Sleepwalk (1 hour) Ritchie Valens
307,018
Published 2018-11-22
“Sleep Walk” was recorded at the end of the 1950s, so the song was probably still playing on the radio as the 1960s began. And in retrospect, it seems like it was a last gasp of capturing the perceived innocence of the 1950s before the start of the turbulent changes of the 1960s, as well as following the tradition of 1950s instrumental guitar songs. Perhaps those reasons are why “Sleep Walk” is so often used in movies to evoke the 1950s, such as when the song pops up at the end of La Bamba (1987) after Ritchie Valens’s family learns of his death in February 1959.
Santo and Johnny perform the song on the August 1, 1959 episode of the Saturday Night Beech-Nut Show. Dick Clark tells how the brothers wrote the song at 2:00 a.m. after one brother woke up the other because he had the idea for the song in his head (although another article just reports that the brothers stayed up late to write the song). The story explains the name of the song.
All Comments (21)
-
An incredibly beautiful and yet profoundly haunting song....❤
-
One of the saddest scenes in cinematic history. RITCHEEEEEEA!! I had tears streaming down my face the first time I ever saw La Bamba.
-
This song has this bittersweet feeling, but is all an all really relaxing. when i was younger my dad used to listen to this song all the time. Now when he isn't here no more this song becomes so conflicting with my emotions towards it. before with him, the song was endearing and happy feeling to it. Now, as things have changed since i have seen him, it feels so melancholy and bittersweet, ah look at me rambling. what i mean to say in all this is, this song had changed it's tone to me and it will always hold a special place in my heart for that.
-
RITCHIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEA
-
"Sleep Walk" is an instrumental tune written, recorded, and released in 1959 by brothers Santo & Johnny Farina, with their uncle Mike Dee playing the drums. Ritchie Valens version is a cover done well but the credit goes to Santo & Johnny.
-
Every time I hear this song I cry. I just lost my father just over a month ago and this is the song he told my son he wanted us to play at his funeral. 🥹
-
Great song from 1959 by "Santo & Johnny" Ritchie Valens had nothing to do with the song, as far as I know. The song was released the same year we lost Ritchie, Buddy, The Big Bopper and the pilot... 😖💔💔✝✝
-
Thank you ever so much for recording this relaxing melancholic hour that wakes n stirs wonderful memories
-
May Ritchies' memory be eternal.
-
He never cared about money wealth or power all he cared about was family and music
-
This song reminds of of my kokum (grandma) my dad said 'she used to like the song' man... lifes hard, but keep going its worth it
-
I'm depressed lately, amd I haven't heard thos song in 30 years, and the goosebumps and years overcame me Still depressed but with feeling... a true masterpiece
-
Yesterday I went back to watch the movie "La bamba"; I made him see my child and another person who had never looked at it; then I confirmed that it was a real life story; we consulted Wikipedia about the biography, images and about the other characters of the film in real life; concluding that perhaps Richie never imagined that after so many years his music would continue to sound and would be perpetuated with these beautiful melodies; His death so young is very sad. Greetings from the south of Colombia. 2021 I keep listening.
-
Ritchie forever!!!!!
-
GRACIAS UNA HORA NO ALCANZA ESCUCHAR ESTA MELODIA
-
Anyone else hear, “RITCHIE!!” Towards the end?
-
Ritchie Valens =Legend
-
That movie really connected for me. This song from that scene is pure heartache.
-
Rip Ritchie 🇲🇽🇲🇽 never forgotten
-
This that smokin outside your house after a long day at midnight type of beat.
