"I'm watching the real thing. Bob if you read this an artist is, as much the heart and soul of this earth as music best of luck. Fans of the movie "La Bamba" are sending prayers to Bob Morales, the man the film's depiction of Ritchie Valens' rambunctious older brother was … Bob, Irma, and sister Connie (named after her mother). No one who died in the 1959 plane crash, that day the music died, was an old man.The pilot himself, Roger Peterson, was just 21. After struggling with prostate cancer for several years, Bob Morales succumbed on September 18, 2018, at the age of 81. Morales, the older brother of famed musician Ritchie Valens, was an icon in his own right. That's all I know for sure. KION: Legendary Bob Morales, brother of music icon Ritchie Valens, passes away. Early life. The star passed away peacefully in his home at around 9 PM with his sweetheart Joanie lying next to him. I still listen to that music still and so does my son. How to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine at a Walmart near you, CVS, Walmart set to begin COVID-19 vaccinations in Houston on Friday, Houston Humane Society providing free crates to pet owners to prepare for winter weather, Houston Humane Society helping pet owners protect furbabies from winter storm. "You're watching the movie," Morales told the audience. After his recovery, he successfully beat prostate cancer. Ritchie's 18th Birthday . He recorded numerous hits during his … hey brother bob....was it true that Richard said he would die in a plane crash? Bob Morales, the older brother of rock 'n' roll pioneer Ritchie Valens, has died. Transgender athletes will 'destroy women's sports,' Tennessee governor says. The story of Ritchie Valens ' life is tragic: right when the musical prodigy's career was taking off, the day "the music died," happened. Bob Morales was "reunited with his brother," the late "La Bamba" singer Ritchie Valens, his family says. On the first anniversary of Ritchie’s death, Ritchie’s mother wanted to honor his memory. What Happened to Ritchie Valens’ Brother Bob? The family confirmed Morales' passing on Facebook Sunday morning, writing … On behalf of myself and my beautiful Mom Joanie Morales we want to thank everyone one for your prayers and positive... Valens famously died in a plane crash on February 3, 1959, a day known as the Day the Music Died. Bob Morales was 21 years old when his famous younger brother, Ritchie Valens died in a plane crash. Herein, what happened to the family of Ritchie Valens? Bob Morales, the brother of rock & roll pioneer Ritchie Valens has passed away. The ceremony was … After his brother’s death, Morales went on a downward spiral after turning to alcohol. I watched this movie 20 years ago and cried. Bob Morales, brother of '50s rock legend Ritchie Valens, is still a biker at heart, just as he's portrayed in the movie, "La Bamba." Originally from Los Angeles, Valens was the second of five children, including brother Bob Morales, younger sisters Connie and Irma, and younger brother Mario Ramirez. In less than a year, Ritchie Valens went from ordinary teen to famous entertainer, touring with the likes of Buddy Holly and the Big Bopper. Morales didn't mince words in a panel afterward. Today, let’s take a look at Bob Valens’ life and what became of him. His siblings, including one older brother, two younger sisters and a younger brother, were living in California and Nevada. Bob Keane, the a Del-Fi record label exec, discovered him and had Ritchie's change his last name to make it more "radio friendly" (aka, whitewash his identity — but that's a different story). All of that movie moves me all of the time. I do know that at some point after his brothers death, he was working detox at a clinic in Santa Cruz. Tickets sold out fast at Conexión first-ever Latino Movie Night, held at the Alamo Drafthouse. They'll remember him, too, and that "La Bamba" is as much about Bob Morales as it is about Ritchie Valens – and their love. Buddy Holly was 22; J.P. Richardson, "The Big Bopper," was the old man on the plane, at 28.Youngest of all was a rising star of Chicano rock — Latin Rock and Roll — Ritchie Valens. But throughout this turmoil, he never forgot his brother and the love they shared. Ritchie Valens' mother died in 1987. On Saturday, Bob Morales died. From left, Ritchie Valens siblings, Erma Norton, Mario Ramirez, Connie Lemos and Bob Morales speak at a press conference at the Surf Ballroom on Friday. Connie, who was 8 years old at the time of the crash, now lives in Okoboji, Iowa. the second link is to the family approved website of Ritchie Valens in which Bob and his wife (Joanie) contribute. After his recovery, he successfully beat prostate cancer. Morales, who called Watsonville home, was known globally as Ritchie Valens’ hardened older brother, or La Bamba Bob, as he became known for a … Bob was asked about the way he was portrayed in the movie, La Bamba, and after thinking for a moment, he said, “They made me look good.” Bob and his wife Joanie make their home on the central coast of California. Whos annoyed by the song Blinded Lights by the Weeknd? It remains unclear what caused Morales' death. Morales was Valens' older brother and the oldest of five siblings. It still gets to me.". WATSONVILLE, Calif. (AP) _ Connie Valenzuela, the mother of the late rock singer Ritchie Valens, has died of an apparent heart attack. La Bamba (1987) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. You can sign in to vote the answer. Bob Morales was 21 years old when his famous younger brother, Ritchie Valens died in a plane crash. After his brother’s death, Morales went on a downward spiral after turning to alcohol. