La Bamba: Ritchie's Death is Announced (HD Scene)

Ritchie's (Lou Diamond Phillips) tragic death is announced over the airways.
#LaBamba #RitchieValens #HDClips #MovieScenes
Now on Disc and Digital: www.sonypictures.com/movies/l...
The life of rock & roll legend Richie Valens bursts across the screen in this celebrated, music-filled movie with star-making performances by Lou Diamond Phillips as Richie and Esai Morales as his half-brother, Bob. LA BAMBA depicts the 17-year-old Mexican-American's rocket rise to fame, from field laborer to rock star with a string of hit singles and a date with destiny. Fueled by Valens' hit songs performed by the Grammy®-winning Los Lobos as well as classic '50s tunes, LA BAMBA recreates the thrilling early days of rock and pays homage to the enduring legacy of a remarkable talent whose music crossed all borders.

[@bartolomeestebanmurillo4459]

Bob outlived Ritchie by nearly 60 years, he passed away 4 years ago. May they all RIP.

[@marciapawlowski9886]

Very sorry to hear this, I didn't know, Richie was one of a kind but Bob lived thru hell I'm sure. Had a good friend who was a cousin.

[@klevatino4525]

❤ 🙏🏻

[@AlexGarcia-eo5us]

He even lived out Connie his mom 😢

[@nowgo_]

@@AlexGarcia-eo5us as she should , no mother should burry her son

[@AlexGarcia-eo5us]

@@nowgo_ I agree no mother or father should buried their son or daughter. It was just so sad and devastating for Ms. Valenzuela, because she had to witness her son being buried. To make it worse he was just 17 years old, is a sad story all around it.🙏🏻😢

[@A_Final_Hit]

Thirty five years later and this scene still hits so hard. 😭

[@davidsettles9444]

@ Jason M. It happened 64 years ago, this coming Feb. 2023…not 35.

[@A_Final_Hit]

@@davidsettles9444 The movie was released 63 years ago? 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@davidsettles9444]

@@A_Final_Hit My bad… I thought you were talking about the accident.

[@corduerorose9747]

Mr diamond Phillips big break 35 years in the spotlight

[@stephanyhdz92]

​@@corduerorose9747he was in young gun's in '88 was cool there too but not sure which was his first movie I just remembered I liked him as a actor when I was a child growing up watching him in these movies. He definitely was big in this

[@thefearofg0ds758]

Imagine getting news like this on a radio broadcast, randomly going about your day. This was always a heart wrenching scene to watch.

[@emilyholasek63]

This changed how people were notified of deaths. They informed the families first before releasing their names to the public.

[@blue3266]

That's how Buddy Holly's wife found out and she ended up having a miscarriage.

[@nipulkradmsinatagras8293]

*Must have been hard as hell for the family to take the news at that period of time.*

[@deborahearle4151]

In 1985, Rick Nelson's sons learned of his death in a plane crash over the radio as they were in a car. It was regrettable that the method of notification hadn't changed.@@emilyholasek63

[@Somelikeitthrift]

@@blue3266omg!!!

[@ludwigbooth4882]

Esai Morales stole the show...it's a crime he wasn't even nominated for best supporting actor. He is grossly underrated. His chops are beast level.

[@oopsydoopsy1939]

100% agree. He was a standout and I've been a fan ever since.

[@rachelharris725]

💯 been a fan of his ever since this movie.

[@lauras3612]

Couldn't agree more.

[@eugenew6717]

Absolutely

[@GabriellahItaly]

Yes he's definitely an amazing actor. He doesn't get the recognition he deserves. Same with Lou Diamond Phillips.

[@xXShadowRaveXx786]

The ending gets me every time, you can hear the pain in Connie's cry when she breaks down and when Bob yells out Richie's name; losing a loved one or someone really close hurts a lot

[@Sexpistolz]

Death is inevitable unfortunately. Something we all will experience

[@evangrullon6282]

My feelings exactly

[@corduerorose9747]

If I had a son like her and be in her shoes I probably be numb forever 😔💔

[@hesayshesayhowboutmesay]

@@Sexpistolztrue, but you don’t expect to hear your teenager died in a plane crash while you’re listening to the radio.

