Lyrics Undercover 345: “La Bamba” – Richie Valens

From this episode…
Born Richard Steven Valenzuela in one of the oldest neighborhoods in Los Angeles, Ritchie Valens was a Mexican-American musician who, at the age of 17, became a Rock and Roll icon for his original songs, but largely for the incredible success of a spanish language dance/rock arrangement of a traditional folk song. Based on a classic Son Jarocho style tune from Veracruz, it traditionally blended the indigenous sounds with Spanish and African musical instruments. La Bamba has had many reincarnations from its historical origins, but none more recognizable than the 1958 Valens recording.