Who Is Roberto Morales, Ritchie Valens's Half-Brother?

Roberto Morales is best known as the half-brother of Ritchie Valens, an American guitarist, singer and songwriter. A rock and roll pioneer and a forefather of the Chicano rock movement, Valens was killed in a plane crash eight months into his music career. Who Is Roberto Morales, Ritchie Valens’s Half-Brother?

Roberto Morales Brother, Ritchie Valens

Roberto Morales is best known as the half-brother of Ritchie Valens who was born in Pacoima, a San Fernando Valley community of Los Angeles. José Esteban Valenzuela (1896–1952) and Concepción “Concha” Reyes were both from Mexico. He had two half-brothers Roberto “Bob” Morales (1937–2018) and Mario Ramirez, and two younger sisters, Connie and Irma.

In addition, Roberto Morales was brought up hearing traditional Mexican mariachi music, as well as flamenco guitar, R&B, and jump blues.

Valenzuela’s father encouraged him to take up guitar and trumpet at age five, and he later taught himself the drums. Though naturally left-handed, Valenzuela was so eager to play guitar that he learned the right-handed version of the instrument instead.

Roberto Morales Age In 2022

How old is Roberto Morales? His exact date of birth is not known in public domain. Moreover, Morales was constantly in physical altercations with other students as a teenager. He landed in juvenile detention one time. Morales also admitted to having an abusive relationship with his first wife, Rosie, according to a Lowrider Magazine article from 2015.

Read Also: Charlie Comer Wiki, Biography, Parents, Height

What Happened To Ritchie Valens Brother?

Bob Morales was the older brother of Ritchie Valens. He was born in 1937, four years before Ritchie Valens. His life was marked by struggles with drug and alcohol addiction, but he eventually kicked the habit and recovered. In February 1979, he married his wife Joanie Morales.

Bob Morales passed away from prostate cancer in 2018. His wife said, “He had holes in both his knees of his pants. He had crazy hair. He was so creepy looking, but he was so sweet. He had a spirit like no other. We were lucky to have him as many years as we did”. He was a mechanic with a passion for automobiles. His outgoing personality made him a legend.

Read Also: Alex Yee Parents: Know More About Him