[@eliwol3789]

Donna should have been ashamed of herself.. she played so many games with the puss and Ritchie never banged her. At least Bob got him laid so he didn’t go out a virgin.

[@daniellee1722]

I can't wrap my head around Ritchie Valens dying at age 17. When I was 17 I was sleeping til noon and scratching my ass. This guy put out hit records and was touring.

[@Repent44]

Wtf🤣

[@TavonneLelea]

Had me dying brotha😅😅😅

[@210SATX82]

No shit, lol... right?

[@PungiFungi]

I can’t wrapped my head that he was 17 because the pics I’ve seen of him he looked like he was 37.

[@Robomonkey101]

⁠@@PungiFungithe old generation looks old af even at a young age.

[@Beetwixt_N._Janeen2112]

“Sleep Walk” will forever be tied to this scene for me. I was 14 when I saw this movie and I haven’t watched it since… Rest in Paradise, Ritchie Valens 🙏🏾😔

[@twaye30]

I was 8 years old when I first saw this movie and this scene still brings tears to my eyes 😢

[@Drunkenmallsanta]

You watch in Spanish class too? I was 14 as well freshmen year Spanish class. This song and scene has stuck with me ever since

[@Ryan15beast]

This is up there but ever since The Iron Claw came out. It is hands down the most depressing film I’ve ever scene which is like this biopic but on steroids

[@Drunkenmallsanta]

@@Ryan15beast the iron claw is a brutal movie. The first act is just a totally awesome loving family and one tragedy happens and then it just doesn’t fucking stop happening and then the movie ends.

[@nunocolon]

I watched this for first time as a kid… to this day .. if I hear the song being played outside the context of this movie at the end I have to yell or mime riiiiiitttccchhiiiiiiieeeeee !!!!

[@poppycock6572]

Morales is such a powerful actor. Just a natural.

[@truthbetold6011]

Amazing

[@odbruh402]

Esai Morales shouldve gotten an award for his role in this movie

[@keatonmorales7629]

Facts 👍🏻❤️

[@amandasimon4944]

Damn right♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@Thunderchild-gz4gc]

He wasn't the star but he stole the show.

[@aliamjon4423]

Esai Morales is a underrated actor for sure, but it's hard to get past that character being a rapist and a drunk

[@sunnysamuel7544]

Well why didn't he?,Oh I know becoz he's Mexican and those bastards are too racist for their own good.

[@Est.1998]

This was the saddest scene ever watching this as a kid. One of my favorites to this day.

[@10dev785]

same

[@anthonycrenshaw3229]

What makes this even sadder is the fact that this is exactly how the real Richie's family found out about his death. No one visited the family in private before his death hit the press

[@wesleybrown4397]

Not only was the scene sad but the song that they played was sad too in honor of the dead

[@esperanzaarce9563]

Even hearing Sleepwalk makes me tear up everytime.😭

[@bigdaddytrips6197]

I remember watching this in the theater when it came out. People we're crying walking out the theater.

[@Erinski]

That last shot of two brothers running up a hill kills me...with Ritchie, always attached to his guitar.

[@nunocolon]

Love it …. Riiiiiiiiiitchhhhiiieieee😢😢

[@Casperpks]

Esai Morales seriously should’ve won the Oscar for best supporting actor. His work in this movie, especially the last scene is some of the best I’ve ever seen

[@michaelbell75]

Agreed. He wasn't even nominated, which is criminal but very few minorities were nominated back in the day.

[@thetruthandnothingbutthetr6484]

No he shouldn’t have

[@bayshonmoore6320]

Ur right.

[@anthonybustos8901]

Esai Morales should have been awarded an Academy Award,,,his performance throughout that entire movie was Great 👍

[@Shanthan33]

100% agreed

[@ELVENGADOR858]

YO PIENSO LO MISMO

[@vicd7350]

1000%

[@anthonybustos8901]

@chef423,,,He ain't nothin like that character

[@ianfuller8222]

He nailed that role. He deserved more accolades for what he did in this film. I think he stole every scene he was in. I watch La Bamba annually, it’s a fun movie and one of my favorite biopics.

