Great Songs: Oh Donna by Ritchie Valens

This is an epic prom song on par with anything at all that one might be able to imagine. This song is a trance, an undeniable heaven from which no one would want to escape. I am quite pleased by Ritchie’s vocal work here, it is very atypical in relation to quite a lot of Rock from the era, clearly, it is safe to say that Mr. Valens was very much ahead of his time; and both as a songwriter and a lead guitarist. While this may sound strange, since he in essence seems to define the ‘50’s Rock era as much as any other, I would say that Ritchie has an added emotional intelligence that is quite obvious in all aspects of his compositions.

T. S. Elliot once said, “Ritchie Valens was the greatest soul in the history of recorded sound,” well, he didn’t actually say that, but a song like “Donna” is so universal, and if you don’t believe me and happen to be of the female persuasion, just switch the title from “Donna” to “Donald” and presto! It’s just that easy, my somber and moody music-loving chums. I feel quite happy when indulging in this cut, as I could endlessly play it over and over. Mr. Valens has his place in Rock history for a variety of good reasons, and we all know which song was his most famous, but fuck all to that, as “Donna” was truly his greatest.

The delicate guitar strumming, a song that is treated with such care as if it were a newborn child fresh from the womb! Angels were in on the recording session of this cozy love ballad, I can assure the shit out of you, Baby Snooks. I find nothing ghostly about the song, it is human, it is warmth it is comforting. Tender-hearted persons hold true, as Ritchie Valens has got a beautiful gem just for you…

Three versions for your ears to behold, ladies and gents!

Live…