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Who do you think is the biggest jerk in rock and roll. Their deaths were "the day the music died.". Bob Morales, the brother of rock & roll pioneer Ritchie Valens has passed away. After Valens' death, the family stayed out of the public eye, though they did work closely with producers of "La Bamba." A DC-7 and an F-89 jet collided and broke-up in mid-air. do you think the lead singer from greta van fleet looks like that kid in the cringe video "hi baby girl"? Morales was clearly delighted that so many young people came out to see the movie and remember his brother. It's just too painful. Bob Morales, Ritchie Valens' Brother, Was a Santa Cruz Legend By Mustafa Gatollari. After his recovery, he successfully beat prostate cancer. His untrained voice and guitar style was a basis for the garage band revolution of the early 1960s. After his brother's death, Morales went on a downward spiral after turning to alcohol. There's no way out of here when you come in your in for good? It came back on and I started to cry again such a young age. Unfortunately, some had a little too much to drink and what was once funny became obnoxious. "People like you are keeping his memory alive," he said. How many Billie Eilish songs can you name? The DC-7 landed on the playground of Pacoima Junior High School (now Pacoima Middle School) while students were outside at recess. Whatever happened to Ritchie Valens' brother Bob? Get your answers by asking now. Last week, Esai Morales, the actor who portrayed … You gave me so much to work with and be grateful for... . Bob Morales rocks. Valens also inspired the Rascals, Bob Dylan and R.E.M. Olympic champ Klete Keller hit with 7-count indictment, 'Bachelor' contestant admits party photo was a mistake, Trump's most profitable asset is currently at risk, Brady to have 'minor' surgery after Super Bowl victory, Fauci predicts April will be 'open season' for vaccines, CEOs to workers: Stay home until at least September, Charges: Man shot staff one by one in attack, Popeyes' owner challenges chicken sandwich rivals, CNN host rips Cruz for breast milk tweet during trial, Biden: U.S. securing 600 million vaccine doses by July, Valparaiso is ditching its Crusaders nickname. He was 81. BOB MORALES is still alive and well, he was recently at my 50th birthday bar-b-que. Valens was born Richard Steven Valenzuela in Pacoima, a neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles.His parents, José Esteban Valenzuela (1896-1952) and Concepcion "Concha" Reyes (1915–1987), were from Mexico.He was the second of five siblings with older brother Bob Morales, younger sisters Connie and Irma, and younger brother Mario Ramirez. BOB and JOANIE are still together and come over to my house for dinner often and sometimes with BOBS daughter BRENDA who was just a baby when she featured in the movie La BAMBA.........RYAN LOPEZ, SANTA CRUZ, CA. Bob Morales was 21 years old when his famous younger brother, Ritchie Valens died in a plane crash. Why do we play the national anthem before games? He was hurt to find out that the man he thought was his father was only his brother's. Bob Morales, brother of '50s rock legend Ritchie Valens, is still a biker at heart, just as he's portrayed in the movie, "La Bamba." A plane crash in Iowa claimed the lives of pilot Roger Peterson, Buddy Holly, J.P. Richardson, and Ritchie Valens. He lives in Watsonville, CA, with his wife Joanie and loads of kids and grandkids. Stop what you’re doing: a musical on Rock’n’Roll icon Ritchie Valens is officially in the works. Join Yahoo Answers and get 100 points today. No, Bob is still alive. 9/17/2018 #RitchieValens #BobMorales A group from Houston showed their respects by sitting intently through the movie, asking a lot of good questions afterward. But throughout this turmoil, he never forgot his brother and the love they shared. ", Farewell, my big brother. Valens’ friends formed the Ritchie Valens Recognition Committee and raised the $3,500 for installation of the star on Hollywood Boulevard. Bob Morales, older brother of the late Ritchie Valens, has passed away. At 70, he's "still bad," his wife Joanie said. She was 72. Bob Morales, the older brother of rock legend Ritchie Valens, and who made a name for himself from Pacoima to Northern California during his own turbulent past, died Saturday night in his Central Coast home after battling prostate cancer. sorry to ask, but watching the movie for years and over a hundred x easy, movies sometimes add things to embellish the drama, and was wondering if it was true he knew he would....and I would like to say we all have our demons to conquer, some harder than others, if you blame yourself for how life happens.. forgiving yourself is the best you can ever do for yourself...you were thwarted as a young guy, and THAT wasn't your fault! Morales still can't watch the movie, not in one sitting. Last week, Esai Morales, the actor who portrayed Bob Morales in the 1987 film about Valens … And he was jealous of his brother's success. The plane crash at Ritchie Valens' school happened on January 31, 1957. At this week's 20th anniversary screening, he wore a silver-studded black leather jacket and talked about his motorcycles. so who ever is sayin hes dead, your dead wrong. How do you think about the answers? Bob Morales, Ritchie Valens' Brother, Was a Santa Cruz Legend. The family confirmed Morales' passing on Facebook Sunday morning, writing that he "was reunited with his brother Ritchie.". Still have questions? Bob I am watching La Bamba and was just wondering what you ever did with your artistic talent? Due to popular demand what is your favorite black metal band? From the screen came Lou Diamond Phillips, who plays the rock singer. While it's stated in the film that Steve, Ritchie's dad, drunk himself to death, the real Steve died from … I don t know but, it s so very sad if he did not pursue his artistic talents. Ritchie Valens was a Mexican American singer and songwriter influential in the Chicano rock movement. Morale was portrayed in the 1987 film "La Bamba" about Valens' life by actor Esai Morales, who took to Facebook to express his condolences. “2019 marks 60 … Bob also had a special connection to Ritchie in that they were both driven people; one by life and one by music. 1958 was the year Ritchie's career really took off. He was an alcoholic, he said. Some Gen Xers knew the dialogue by heart. Morales' family posted more tributes to Morales on Facebook Monday, calling Morales "an amazing man.