The La Bamba Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is a remarkable collection of songs that showcase the rich musical heritage of Ritchie Valens and the era in which he lived. The album features 11 tracks, including:
The *
: Portrayed Jackie Wilson and performed the hit " Lonely Teardrops ". Original Track List (1987) La Bamba Original Motion Picture Soundtrack- -F...
The La Bamba Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is a classic album that has stood the test of time. Released in 1987, the soundtrack was created for the biographical film La Bamba, which tells the story of the life of Ritchie Valens, a pioneering rock and roll musician. The soundtrack features a mix of original songs, covers, and classic hits that showcase the talent of Ritchie Valens and other legendary artists.
| # | Song Title | Artist | Notes | |---|------------|--------|-------| | 1 | | Los Lobos | Mexican folk song arranged by Valens; became #1 worldwide | | 2 | Come On, Let’s Go | Los Lobos | Originally by Ritchie Valens | | 3 | Ooh! My Head | Los Lobos | Valens' original B-side | | 4 | We Belong Together | Los Lobos | Valens' original (written by Robert & John Carr) | | 5 | Framed | Los Lobos | Leiber & Stoller cover (not a Valens original) | | 6 | Donna | Los Lobos | Valens' #2 hit ballad | | 7 | Lonely Teardrops | Howard Huntsberry | Jackie Wilson cover; performed in film | | 8 | Crying, Waiting, Hoping | Marshall Crenshaw | Buddy Holly cover; Crenshaw played Buddy Holly in film | | 9 | Summertime Blues | Brian Setzer | Eddie Cochran cover; Setzer (Stray Cats) played Eddie Cochran | | 10 | Who Do You Love? | Bo Diddley | Bo Diddley cameo in film | | 11 | Charlena | Los Lobos | Instrumental originally by The Vigilantes | | 12 | Frenzy | Los Lobos | Instrumental originally by Ritchie Valens | The La Bamba Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is
For more details on his life and legacy, you can visit the Official Ritchie Valens Site or read the historical background provided by the Mid-Continent Public Library .
: The Stray Cats frontman channeled his rockabilly roots to offer a blistering, swagger-filled rendition of Cochran’s timeless anthem "Summertime Blues" . Released in 1987, the soundtrack was created for
The standout track, of course, is Ritchie Valens' "La Bamba," a timeless classic that has become synonymous with Mexican-American culture. The song's infectious energy and catchy melody make it a must-listen. Other notable tracks include "Donna" and "El Mariachi," which showcase Valens' talent for crafting memorable pop-rock songs.
hit No. 1 on the American charts in 1987, echoing the success of Valens' 1958 original. Diverse Tracklist
Los Lobos, a band deeply rooted in traditional Mexican music and rock, provided the soul of the soundtrack. Their versions were so close to the originals that many listeners couldn't tell the difference, yet they possessed a raw energy that fit the cinematic format.
At the heart of the album's success was the East Los Angeles Chicano rock band . Handpicked by the Valens family to perform the musical numbers for the film, Los Lobos recorded covers of six of Ritchie Valens' original tracks, occupying the entire first half of the album. Rather than merely copying the originals, Los Lobos infused these late-1950s tracks with an authentic, high-energy Chicano punk-rock sensibilities while preserving Valens' legacy.
