Partly-printed DS, signed “Richard Valenzuela,” one page, 6.5 x 9.25, November 14, 1958. Application for membership in the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), signed at the conclusion using his rare given name and filled out in his own hand with his address, telephone number, and Social Security number. In fine condition, with two staple holes to top borders. Accompanied by a receipt for payment of the $50 initiation fee.
Only a few months before his tragic death, a 17-year-old Ritchie Valens managed to overcome his fear of flying and traveled to Philadelphia to make his debut on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand on October 6, 1958. The following month he flew to Hawaii and joined Buddy Holly and Paul Anka at Honolulu’s Civic Auditorium under the banner ‘The Show of Stars,’ subsequently using the rest of November as a Hawaiian working vacation. By the time he returned to California, Valens had become a legitimate rock star, appearing on American Bandstand late in December to perform his latest hit, ‘Donna.’ Augmented by the rare presence of his given name, this is an incredible document deriving from late in Valens’ brief yet meteoric career. Pre-certified REAL.
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