GLENDALE, CA – updated – September 1, 2016 – C3 Entertainment, Inc. announced a new license to represent Rock ’n’ Roll legend Ritchie Valens for licensing & merchandising. Valens made history as rock music’s first Latino star with popular songs such as “La Bamba” and “Donna.”
The famous singer, songwriter, and guitarist joins fellow artist, The Big Bopper on the C3 roster. The license is with Hi-Tone Five Corp representing the Ritchie Valens estate.
Credited with being the forefather of the Chicano rock movement, Valens was one of the original pioneers of Rock ’n’ Roll. His revolutionary household classic, “La Bamba,” fused elements of a traditional Mexican folk tune with rock ’n’ roll.
Valens began recording for Del-Fi Records in 1958. In a career spanning only eight months, he recorded three albums of over 30 songs and released nine singles including five chart-toppers with “Donna” peaking at #2 on the Billboard pop chart in 1958.
Since his untimely death at the age of 17, his music has gained in popularity and influenced generations of musicians. Jimi Hendrix and Carlos Santana are both cited as influenced by Valens’ guitar playing. Artists from Led Zeppelin to Los Lobos have recorded his music.
Valens was inducted into the Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2001, is remembered with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a U.S. Postage Stamp.
Ani Khachoian, C3’s Executive Vice President of Licensing & Consumer Products said, “Ritchie Valens is a legendary artist that still resonates today. We are honored to add this classic brand to the C3 roster and explore new opportunities to share Valens’ legacy with his loyal audience as well as a new generation of fans.” Khachoian went on to say, “This is more than a retro endeavor, the multicultural aspect of Valens’ licensing program is pivotal. We want to ensure that every fan has the opportunity to rediscover this rock ’n’ roll icon, and that we introduce Valens to new audiences.”
Ritchie Valens along with legendary musicians Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper died in a tragic plane crash on February 3, 1959, during their Winter Dance Party tour; a day referred to as ‘the day the music died’.
About C3 Entertainment, Inc:
C3 Entertainment, Inc. is a diversified Entertainment and Media company engaged in motion picture, television, digital and home entertainment production and worldwide distribution, as well as licensing and brand management of world famous classic brands and personalities. For more information, please visit www.c3entertainment.com.
###
Media Contact:
Andrea DeLesDernier
C3 Entertainment, Inc.
ph. 818-956-1337 ext. 217
email: adelesdernier@c3entertainment.com
Licensing Contact:
Ani Khachoian
C3 Entertainment, Inc.
ph. 818-956-1337 ext. 215
email: akhachoian@c3entertainment.com
 
 
 
 
1415 Gardena Avenue, Glendale, California 91204 · Telephone 818.956.1337 · Facsimile 818.241.0122
© C3 Entertainment, Inc. 2016