Seen here too is a portion of a tribute mural, “The Day the Music Died,” in Pacoima, Valens’ hometown. (Photo by David Allen, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG) Ritchie Valens was rescued ...

Ritchie Valens was rescued from obscurity by a 1987 movie, “La Bamba,” that finally put the Southern California teen’s story ahead of Buddy Holly and the Big Bopper, the two older singers ...