February 3, The Day That Music Died : Richie Valens #shorts #rockstar

Ritchie Valens was an iconic American singer, songwriter and guitarist. He is credited for being a huge influence in the Rock & Roll movement as well as founding the Chicano rock genre. Unfortunately, he passed away in a plane crash just 8 months into his career.
Valens' career was marked by several music hits, especially "La Bamba", which he had modified from a traditional Mexican melody. He turned it into a popular rock song with an appealing rhythm and beat, and in '58 the single reached #1 on the charts., Valens was a revolutionary in the Spanish-speaking rock and roll genre, with "Donna" even reaching number two on the US charts. He truly made a mark in the industry..
On February 3, 1959, the music industry was hit by a devastating loss - Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. Richardson (known as The Big Bopper) along with their pilot Roger Peterson lost their lives in a plane crash in Iowa. In memory of them, this day has been named ‘The Day the Music Died’. Valens tragically passed away at the age of 17. His legacy was honored in 2001 when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, even after his death.