* Lou Diamond Phillips as Ritchie Valens
* Esai Morales as Bob Morales, Ritchie's father
* Rosie Perez as Connie Valenzuela, Ritchie's mother
* Cheech Marin as Bob "The Bear" Houlton, Valens' manager
* Patrick Dempsey as Buddy Holly
* Dennis Quaid as J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson
* Charles Martin Smith as Don McLean
* Elias Koteas as Tommy Allsup
* David Paymer as Dick Clark
* Daniel von Bargen as Waylon Jennings
* Jon Bon Jovi as Frankie Sardo
* David Arquette as The DJ
This film is a biographical musical drama telling the story of the young Chicano rock and roll star, Ritchie Valens. It is known for its accurate portrayal of Valens' life and music, as well as its star-studded cast.