[@jayco2309]

When Bob screams Richie!!!! Man does it hit the heart!! Lost my baby brother in 2020 !! Changes a man forever

[@mayhemjr.803]

I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my parents almost ten years ago. Losing loved ones always sucks

[@johnkalap9314]

Very sorry for your loss.

[@jayco2309]

@Mayhem Jr. thanks , and my condolences to you and your loss .

[@fever_spike]

So very sorry for your loss. 🙏🏻♥️

[@fever_spike]

@@mayhemjr.803 So very sorry for your loss. 🙏🏻♥️

[@Kasptaz]

One of the saddest scenes in cinematic history from Richie’s mom’s cry to the soundtrack playing and then Bob’s cry for his little brother at the end. It gets me every time.

[@chaksheba]

The last shot of the brothers running up the hill gets me every time.

[@SongofaBeach2012]

Losing a sibling is the most devastating pain you'll ever feel. I lost both of my beautiful sisters and they both were only 38 years old. That scream just comes from your soul..feels like part of me died with them

[@wjlowe111]

I'm so sorry! Wouldn't wish that on anyone

[@corduerorose9747]

Just 15 hours after their relationship was fixed it gets taken away permanently forever

[@joeypieper6384]

My Condolences

[@jasonmardoniomeza1711]

I lost my older sister 1 year ago before Christmas. She was only 45. I was silent for 2 days then couldn't stop crying for 6 months. I hope we all go to a better place. With no pain.

[@corduerorose9747]

@@jasonmardoniomeza1711 I apologize for your loss what happened?😟

[@misswendyjane4992]

I remember when this came out and I saw his brother being interviewed and he asked about how he was portrayed in the movie as not a nice person. He nodded and said "That's how I was and I wanted it to be as close to reality as possible."

[@cisio64123]

Yeah, Bob was no saint and he as well as far too many others knew it for him to be able to rewrite history . He also was indeed older, wiser and losing Ritchie clearly affected him so deeply that it changed him forever. I think he did feel an obligation to both himself and Ritchie's memory to be open and honest about who he had been at that time and how it affected their relationship as brothers. He really showed his growth as a person when he made a point of totally owning up to it and saying " was " to show he both accepted personal responsibility and wasn't that person anymore.

[@vanessahernandez2622]

I think after that fight he was changing you could tell when they last spoke when Ritchie says your still my brother his face at that moment you could tell that he was trying to change they were able to reconcile even if it was over the phone

[@mickeycoffey5063]

Takes me back to that part when he was talking to Bob on the phone and tells him “we’re still brothers, right?” Made this scene even more powerful…

[@RobertPagano226]

How Esai Morales was not nominated for an Oscar for this role is one of the most injustices in movie history.

[@Regulativeconclusions]

I never really understood bobs pain as a kid, I always thought it was just being dramatic for drama sake. Till I lost a sibling I grew up with, it’s a deep deep pain, after I learned of my sisters death I did the same thing and just screamed as loud as I could from the pain. Such a great scene

[@danielbustamante9682]

So sorry for your loss. The Death of our loved ones is the worst pain we must endure as human beings.

[@psychobillynumbnuts1]

You must be a sociopathic kid cuz even when I was a kid, I thought this scene was brutally sad

[@Alma2525]

It's losing a part of our identity, a very deep pain. A pain that I've had to feel more than once and still haven't recovered from.

[@alexandergomez0327]

I’m sorry for your loss

[@rachaelnelson-fu1ec]

​@@danielbustamante9682 true

[@brattiegirl26]

Connie freaking out and when Bob yells Richie at the end. Both those scenes really punch you in the heart. Gets me every freakin time! Lol. I know it's coming and I've watched it so many times. Still brings tears to my eyes and a lump in my throat. Amazing acting.

[@Byrdgang79]

that part I do the same thing

[@corduerorose9747]

Even Donna wasn't the same after her heart was shattered into millions of glasses after losing the love of her life 😟😔💔

[@barryblu_space-bar3x]

Man I thought I was only 1

[@stephanyhdz92]

Same 😭😭 crying now for no reason just cause I saw this. Emotions were looking so raw here .. I think they really felt for the real singer and his family too and thought about their own family and how they would act through it too..

