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Ritchie Valens was one of leading lights in what became known as the Chicano style of rock – music from the Mexican-American community of the USA, often sung in Spanish and heavily influenced by R&B, and often with a Latin flavour. He is also, of course, well-known for more tragic reasons, namely that he was one of the three rock ‘n’ roll stars along with Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper who died in the fateful light aeroplane crash in Iowa on February 3rd 1959, immortalised in Don McLean’s 1971 hit “American Pie” as “The Day The Music Died”. Ritchie was still only 17 years old when he died, but in his brief eight-month recording career he had already scored three hits, two of which were in the Top 100 at the time of the accident. This huge 20 track LP comprises all his singles through to 1962, including the A and B sides of his singles for the Del-Fi label alongside selected album tracks and demo’s. It naturally includes his No.2 US hit “Donna” along with its famous hit B side “La Bamba”, along with his other hits “Come On, Let’s Go”, “That's My Little Suzie” and “Little Girl”. It’s an evocative showcase for a young talent who made a notable impact during his tragically brief career.
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