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