[@patricebrown]

​@@corduerorose9747I just got through watching this movie on Tubi this morning.❤❤❤❤ 😢😢😢😢rest in peace to everyone we lost

[@patriciasalazar3712]

When he jumps the fence and embraced his Mom it was so heartbreaking. To this day it makes me cry.

[@jamesperrone9175]

The scene is very symbolic and Richie's guitar symbolizes the life he chose, the life that ultimately caused his demise. Bob is chasing Richie trying to catch him and hold onto him but he can't and in the end he loses him. Richie knows his music is the only way out of that town, that life. Bob is trying to tell Richie to slow down, things aren't so bad here.

[@elchingonracinggarage4649]

Ritchie was the best thing in Bob's life.

[@ChicagoMillingCo.]

Yo that is an honest to God great break down of the movie!

[@kungfuryrabin668]

That's not Ritchie's guitar btw, it's Jonny & Santo - Sleepwalk

[@Nelo_Wolf]

@@kungfuryrabin668 the guitar represents the one Ritchie repair or built

[@kungfuryrabin668]

@@Nelo_Wolf That sounds very nice & symbolic but I really don't think that's the case. They used it bc it sounds melancholic, haunting, & beautiful.

[@ultragamezz]

I like that you can tell that Bob was raised the old school way where men don't show there tears but when there alone they let the emotions out. I think that plus his acting is what made the scene so strong. You can even see how he wanted to cry when he saw his mom in pain but new he had to be strong for her.

[@vendettaknight104]

Christ, this scene gets me every time. Phenomenal acting, and Ritchie Valens will be truly missed.

[@deannaperkins754]

I was a young teen watching this awesome movie growing up. The ending left not a dry eye from anyone!!! Richie didn't want to fly because he was afraid of flying. Lou Diamond Phillips was awesome, as was the whole cast. ❤

[@albertpintor3522]

Such a heartbreaking thing to experience. I cannot imagine how hard it felt to hear this in the middle of doing regular chores.

[@Lord_Bibulous]

Well that's what really happened in the case Buddy Holly's wife and mother. His wife, who was pregnant at the time, found when it announced on TV. The psychological stress causing a miscarriage. While his mother, who I believe also found out while watching TV screamed in horror and collapsed. I don't know how the families of Valens and Richardson reacted. But the aftermath of this resulted in a public policy that the families would be notified before the names are released publicly.

[@jeffreyfunke8866]

America lost a part of its innocence that day!1

[@TokerJoker420]

@@Lord_Bibulous you think about it it may have been tragic but. If big bopper never traded spots there would be no outlaw country music and there would no willie Nelson bc the man the big bopper traded spots with was Waylon Jennings and if Waylon would have went there would have been no outlaw country music and Willie would not be so heard off bc he would have stayed with contemporary country and johnny cash would have never met kris Kristofferson and the highwaymen would have never happened it goes to show things happen for a reason no matter how tragic

[@jeffreyfunke8866]

@@TokerJoker420 Fate!

[@Meredith.M]

@@Lord_Bibulous I read an interview the real Bob did once, the scene essentially happened the same way it did in real life. The only difference was he started trying to drive the car he was working on to his mother's house at first. It broke down so he left the car in the street and ran the whole rest of the way to his mother's house.

[@frankbarajas6043]

When the mom said “not my Richie” ugh I cried!!!! 😢😢😢

[@wendyavalos9171]

Every time I want a good cry , I come here

[@manciti4709]

that song when ritchie's mother is crying...just kills me...the tragedy of one of the greatest rock stars ever to grace this earth

[@aguiladorada2945]

This gets me every time....I had 3 brothers... now down to 2. R.I.P Jo, we love you.

[@mayhemjr.803]

My sincerest condolences 😪

[@mattjarrells]

You have another brother here, bub.

[@Gioodude92]

I have 2 little sisters, only one now as of two years ago. RIP to your bro and RIP to my sister. Although there will always be a hole in our hearts, we can't use them as a reason to ruin our day. They wouldn't want it.

[@bogarcia1601]

Lost my only brother in 2019

[@Flipclockfans]

God Bless you.

[@SuperEagle112]

I was absolutely obsessed with this movie when I was little. Lou Diamond Phillips was Ritchie Valens in my mind. I remember always feeling sad and not understanding it when I was little. Now I’m old as hell with three little girls and the heartbreak means something else now.

