Richard Steven Valenzuela (May 13, 1941 – February 3, 1959), known professionally as Ritchie Valens, was an American singer, songwriter and guitarist. A rock and roll pioneer and a forefather of the Chicano rockmovement, Valens' recording career lasted eight months, as it abruptly ended when he was killed in a plane crash.

Genres: Rock and roll, chicano rock.