday, Feb. 15, 2021 which were taken in the spring of 1957. The crash killed all three passengers and pilot Roger Peterson instantly upon impact. [24], 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. Bob Morales, Ritchie Valens Older Brother, Dies at 81. Steven came from a low-income family and lived in a shack on the other side of town. Ritchie's younger brother, Mario Ramirez, was only 2 years old when the singer passed away, but he's carrying on the musical legacy left behind by the rock and roll icon: "I wish I had been able to spend more time with him. Donna had a scrapbook with pictures of Valens and herself when they were together. His family announced his death and paid him glowing tributes. (Arian Schuessler/The Globe Gazette). Steven did not live to see the fruits of his labour as he died on 3 February 1959 in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa, United States. After this first audition, Keane signed Valenzuela to Del-Fi on May 27, 1958. Today, Ramirez has his own band, Backyard Blues, that plays all the original rockin blues, he said. "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. A 17-year-old Bob Morales was brought before the court and was sentenced to a juvenile home or a group home named Rancho San Antonios Boys Home. She stuck with him though and they had a total of seven children before they finally split in the early 70s. Ritchie Valens was a Mexican American singer and songwriter influential in the Chicano rock movement. He also had an American number-two hit with "Donna". Do you know? Many said they had known . Connie did, but then began crying. He had two younger brothers named the late Ritchie Valens and Mario Ramirez, and two younger sisters named Connie and Irma. 2.19K subscribers Mario Valens (AKA Mario Ramirez) is Richie Valens brother and played "La Bamba" as a tribute to his brother. She said the making of the 1987 movie La Bamba brought the family closer and allowed them each to share each others pain, because they were not able to do that at the time of Ritchies death in 1959. La Bamba featured American actor Lou Diamond Phillips as Ritchie Valens while Esai Morales played the role of Bob Morales. Please subscribe to keep reading. At that time, his family used to produce and sell agricultural products for a living. Steven released his first song through Del-Fi records in 1958 titled Come On, Let's Go. Mario Ramirez Ritchie's baby brother attends Richie Valens Day at The GRAMMY Museum on July 3, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. He initially posted a message on Thursday asking people to keep him in their prayers. La Bamba did something special; it brought us back together. They eventually started dating in 1975.