Donna

Ritchie Valens

About Donna

"Donna" is a song written by Ritchie Valens, featuring the 50s progression. The song was released in 1958 on Del-Fi Records. It was Valens' highest-charting single reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart the following year. ("Stagger Lee" by Lloyd Price was at number one.) It was written as a tribute to his high school sweetheart Donna Ludwig.


Year:
2014
2:25

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Oh, Donna, oh, Donna
Oh, Donna, oh, Donna

I had a girl
Donna was her name
Since she left me
I've never been the same
'Cause I love my girl
Donna, where can you be?
Where can you be?

Now that you're gone
I'm left all alone
All by myself
To wander and roam
'Cause I love my girl
Donna, where can you be?
Where can you be?

Well, darlin', now that you're gone
I don't know what I'll do
All time and all my love for you

I had a girl
Donna was her name
Since she left me
I've never been the same
'Cause I love my girl
Donna, where can you be?
Where can you be?

Oh, Donna, oh, Donna
Oh, Donna, oh, Donna

Oh

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Ritchie Valens

Ritchie Valens (born Richard Steven Valenzuela; May 13, 1941 – February 3, 1959) was a Mexican-American singer, songwriter and guitarist. more »

3 fans

Written by: Ritchie Valens

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


8 facts about this song

Artist background
"Donna" was performed by Ritchie Valens, who was a Mexican-American singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Renowned for his contributions to rock and roll music, Valens was one of the top rock and roll African American pioneers in the 1950s.
Song's Implication
The song "Donna" was actually written about Valens' high school girlfriend, Donna Ludwig. Their relationship was reported to be the inspiration for the sweet slow ballad.
Tragic Fate of Songwriter
The song became more poignant and popular after Valens died tragically in a plane crash at the age of 17 in 1959, an incident also known as "the day the music died."
Peak Chart Position
The song "Donna" reached No. 2 on the Billboard chart in 1958. Despite not hitting the top spot, it's considered one of Valens' most significant and enduring hits.
B-Side
On the B-side of the "Donna" record was another one of Valens' hits - the iconic rock and roll song "La Bamba." Interestingly, while "Donna" was more popular initially, "La Bamba" has since become Valens' most recognized song.
Film Recognition
The song was featured in the 1987 biographical film of Valens, "La Bamba," during a scene where Valens (Lou Diamond Phillips) was writing and performing the song.
Donna's Reply
Donna Ludwig, the song's namesake, paid tribute to Ritchie Valens and their relationship with her own song "Lost Without You," released in 1987.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Although the song "Donna" is not individually listed, Ritchie Valens was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001. His music, including "Donna," played a key role in earning this prestigious recognition.

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    Donna

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1959

    Billboard #2


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