La Bamba

[smirkymonkey]

Just finished watching the film "La Bamba" about the life of Ritchie Valens. Such a hopeful and sad film at the same time. He had so much success at such a young age and then it was over in a flash during a tragic plane crash w/ Buddy Holly (another tragic story). I couldn't help but feel tenderly for this talented kid. What could have been.

[Skittles]

1. timeless song

heard it on the car radio just the other day - it's impossible not to sing along with it

[John Fante]

2. Solid little movie.

Esai Morales is especially good in it.

[Brother Buzz]

3. Los Lobos did the music for the film

I think the original studio session cut (With Ritchie, of course) had a whole lot more depth and texture.

Ritchie - rhythm guitar
Carol Kaye - rhythm guitar
Rene Hall - Danelectro (and featured solo)
Earl Palmer - drums

[smirkymonkey]

4. Yes, they did, and this original version is fantastic.

It just amazes me that he was only 17 years old - and saddens me that he died so young.

I just thought that the scene in the film when he (the actor) sang this was so dramatic and spine-tingling I wanted to show it.

Thank you!

[Brother Buzz]

6. That actor was the young Lou Diamond Phillips

Los Lobos guitarist, David Hidalgo, did his singing voice.

Richie Valens had genuine talent and would have gone really, really far. And if he kept using Carol Kaye and Earl Palmer, he'd have made nothing but hits; you've heard them on hundreds and hundreds of recordings and never even knew it (Google them if you think I'm pulling your leg).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carol_Kaye
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earl_Palmer

[Honest Hypocrisy]

5. "The sky belongs to the stars, right?"

Very heartwarming film with a heartbreaking ending. The price he paid for fame.

[smirkymonkey]

7. Yes, it does. I just cried my eyes out.

It is incredible what he had done in his short life. Imagine if he had lived longer what he could have done. Both he and Buddy Holly were such an incredible loss. I feel that they had so much left to give.

BTW, Welcome to DU! Nice to see you here!

[Honest Hypocrisy]

9. Thank you

It's good to be here.

[Lars39]

8. Here's a version I keep coming back to...