339 Ritchie Valens (1941-1959) “La Bamba” and "Donna" 1958

“on the eve of his departure for the Winter Dance Party tour, Valens went to Guardian Angels church with his mother, fan club president Gail Smith, and Smith’s mother. ‘Ritchie and I knelt down and prayed for a safe trip,’ Gail Smith told Beverly Menheim…Just before boarding the Chicago-bound plane, Valens walked up to his brother and put his arms around him. ‘I want you to take care of my mother,’ he said” (Larry Lehmer, The Day the Music Died, 1997). “La Bamba” is listed on the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress.

Ritchie Valens “La Bamba”

Ritchie Valens “Donna”