Mexican-American musician (1941–1959) who sprang to prominence in the late 1950s with the now-classic rock hits “Come On, Let’s Go,” “Donna,” and “La Bamba.” On February 3, 1959, Valens, along with Buddy Holly and “Big Bopper” J. P. Richardson, were aboard a single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza chartered at the last minute to carry them to their next gig on the “Winter Dance Party” tour. The plane crashed in an Iowa corn field shortly after takeoff, killing all aboard—an event solemnized in Don McLean’s 1971 tribute “The Day the Music Died.” Scarce souvenir program from Alan Freed’s Christmas Jubilee Rock-and-Roll Show in New York City, 9 x 12, 14 pages, 1958, signed in blue ballpoint on the inside front cover, “Ritchie Valens.” In addition to Valens, Freed’s high-powered lineup included the likes of the Everly Brothers, Chuck Berry, Eddie Cochran, Bo Diddley, Dion and the Belmonts, Jackie Wilson, and others. The Freed show was Valens’ last major appearance before the ill-fated Winter Dance Party tour—a tour for which no programs exist. Light vertical crease and light rubbing to covers, no faults affecting the signature, otherwise fine, clean condition. A true rock-and-roll treasure! COA Roger Epperson/REAL and R&R COA.
