If you want to get an intimate glimpse into the life and work of the late singer-songwriter Ritchie Valens, then documentaries are your best bet. Documentaries allow us to connect with the artist in a way that reading books or listening to records can’t quite capture. Whether you’re looking for a comprehensive overview of his career, or an intimate look at his family life, there’s a documentary out there for you. In this article, we’ll be discussing the best documentaries about Ritchie Valens and why they are so special. So come along and join us as we explore the life of the man who brought us songs like “La Bamba” and “Donna”.
1. The History of Ritchie Valens
From the Rockin John Henry Archives comes a feature-length exploration into the life and career of Ritchie Valens. Follow the journey that began in East LA, where he first picked up a guitar, to his meteoric rise to fame as one of the earliest rock & roll stars, and ultimately his tragic death in an airplane crash at 17 years old. Through never before seen photos, interviews with family and those closest to him, and rare archival footage, viewers can get an intimate look into the life of one of the most influential musicians in history.
2. Narration of Ritchie Valens’ Story as Told by Bob Keane, Producer and Manager of Ritchie Valens.
Bob Keane was the man who discovered Ritchie Valens and gave him his big break in music. This documentary tells the story of how Bob Keane and Ritchie Valens collaborated to create some of the most iconic songs of all time. From their humble beginnings in Los Angeles, California, to their meteoric rise to fame, viewers will be transported back in time as they follow in the footsteps of these two influential figures. As the narrator takes us through their journey, we’ll be moved by the raw emotion and passion that fueled both Ritchie Valens’ music and Bob Keane’s production.
3. Famous Graves : Ritchie Valens
Ritchie Valens was an iconic figure of the rock and roll genre, remembered as a pioneer for his groundbreaking music. Born Richard Steven Valenzuela in 1941, he quickly gained notoriety with a set of songs that introduced Latino rock and roll into the popular music scene. His career was tragically cut short in 1959 when he perished in a plane crash at just 17 years old. His influence, however, lives on and his memory is preserved in several captivating documentaries that tell the extraordinary story of this young star’s meteoric rise to fame. From biopics to heartfelt tributes and eye-opening behind-the-scenes looks at Valens’ life, these documentaries are an essential part of understanding the significance of his legacy.
4. RITCHIE VALENS – “The Complete Demo Sessions” – NEW sound
Ritchie Valens was a creative force to be reckoned with. His demos revealed his ability to create songs and soundscapes that were uniquely his own, often in unexpected ways. Although the qualities of these recordings are slightly rough around the edges (none of them were intended for public consumption), they still show us Valens’ growth as an artist and composer.
