Final answer:
The traditional Mexican folk song "La Bamba" was adapted into a rock and roll hit by Ritchie Valens in 1958, marking its influence on the birth of rock and roll and the Chicano rock movement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 1958 rock and roll hit, "La Bamba," is a traditional Mexican folk song that was adapted by Ritchie Valens into a rock and roll version.
Valens' rendition of "La Bamba" became popular in the late 1950s, and its success helped pave the way for the Chicano rock movement. It's important to note that while Ritchie Valens made the song famous with his rock interpretation, the song itself has much older roots and is a part of traditional Mexican culture, often performed by mariachi bands.
The song's adaptation by Valens is reflective of the birth of rock and roll, showing how the genre was influenced by a variety of musical traditions. "La Bamba" stands as an iconic example of this musical era's cultural crossover and diversity.