‘LA BAMBA’ AND LATINOS

Having watched screen biographies from “Night and Day” to “Sid and Nancy,” I know they are not to be taken seriously; however, inspiration for Ritchie Valens’ performance of “La Bamba,” rather than the film’s sequence in Tijuana, undoubtedly was William Clauson.

Clauson, also known as “El Charro Guero,” has had a long career in recording in the United States, Europe, Mexico and East L.A. Before Valens’ electrified rendition, Clauson had recorded “La Bamba” for Capitol and had performed the song for many years, beginning in the early ‘50s, frequently ending concerts with the song as a sing-along. His copyright of the Vera Cruz dance song predates Valens’ by some six months--April, 1958.

Bill still has a legion of fans to whom he introduced many traditional Mexican songs and ballads, as well as those from England and North America. He has been the singing sheriff of Ghost Town at Knott’s Berry Farm for the past three years.

WILLIAM H. KOON

English Professor

Cal State Fullerton