Los Angeles teenager Ritchie Valens becomes an overnight rock 'n' roll success in 1958, thanks to a love ballad called "Donna" that he wrote for his girlfriend. But as his star rises, Valens has conflicts with his jealous brother, Bob, and becomes haunted by a recurring nightmare of a plane crash just as he begins his first national tour alongside Buddy Holly.
La Bamba
“Born into poverty. Destined for stardom. He lived the American dream.”
Overview
Los Angeles teenager Ritchie Valens becomes an overnight rock 'n' roll success in 1958, thanks to a love ballad called "Donna" that he wrote for his girlfriend. But as his star rises, Valens has conflicts with his jealous brother, Bob, and becomes haunted by a recurring nightmare of a plane crash just as he begins his first national tour alongside Buddy Holly.
Director
Luis Valdez
Budget
6.5M
Revenue
54.2M
Status
Released
Production
New Visions Pictures, Columbia Pictures
Cast
Lou Diamond Phillips
Ritchie Valens
Danielle von Zerneck
Donna Ludwig
Elizabeth Peña
Rosie Morales
Rosanna DeSoto
Connie Valenzuela
Esai Morales
Bob Morales
Joe Pantoliano
Bob Keane
Marshall Crenshaw
Buddy Holly
Brian Setzer
Eddie Cochran
Daniel Valdez
Lelo
Howard Huntsberry
Jackie Wilson
Felipe Cantu
Curandero
Eddie Frias
Chino
Mike Moroff
Mexican Ed
Geoffrey Rivas
Rudy
Sam Anderson
Mr. Ludwig
Maggie Gwinn
Mrs. Ludwig
Jeffrey Alan Chandler
Alan Freed
Stephen Lee
Big Bopper
John Quade
Bartender
Lettie Ibarra
Vera
Diane Rodriguez
Ernestine
Katie Valdez
Connie Jr.
Gloria Balcorta
Irma
Ernesto Hernández
Garbage Man
Noble Willingham
Howard
Thom Pintello
Sound Engineer
Stephen F. Schmidt
Tommy Allsup
Rosanna Locke
Sharon Sheeley
Kim Sebastian
Donna's Girlfriend
Dyana Ortelli
Rosalinda
Andy Griggs
Mr. House
Art K. Koustik
Trucker
Tony Genaro
Mr. Caballero
Allison Robinson
Girl at Party
Hunter Payne
Baseball Announcer
Joe Miller
Student
Mary Ann Tanedo
Student
Barb Jittner
Student
Brian Russell
Student
Yolanda Martinez Olivarri
Tall Blonde Girl on Motorcycle
Frank Aragon
Student
Linda Holdahl
Dancer
Thomas Rosales Jr.
Man at Party
Matthew Shields
Dancer
Reynaldo Silva
Student
Connie Valenzuela
Elderly Lady at Party
Rick Dees
Ted Quillin
Video Gallery
30th Anniversary Dual Format Trailer
Official Trailer
