On this episode of Our American Stories, in the late 1950s, a shy teenager from Southern California seemed destined for stardom. As Ritchie Valens rocketed from local dances to national fame, hits like “La Bamba” and “Donna” helped make him one of the brightest young stars in rock and roll.

Discovered and mentored by producer Bob Keane, Valens's rise was as rapid as it was remarkable. Keane shares the story of the young musician's journey from an ordinary high school student to a recording sensation whose influence on American music far outlived his tragically short life.

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