[@stairwaygoddess]

Me too, but you can't be old as hell... lol! I was ten when this came out, I watched it at least twice a week.

[@daleemrick9816]

@@stairwaygoddess I was born the year it happened in July.

[@kimberlyrichardson4462]

Me too! I had to rent this movie every week from the video rental part of our local supermarket. I was 8 or 9 when the movie came out and I still get goosebumps thinking about this seen.

[@jada8047]

My favorite Lou Diamond film

[@djshoalsjr2724]

Yes. I commented about that as well. It hits a little different now.

[@Lakiesha33]

RIP Ritchie Valens and Bob Morales

[@mariolozoya3960]

It’s been decades since I’ve seen this film, it inspired me to play guitar. This movie hit so hard back when I was a kid, and I just teared up at 42, just from this scene, So powerful!

[@marieruiz5696]

When Richie's(Rob) brother goes to that bridge n yells his brothers name, it always sends chills down my spine( every time)!!! Richie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@erabbitgamingofficial1]

Esai Morales should have won an Oscar for this performance!

[@ghostofneworleans4511]

Facts. Me too

[@marieruiz5696]

@@ghostofneworleans4511 Every time I see this movie the end just brings me to tears or OMG!!! n it's based on true events more chilling!!! RICHIE!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@masomenos4599]

@@erabbitgamingofficial1 or at least nominated! so should've Rossana de Soto

[@vanessahernandez2622]

@@marieruiz5696 yeah if he was alive he would of been in his 80s

[@JamesSmith-qb3be]

This gets to me every damn time.....RICHIEEEE! 😢😢😢😢😢

[@cyclops23correa70]

Liar

[@skylarjeselnik]

@@cyclops23correa70 why would he lie ? 😆

[@cyclops23correa70]

@@skylarjeselnik the movie is too old so for him to say that. He just wants attention

[@karastraney1883]

Everytime I hear this song I hear Bob screaming "RITTTCHIIIIIEEEEEE!"

[@IslandBoy-808]

@@cyclops23correa70.The movie is still available to be watched, so don't show your stupidity.

[@68bayarea]

I just noticed that Bob rushes across town to his mom’s house, but slows down as he turns the corner and hesitates to allow his mom to process the tragic news. Then finally rushes to her when she breaks down. I’ve watched this movie 100+ times. Gets me every time.

[@philly452009]

No parent should have to bury their child before they die, but that’s life for you, death doesn’t care how old you are…..Rest in Peace to all

[@eltonmiguel5359]

He was so Young May He, Selena, Biggie, 2Pac, Eazy, Elvis and Marilyn Monroe Rest In Peace they died when they still had so much to give.

[@maxstr]

Who the hell is Selena

[@eltonmiguel5359]

@@maxstr are you freaking kidding me Selena Quintanilla the female singer who died at 23 because of being shoot Jennifer Lopez made a movie about it.

[@jonathancruz5932]

@@maxstr Selena known as “La Reina de Tex-Mex.” She’s the singer and her family made business altogether for tours and studio. If you want to know the answer, watch “Selena” (1997). It will give you the answer and she’s the best pop singer ever

[@John2verse5]

@@maxstr lol

[@noles9998]

2Pac, Elvis and Biggie were reprobates. Not much known about the other two to confirm or deny if they were.

[@billshinas27]

The hardest, and most emotional ending in a movie EVER.

[@nlcatter]

yes

[@noneyabusiness9441]

At 43 yrs old in 2023 and as many times as I’ve seen this I still cry.😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@queenbee2371]

Just the most heartbreaking but brilliant end to a film. Chokes me up every time. RIP Ritchie, Buddy and JP.

[@tomedy_official]

It was so sad that only after the 60s they became world famous.

[@Whynotmini]

As someone really close with his little brother, this movie gets to me

[@cyclops23correa70]

Liar

[@romanoxyt4787]

@@cyclops23correa70 ?

[@rachaelramos]

@@romanoxyt4787 basically saying this person is just saying they're close to family when they really don't know them. It would be like me saying im friends with the backstreet boys.

[@DannyCosmos]

@@rachaelramos are you? what is howie D like?

