Ritchie Valens

Pioneering rock and roll musician

Ritchie Valens - Pioneering rock and roll musician
Born

May 13th, 1941
83 years ago

Died

1959
66 years ago — 18 years old

Category

Performers & Entertainers

Country

United States

Links & References

An influential figure in the early years of rock and roll, this musician achieved significant success with a string of hits in the late 1950s. The song "La Bamba" became a staple in the genre, blending traditional Mexican music with rock. The artist's career, though brief, left a lasting legacy and contributed to the popularization of Latin rock music. Tragically, a plane crash in 1959 claimed his life at the age of 17, marking the end of a promising career that had only just begun. Despite the short duration of the career, the impact on the genre continues to resonate through subsequent generations of musicians.

Released hit songs like 'La Bamba' and 'Donna'

Pioneered rock and roll music with Latin influences

Other People Born on May 13th

Luciana Berger

English politician and MP
Born
May 13th, 1981 43 years ago

Served as a Member of Parliament representing Liverpool Wavertree from 2010 to 2019. Focused on issues such as mental health and education reform. Resigned from the Labour Party in 2019, citing anti-Semitism within the party. Joined the Liberal Democrats shortly thereafter and continued to advocate for mental health awareness and social justice.

Continue Reading

Debby Ryan

Actress known for 'Jessie'
Born
May 13th, 1993 31 years ago

An actress and singer, gained prominence through the Disney Channel series 'Jessie,' where a teenage girl takes care of four children in New York City. Featured in the spin-off series 'Bunk'd,' which continues the story of the original character. Also starred in the film '16 Wishes,' which showcased themes of growing up and personal aspirations. Ryan ventured into music, releasing singles and contributing to various soundtracks.

Continue Reading

Steve Mildenhall

English footballer and goalkeeper
Born
May 13th, 1979 45 years ago

Played as a goalkeeper in English football, beginning his career at Southampton. Had successful spells at various clubs, including a notable tenure at Grimsby Town. Contributed to the team's promotion to League One during the 2011-2012 season. Also played for other clubs, showcasing consistent performances.

Continue Reading

Nandor Fodor

Psychologist and Parapsychologist
Born
May 13th, 1895 129 years ago
Died
May 17th, 1964 60 years ago — 69 years old

Born in Hungary, a psychologist and parapsychologist advanced the field of psychical research. Relocated to the United States, authored several influential texts on paranormal phenomena. Explored various cases of paranormal activity, emphasizing scientific analysis in investigations. Contributed to the establishment of the American Society for Psychical Research. His work laid the foundation for future inquiries into parapsychology and related fields.

Continue Reading

Jabari Smith Jr.

Basketball player and NBA Rookie of the Year
Born
May 13th, 2003 21 years ago

Played college basketball at Auburn University, where Smith averaged 16.9 points and 7.4 rebounds per game during the 2021-22 season. Transitioned to the NBA, being selected as the third overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets. Made a significant impact in his rookie season, showcasing exceptional shooting and defensive skills. Recognized in various media for contributions to the Rockets and his rapid development as a professional player.

Continue Reading

Alison Goldfrapp

Singer-songwriter and producer, 'Felt Mountain'
Born
May 13th, 1966 58 years ago

This English singer-songwriter and producer gained prominence as part of the musical duo Goldfrapp, formed in 1999. The debut album 'Felt Mountain' received critical acclaim upon its release and was nominated for the Mercury Prize. The duo is noted for their eclectic sound, blending electronic music with various genres, drawing inspiration from elements of glam rock, trip-hop, and synth-pop. Subsequent albums such as 'Black Cherry' and 'Supernature' further showcased their innovation in music production and left a mark on the electronic music scene. Goldfrapp's distinctive style and visual aesthetic are integral to their identity, contributing to a unique artistic expression.

Continue Reading