La Bamba is a folk song that originated in the Mexican state of Veracruz over 300 years ago. It was often played at weddings in Veracruz, where the bride and groom performed an accompanying dance.
"Yo no soy marinero" - refers to Veracruz's marine locale and the husband's vow to be faithful.
"arriba, arriba" - refers to the dancing going faster and faster as the music tempo accelerates
La Bamba became popular in the United States in 1958 when 17 year old Ritchie Valens adapted the song to a rock beat which people all over the U.S. loved (even ones that couldn't understand the words). It quickly became a top 40 hit (peaked at #22).
Ritchie Valens (Ricardo Valenzuela) - May 13, 1941-February 3, 1959. Ritchie Valens was born in Los Angeles of Mexican descent, he grew up with a great love for music, especially playing the guitar and singing. His recording career lasted only 8 months as his career was cut short in a tragic plane crash. However, in his short career Valens was a pioneer of the Spanish-speaking Rock N Roll movement, the first Latino to cross into rock mainstream, and Valens would become an inspiration to many musicians of latin heritage. His song La Bamba reached #22 on the U.S. charts, and in 1987 was sung by the group Los Lobos for the movie "La Bamba". The Los Lobos version reached #1 on the charts in the U.S. and other parts of the world.
The Day the Music Died - is often how February 3rd, 1959 is referred to as Ritchie Valens along with other well known musicians Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper tragically died in a plane crash. They had been touring under horrible conditions in a tour bus in the cold midwest weather, they had suffered through colds and frostbite. Then when their tour bus broke down, Buddy Holly decided to charter a plane for himself and his band members. Big Bopper convinced one band member to give up his seat, and Ritchie Valens "won" a coin toss with another band member to get his seat.