[@rachaelramos]

@@DannyCosmos that's what I'm saying. I'm not friends with them but have been a fan since the beginning.

[@Youngrealop]

Imagine waking up like a normal day fixing your car and hearing this from the Radio 😭😩💔 Ritchie RIP

[@cisio64123]

Yes, it was actually this very incident and the traumatic shock it brought on the immediate family members of Ritchie , Buddy and J.P. Richardson ( The Big Bopper ) particularly the ( highly controversial and hotly contested ) miscarriage Buddy's wife Maria reportedly immediately endured in having to learn of their loss through the media news reports like that which sparked the change in the policy that the immediate family must be informed first before the media can report it.

[@garyrangel1719]

3:18 yes bob knew he messed up hurting his family over his drinking problems but deep down he loves his brother so damn much losing him broke him so hard what a performance by Esai Morales

[@Donderdrammels]

Bob suffered rejection, neglection and the negative effects of favoritism from his mother and who he thought was his father, that is what messed him up and started a cycle of bad behaviour which led to more rejection. It seemed that he came clean later and became a stable family man taking care of his relatives contineously. So of course he also loved his brother, but that was also the one was getting favored. Parents who do this are responsible though.

[@styx53ocean]

No matter how many times I watch La Bamba, this scene ALWAYS leaves me a sobbing mess. I can't imagine learning of a loved one's death over the radio.

[@oxyfee6486]

I lost my beautiful mother three days ago, watching them hug broke me, I love you mom ❤️

[@wolfclawwilson-uu8zj]

I lost my mother too I feel ya

[@TCBLOYAL]

❤

[@daveredinger1947]

My condolences. !!

[@oxyfee6486]

@@daveredinger1947 Thank You, your words are very much appreciated.

[@daveredinger1947]

@@oxyfee6486 take care always!

[@pauljones2857]

Bob reunited with his brother May the music ring in the heavens

[@sophielegault2278]

64 years ago today the world lost Ritchie Vallens😰😰 Rest In Peace Ritchie Vallens❤️❤️

[@vanessahernandez2622]

It gives me chills that it happened 64 years ago my grandparents were teens my maternal grandparents had just had their first child who was not even a month old when this happened making it worldwide if I was to ask my grandma who is in her 80s she might not remember who was 19 living in a 3rd world country but yeah I always search him in the internet i feel bad looking that he was young he had a whole life ahead of him wasn’t able to marry the woman he loved

[@OG_harley]

As a kid I never really understood how Bob brought his family from poverty into not so rich but a decent house and a decent neighborhood but nobody gave him credit but when Richie did it everybody even his mom loved him for it and give him credit even after that Bob still loved Richie the ending always gets me😢😢😢 as well

[@PungiFungi]

Bob was the black sheep and no matter what he did, Ritchie was still the favorite. Esai Morales really knocked it out of the park with his performance. He made Bob unlikeable and likeable and sympathetic at the same time.

[@yungdj49]

Imagine a 17 year old, gone waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too soon. I may not have been born or even thought of back then but this has to be 1 of the most heartbreaking celebrity deaths I've ever heard and seen. May you rest in perfect peace, Ritchie Valens!!!! 😭💔🕊

[@shaunstrasser1]

and Buddy was only 22

[@vanessahernandez2622]

Yeah my grandparents were in there teens during that time just thinking that it happened the pain the family went through it scares me especially the mom who lived another 28 years she was probably never the same

[@haven_lady675]

Still a kid 😢

[@viastephtop]

Man, this scene STILL puts a lump in my throat after all these years.

[@krissyrichmond5620]

What pained me the most about this was how his poor mother and brother found out about his death. They werent told by local law enforcement privately, it was announced via the radio which must have been the worst pain ever- to find out that way would have been a nightmare. RIP Ritchie Valens.. with your family now up there with you.

[@rossday9333]

This event led to change in the law. The media were no longer allowed to announce such events or death until next of kin had been properly notified.

[@thomass4908]

​@rossday9333 Yes, that is correct. Whats more sad is that Buddy Hollys wife also heard on the radio and was so devastated her heart rate went so high it caused complications and she ended up losing their baby days later. It was partly that, that made the law saying law enforcement isn't allowed to disclose someone's death until a relative is notified.

