Los Angeles teenager Ritchie Valens becomes an overnight rock 'n' roll success in 1958, thanks to a love ballad called "Donna" that he wrote for his girlfriend. But as his star rises, Valens has conflicts with his jealous brother, Bob, and becomes haunted by a recurring nightmare of a plane crash just as he begins his first national tour alongside Buddy Holly.
Lou Diamond Phillips
as Ritchie Valens
Danielle von Zerneck
as Donna Ludwig
Elizabeth Peña
as Rosie Morales
Rosanna DeSoto
as Connie Valenzuela
Esai Morales
as Bob Morales
Joe Pantoliano
as Bob Keane
Marshall Crenshaw
as Buddy Holly
Brian Setzer
as Eddie Cochran
Daniel Valdez
as Lelo
Howard Huntsberry
as Jackie Wilson
Felipe Cantu
as Curandero
Eddie Frias
as Chino
