About the song
“We Belong Together” by Ritchie Valens is a heartfelt ballad that showcases the young artist’s talent and passion, even at the tender age of 17. Although the song was not originally written by Valens— it was composed by Robert Carr, Johnny Mitchell, and Hy Weiss in 1958—it became one of the tracks that highlighted Valens’ brief but impactful career.
Ritchie Valens, born Richard Valenzuela, was a pioneering figure in the early days of rock and roll, particularly as one of the first Mexican-American musicians to break into the mainstream. He recorded “We Belong Together” during the same sessions that produced some of his other famous hits like “La Bamba” and “Donna.” His version of “We Belong Together” is filled with youthful emotion, reflecting the love and longing that many teenagers felt during that era.
The song didn’t chart as high as his other hits, but it remains a fan favorite and a testament to Valens’ ability to convey deep emotion through his music. Tragically, Ritchie Valens’ career was cut short by the infamous plane crash on February 3, 1959, known as “The Day the Music Died,” which also claimed the lives of Buddy Holly and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson.
Despite his short time in the spotlight, Valens left behind a legacy that continues to influence musicians to this day. “We Belong Together” is a beautiful reminder of the timeless themes of love and devotion, and it serves as a poignant part of the musical legacy that Ritchie Valens left behind.