Is The Real Donna From La Bamba Still Alive? – Celebrity
“La Bamba,” the story of the meteoric rise and tragic death of pop idol Ritchie Valens, debuted 30 years ago this week. Valens, a singer from Los Angeles who popularized the titular song “La Bamba” and had another major hit in “Donna,” died Feb. 3, 1959 in a plane crash in Iowa along with Texas musicians Buddy Holly and the Big Bopper.
Elizabeth Pena played Rosie Morales in “La Bamba,” the love interest of Ritchie’s brother Bob Morales. Actress Elizabeth Pena died in 2014 at the age of 55.
Stephen Lee, left, played the role of the Big Bopper (real name: Jiles Perry Richardson, Jr.) in “La Bamba.” Actor Stephen Lee died in 2014 at the age of 58. Prior to his death, Lee had recently performed in the movie “Burlesque” and in a number of TV roles.
Elizabeth Pena played Rosie Morales in “La Bamba,” the love interest of Ritchie’s brother Bob Morales. Actress Elizabeth Pena died in 2014 at the age of 55. The beloved actress had more than 100 credits to her acting resume. Danielle von Zerneck co-starred as Valens love interest and muse, Donna Ludwig.
When was Donna released?
Donna. 1959, Donna’s senior class photo from James Monroe High School. Music sheet with photo of Ritchie, “Donna”. Was released nationally in late October 1959. Ritchie had told Donna that he was writing a song for her. She heard the song for the first time on her car radio – she couldn’t believe it.
In 1957 Ritchie and Donna met at a garage party where Ritchie was playing. It was love at first sight. They shared two and a half years of memories and hearts forever. January 1959, The Winter Dance Party Tour, MN. 1959, Donna’s senior class photo from James Monroe High School.
Donna in Ritchie’s room. The Fender guitar had made it home. Also pictured is Ritchie’s Gibson guitar that he and his mom had purchased just a few months earlier. After Ritchie’s passing. Ritchie’s 18th Birthday. On the first anniversary of Ritchie’s death, Ritchie’s mother wanted to honor his memory.
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