The New York Times

Why ‘La Bamba’ became the Oilers anthem, played after every win this season

To dance the Bamba, one needs a bit of grace. That is an English translation of one of the lyrics from “La Bamba.” It was a Mexican folk song Richard Steven Valenzuela learned from his cousin. By 1958 ...
Los Angeles Times

Ritchie Valens died too young. His legacy will live on forever

This essay is adapted from Merrick Morton’s “La Bamba: A Visual History,” published by Hat & Beard Press. “Dance!! Dance!! Dance!! to the music of the Silhouettes Band!!” read the handbill. The ...
Los Angeles Times

The making of ‘La Bamba’ was a family affair. An upcoming book with never-before-seen photos will show how

For the first time in nearly 40 years, never-before-seen images documenting the making of “La Bamba” will be released, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at the production of one of the most notable ...
The Reporter

A common lack of understanding

If you’re like me, one of your pressing post-holiday concerns is wondering what the lyrics in “La Bamba” mean. No matter how young or old, we share a common bond: None of us has not heard “La Bamba” ...
Stereogum

The Number Ones: Los Lobos’ “La Bamba”

In The Number Ones, I'm reviewing every single #1 single in the history of the Billboard Hot 100, starting with the chart's beginning, in 1958, and working my way up into the present. "La Bamba" was ...