Final answer:
Ritchie Valens performed 'La Bamba' in Spanish to honor his Mexican heritage and connect with his cultural roots, despite not speaking Spanish fluently. His rendition of the traditional folk song exemplified music's ability to transcend language and showcased Latino representation in American rock music.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ritchie Valens, an American singer and guitarist, wanted to sing La Bamba in Spanish as an acknowledgment of his Mexican heritage. The song was originally a Mexican folk song, and Valens' cover became a hit, blending rock and roll with traditional Latin American music. Despite not being fluent in Spanish, Valens learned the song phonetically and was able to deliver a performance that resonated with a wide audience, illustrating the universal nature of music and its ability to cross language barriers. Singing La Bamba in Spanish was also significant because it connected him with his cultural roots and allowed him to reach a diverse demographic during a time when Latino representation in American rock music was relatively rare.