Ritchie Valens
USA, 1958–1959
American singer (1941-1959) and an early Chicano rock musician. 'La Bamba' set a Mexican folk song to rock and roll arrangement; he died in a plane crash at 17.
MusicRoots documents 2 artists who influenced Ritchie Valens and 0 artists Ritchie Valens influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.
Who influenced Ritchie Valens?
- Little Richard — Little Richard's rock'n'roll fire was a direct model for Valens's energetic Chicano rock.
- Bo Diddley — Bo Diddley's rhythmic R&B was among the rock'n'roll sounds Valens fused with Mexican folk.