[@SoonerBear]

Why didn't local law enforcement inform them? I know that HAS to be the shittiest part of their job, informing someone that their brother, sister, mother, father, son, daughter, etc. isn't coming home, but it still has to be done. They also found out while doing normal chores. It's no different than what those CNO (Casualty Notification Officers) in the military have to do. I don't envy those people one bit.

[@julieporter7805]

I thought next of kin had to be notified of the death before they made it public, but I guess that wasn't across the board back then.

[@nowirehangers2815]

Now it’s Facebook where family finds out

[@ingodwetrust7648]

His mother breakdown and his brother scream Ritchie at the end sends chills down my spine every time I watch 😭 RIP Ritchie 🌺🌹🌺🌹🌺🌹.. wonderful job by the actor's

[@notsmii7y]

Hearing “not my Richie” hurts

[@A-hurt-one]

Connie went crazy saying that while throwing a wet, white blanket on the ground.

[@fisterhr]

Rosanna DeSoto's acting here was very powerful but very unnoticed by movie critics. Very few sad movie scenes, especially after all these decades, still make me shed a tear like this with her portraying a devastated and heart broken mother upon hearing the news that her beloved son was killed in a plane crash.

[@batcat4eternityfanfics559]

What was heartbreaking was how the family found out on the radio. Thankfully, they don’t do that anymore. Any tragedy they wait until they speak directly with family before anything is released, but back then, Ritchie’s family heard of his passing along Buddy’ family and Big Bopper’s family 😭

[@Deadmanundertaker100]

The agonising pain from Bob when he screams “Ritchie” tears me up every time

[@andreadiaz1899]

Absolutely agree that Esai Morales definently deserved an award for that performance! all cast members were great obviouly phillips but without Morales that movie is completely different

[@jenniferbeserra4690]

Jennifer

[@sumaru_2324]

My mom named me after Ritchie, and my middle name is Esai after Esai Morales. Can only imagine how far Ritchie could've got..

[@willymaze368]

Timeless classic

[@sumaru_2324]

I'm 24, Mexican American myself, Ritchie Valens is the reason why i play the guitar, if only he lived longer, i can imagine how successful he could have been.

[@wolfclawwilson-uu8zj]

My mother named me after my grandfather

[@russellcrawley3299]

After all these years, when Bob cries out Richie's name, ohh God, it still tears me apart. God bless them all.

[@josephwood255]

I was 8 years old when Ritchie Valens Died, I’ll never forget that Tuesday. Me and My dad were at the chicken pie shop in Fresno, California having breakfast when they announced it on the radio. Everyone in the diner started crying. 65 years later it still brings back some good and horrible memories.

[@lawrencecarter1939]

Pure classic!! RIP Ritchie Valens

[@Naminski1a]

Like the lyric says, it was the day the music died.

[@Sarah-qn5ko]

*RITCHIE!* That gets me every time. This movie was wonderful.

[@thebatman7730]

2:01 That scream always almost gets me, and I’m not one that cries when there are sad scenes in movies, but that scream is painful and it almost gets me every time. Underrated film.

[@robinfun2123]

When the brother yelled Ritchie at the end, I literally felt the pain.

[@RTD8481]

Tears me up every single time. Connie’s scream and heartbreak gets me every time. Just a powerful painful emotion

[@michellerene951]

I was an extra in La Bamba in 1986. I was 19. Such an amazing experience!

[@willymaze368]

Talk about it!?

[@FloydReynolds91]

Saw it during the summer just before my freshman year in High School. This is still one of the saddest endings in the history of Cinema. Crushes me everytime.

[@ifran77]

This scene still chokes me up like the first time I saw it over 30 years ago.😢… great movie

[@ricardoe3404]

My grandma use to sometimes call me Richie when I was little. This was also my dad's favorite movie. R.I.P to them both 🙏👼

[@Naminski1a]

In the words of the song, "American Pie" by Don McLean, "It was the day the music died."

