Details
- Reference NumberARC-0396
- Level of descriptioncollection
- TitlePhotograph of Ritchie Valens
- Date1959, 2009
- Size0.07 (Linear feet)
- Scope and ContentsThe Photograph of Ritchie Valens was shot in Kenosha, Wisconsin at what was then known as the Eagles Ballroom on 58th Street on January 24, 1959, during the ill-fated Winter Dance Party bus tour of the Midwest and a little over a week before Valens, Buddy Holly, J.P. Richardson ("The Big Bopper"), and the pilot of their plane were killed in a crash in the early hours of February 3, 1959. Five photographers from Sterelczyk Photo who had been shooting weddings that day showed up at the end of the show to catch whatever images they could. The donor appears in the image, behind Valens' guitar cable. The file also contains a an article from January 18, 2009 by Peter Jackel, Journal Times, detailing the events of the night of January 24, 1959.
- Biography / Administrative HistoryIn the course of his short life, Ritchie Valens (vocals, guitar; born May 13, 1941, died February 3, 1959) left a lasting impact on rock and roll with the classic rocker "La Bamba." A high-energy reworking of an old Mexican wedding song, its driving simplicity foreshadowed garage-rock, frat-rock and punk-rock. Ironically, "La Bamba" was the B-side of "Donna," a paean to Valens' girlfriend that rose to #2 on the Billboard's singles chart. "La Bamba" also charted, peaking at #22. This double-sided smash is one of the greatest rock and roll singles of the 1950s. Valens was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.
- Existence and Location of OriginalsThe original of this reproduction photograph remains with the donor, who purchased it from Sterelczyk Photo in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
- NotesProcessing Information: Processed by Jennie Thomas, Head Archivist. Completed November 28, 2012. Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS and local processing manual.
Citation: Photograph of Ritchie Valens, Library and Archives, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.
Acquisition Note: The Photograph of Ritchie Valens was received by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. as a gift from Patty Maar Boscher on February 10, 2010. - AccessCollection is open for research. Patrons must sign the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibilities and Privacy Rights statement on the Researcher Registration form before using this collection. Consult the Library and Archives in advance of your visit to ensure access to these materials is available.
- UseThe copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. For more information, please consult the staff of the Library and Archives.
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