La Bamba

“La Bamba” is best known as the ethnic hit song by Richie Valenzuela (later changed to “Ritchie Valens”), turned cinematic drama in 1987. The upbeat tune reached far back into Mexican culture. The traditional version of “La Bamba” integrates several ethnic musical styles for which there is no literal English translation. “La Bamba,” played at weddings, symbolizes the bride and groom's ritual dance of unity.

Much ethnic folk music in North America dates back to the 19th century. Traditionally, it's rooted elsewhere and accompanies immigrant populations, for which it functions as a reminder of traditions specific to a respective culture. It also provides individuals a means to preserve timeless customs rooted in identity survival.

Most traditional ethnic folk music brought to the United States is passed down through generations. As each generation adapts to new surroundings, cultures tend to change. This is exemplified when traditional folk songs are mainstreamed and popularized through American music venues, much like Ritchie Valens's hit adaptation in 1958 of the Mexican folk song, “La Bamba.”

Valens was inspired by the new sounds of rock and roll and was proud of his Mexican heritage. He successfully integrated the two to create one of rock and roll's earliest hits, “La Bamba.” To date, it is recognized as one of Rolling Stone's Top 500 Songs of All Time. “La Bamba” is the only song on this list not sung in English. Over the years, Valens's “La Bamba” has been re-recorded by artists such as Los Lobos, Harry Belafonte, and disco singer Antonia Rodriguez.

In 1987, “La Bamba” was repopularized in a biographical film that depicted the life of Valens, his short-lived fame, family history, struggles with success, and tragic end of his life. The film, released in July, marked the first time in U.S. history that both Spanish-and English-speaking moviegoers would view the movie on its original release date. Previously, the English version of a film would be released first; months later, the Spanish subtitled version would be released, which subtly reinforced the segregation of the Spanish-speaking populace in America, such as those coming to the smaller, local theaters in predominantly Latin American neighborhoods.

The Mexican American star Ritchie Valens, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001, and he has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Valens's music has lived through generations, and “La Bamba” is one of the most influential rock and roll songs of all time.

Ritchie Valens's success is an important symbol of the integration of Latino culture into mainstream America. Music is one way that members of oppressed cultures seek to celebrate their [Page 1318]freedom and preserve and assert their uniqueness in an ever-changing social climate. Music is a means through which many U.S.-born Americans are exposed to a wide range of cultural experiences and musical styles. Richie Valenzuela was the first Mexican American in the rock and roll era of the 1950s. The unique fusion of his cultural roots and rock and roll guitar riffs shed light on the Latin culture and popularized the unique sounds of Latin American music. Valenzuela paved the way for future Latin artists such as Selena, Carlos Santana, and Los Lobos.

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