[@sophielegault2278]

65 years ago today😭❤️🕊 February 3rd 1959 R.I.P Buddy Holly, Ritchie Vallens, J.P Richardson❤️❤️

[@cajunguy3036]

I know this pain too well, losing my brother barely a year older than me at 37, how do you let go of someone like that? My Lord, just one more bro hug or football game…one more laugh together…I’d even take an argument over nothing.

[@peterbetto4857]

Saw this in the theatre (17 years old at the time) and Bob crying out Richie's name still haunts me to this day.

[@clorox597]

I can only imagine losing your baby brother. I have a younger brother and losing him would kill me too. RIP Ritchie Valenez and anyone who has lost a sibling too.

[@MsJimmysgirl]

This scene gets me every time... so heartbreaking for Donna and his family.

[@SilvestriChateauOfficial]

3:22 The holler that 35 years later, went down in history.

[@jenniferbeserra4690]

Jennifer

[@twaye30]

This part still brings tears to my eyes.

[@choward874]

One one the saddest endings to any movie.😢

[@ConcreteRoseCJ]

Cried my heart out as a kid…still breaks my heart now as a grown ass man..the music…the sadness across all his family and friends…the “ritchiiieeeeeee”…sigh

[@eddiemerc1986]

Never thought Santo and Johnny's Moonwalk coulda been played so beautifully in a movie scene like this one. Every time I hear this song my mind takes me directly to this movie. Thats trully art.

[@alexo.4324]

Sleep Walk

[@Pixizy]

The ending is so emotional the pain and hurt that you can hear in Connie’s voice still gets to me till this day

[@theraiden1018]

I’ve watched this movie so many times and I just finished my most recent rewatch and was tearing up like crazy at this scene

[@Adrian-op5ni]

Impossible for me to watch this scene without shedding a tear. As a kid, or 40 year old man, scene still hits me hard.

[@jeffreyfunke8866]

Cry every time! 😥

[@3StarLogo]

Still makes me cry 🥺

[@deadmanthehekatonkheire994]

When I watched this movie for the first time I was a kid and felt the movie blindsided me with Richie's death (I knew nothing of Ritchie Valens at the time). When I lost my sweet sister last year in a tragic car crash, I understood life that blindsides you with that kind of despair. I now understand the pain Bob is going through at the end. Something as simple as a stranger's smile is enough to set you off, because "how can you possibly smile when a 29-year-old mother of three can die in a car crash that wasn't her fault?" You just want to cry out to the heavens in a primal scream from deep within your soul. Beautiful movie.

[@katagirl3000]

i watch this whenever i need to cry and can't get the tears out on my own. This ending and the ending of 'imitation of life'

[@xdisBme217x]

I remember watching this as a kid, made me cry then and now! Very good movie, with an AMAZING cast!

[@eileenward]

This is one of the greatest movies ever made about a real life legendary singer Richie valance. I can’t imagine how he’s family felt receiving the news like that . Before they heard it on the radio someone could of called over to the house and told the family in person . Before they heard on the radio with the rest of the world . R.I.P Richie valance your gone but you will never ever be forgotten forever in our hearts x

[@wiccangirl6079]

It's Ritchie Valens

[@LeeTravis100]

Can’t even imagine the feeling of finding out your lost your child, brother, and love of your life over the radio like this. Especially when there was no internet or cell phones.

[@renemartinez7328]

I was a senior in high school when this movie was released.I remember the revival of Ritchies music at that time was really cool.Several years ago here in San Antonio a screening and q and a was held with Bob in attendance.I regret not being able to attend .May they all rest in peace

[@miked2075]

The pain in Bobs scream at the end is gut wrenching

[@pumpkinpatch3606]

My first time seeing this movie, i cried so hard. Especially when he shouted Ritchie's name. 😭😭😭

[@natecarvalho1816]

Sleep walk and the scream ritchieeeeeee always gets me

[@johnkellman2189]

Losing my eldest brother…. a pain so deep, you can’t explain it; I can relate

[@MrMarcross862]

That is the most saddest scene ever!😥

[@justinquaylepate1358]

I really felt bad for Bob, the last he would see his brother was in the fist fight that happened earlier in the film. Bless your heart buddy.

[@GeraldB526]

At least he called him that night he flew the plane.

[@lupillosanchez6620]

@@GeraldB526yeah where he felt home sick and told him to meet up in the next city