Article: ROCKIN' ROLE MODEL PACOIMA PARTY PAYS TRIBUTE TO VALENS.(News)

Byline: Dominic Berbeo Staff Writer

PACOIMA - More than 300 fans turned out at a music festival Sunday to honor Ritchie Valens, the late musical icon who grew up in this working-class neighborhood and was recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

It was an emotional celebration, with acquaintances and members of Valens' family present to pay homage to the man who made songs like ``Donna'' and ``La Bamba'' famous around the world.

Valens' tragic death in a plane crash on Feb. 3, 1959, came when the musician was 17 and quickly becoming a star.

``When he made it into the Hall of Fame it was a spiritual and healing experience ...

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