Today in 1959 is "The Day the Music Died."
Synopsis
La Bamba is a bio film that chronicles the rise and tragic death of Chicano rock 'n' roll musician Ritchie Valens. It follows Valens' journey from his humble beginnings in a migrant farmworker family to his meteoric rise to fame with hits like "La Bamba" and "Donna," ultimately culminating in the tragic plane crash that claimed his life at the age of 17.
Why Today?
February 3, 1959, is "The Day the Music Died." A plane carrying musicians Buddy Holly, J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, and Ritchie Valens crashed near Clear Lake, Iowa, killing all three artists and the pilot. This event is considered a significant moment in rock 'n' roll history, marking the loss of three influential musicians and inspiring the famous line in Don McLean's song "American Pie."
La Bamba chronicles the life of Valens, showing his rise in fame to the tragic, untimely end of his life.