![]() ![]() Keane took Richard to his Gold Star Studios in Hollywood to record several songs, also shortening the singer's name from Valenzuela to Valens and adding the "t" to Richie. During one of these performances he was heard by Bob Keane, the president of Del-Fi Records, who offered to become his manager and signed him to a recording contract. ![]() In 1956 he joined a local garage band who performed at record hops in the San Fernando Valley area. It was while attending school that Valenzuela was first exposed to R&B music and Rock 'n' Roll. He also displayed considerable singing talent and became a feature at school assemblies, singing and playing the guitar. As a twelve year old, Ritchie had already written several songs, most of which were inspired by Hispanic tunes. At nine years of age he got his first guitar. Afterwards he lived with his mother and brothers and sisters, but occasionally they stayed with other relatives who introduced him to traditional Mexican music. ![]() His parents separated when he was a child and Valens lived with his father until the latter's death in 1951. Born May 13 th, 1941, Richard Steve Valenzuela was raised in poverty in Pacoima, Los Angeles, California. ![]()
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