Connie Lemos is known for being the sister of the late American singer Ritchie Valens. Let’s talk more about her life, family and more and get to know her.
Quick Bio
Connie Lemos came into this world in 1951, in Los Angeles, California, United States. She is the younger sister of Ritchie Valens, who died in a plane crash when she was just 8 years old. She was born to Concepcion Valenzuela and Joseph Steven Valenzuela. She grew up in Los Angeles with her siblings. She is 73 years old as of 2024.
Family of Connie’s
Her parents Concepcion and Joseph got married on September 15, 1939 in Los Angeles County. She had three more siblings apart from Ritchie Valens, two elder brothers named Bob Morales and Mario Ramirez, and one younger sister Irma Norton. It was heartbreaking to know that her brother Bob also passed away in 2018.
She lost her father Joseph on January 8, 1952 at that time he was just 56 years old. She was totally broken when her mother also left this world in 1987 leaving her alone, in 1987 in Santa Cruz, California at the age of 72. It is said that her parents were separated during her father Joseph’s death.
Her Brother Ritchie Valens
Ritchie was an American-born. He was born on May 13, 1941, in Pacoima. His real name was Richard Steven Valenzuela, Ritchie Valens was his stage name. He was a great guitarist, singer and songwriter. He succumbed to death in a plane crash at the age of 17 years. It was just eight months of his music career. We lost such a legend in a terrific accident. There were some other musicians also namely who died with him, Buddy Holly and J. P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson and the pilot Roger Peterson.
He became a pioneer of the Spanish-speaking rock and roll movement after transforming the Mexican folk song “La Bamba” into one with a rock rhythm and beat. It became a hit in 1958. That plane day crash on February 3, 1959 has become known as “The Day the Music Died”
The Biopic “La Bamba”
It is an American Drama based on the life of the short-lived rock and roll pioneer Ritchie Valens. It was written and directed by Luis Valdes. It was released on 1st January, 1987, grossed $54.2 million. The actor Lou Diamond Phillips played the role of Ritchie Valens. Rosanna DeSoto as Connie Lemos.
Unknown Facts
- There is a biopic on her brother’s life named “La Bamba” released in 1987.
- Connie Lemos and sister Irma appeared in the movie as farm workers in the opening scene.
- She came into this world through her mother’s second marriage with Joseph.
- She moved to Iowa and lives there, she attends many events and became volunteers for different organisations.
Conclusion
Connie Lemos is the younger sister of the popular singer, guitarist Richie Valens. She still remembers her brother, he was everything to her. She keeps engaging herself in many social works. She is invited to many events, concerts as a sister of Ritchie Valens. Ritchie Valens will always remain in her memories.