description La Bamba Overview
La Bamba is a 1987 biographical drama chronicling the life of Ritchie Valens, an American Chicano rock and roll performer. The film details his rise to musical prominence alongside the impact on his family, including his half-brother and girlfriend. It’s based on the traditional Mexican folk song “La Bamba,” which Valens popularized in a 1958 rock and roll adaptation.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
info La Bamba Specifications
| Country | United States |
| Year | 1987 |
help La Bamba FAQ
Who plays Ritchie Valens in La Bamba?
Lou Diamond Phillips portrays Valens, while Esai Morales plays his volatile half-brother Bob Morales. Luis Valdez wrote and directed the 1987 film.
Did Lou Diamond Phillips sing Ritchie Valens's songs in La Bamba?
No. Los Lobos recorded the Valens performances used for the film, including "La Bamba" and "Come On, Let's Go," while Phillips lip-synced on screen.
Does La Bamba show the plane crash that killed Ritchie Valens?
Yes. The story ends with the 1959 crash that killed Valens, Buddy Holly, and J. P. Richardson after a performance at Iowa's Surf Ballroom.
Who is Donna in La Bamba, and was she a real person?
Danielle von Zerneck plays Donna Ludwig, Valens's high-school girlfriend and the inspiration for his song "Donna." The film uses their relationship to show the social pressures surrounding Valens's rapid rise to fame.
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