Final answer:
The question refers to the legacy of Richie Valens, whose popularity has led to a virtual industry since the 1960s. The 1980s saw a significant collaborative effort in the music industry, exemplified by a famine relief project. Cultural changes, such as increased immigration, also impacted American music's diversity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question refers to the cultural impact and industry that has grown around the figure of Richie Valens since the 1960s. Valens, a pioneering musician of the late 1950s, tragically died in a plane crash but left a lasting legacy. Interest in his life and music was revived in the 1980s with the release of the biographical film 'La Bamba' and has sustained partly due to the nostalgia for his era and the fascination with his music and story. In a related phenomenon, the 1980s witnessed significant collaborative efforts in the music industry, one notable example being a project that brought together celebrities and musicians for famine relief, raising substantial funds for the cause.
Such collaborative efforts in the music industry and the ongoing interest in historical figures such as Richie Valens show how culture and humanitarian causes intertwine. Example of such collaboration can be seen in the event inspired by LibreTexts where artists like Willie Nelson and Michael Jackson joined forces to combat famine, showcasing the power of celebrities and musicians when they rally around a cause.
Furthermore, the reference to immigration from Asia and Mexico since 1970 highlights the evolving cultural landscape of the United States, which has also influenced the music industry and contributed to the diverse influences present in American music today.