‘La Bamba Bob’ Dies At 81

WATSONVILLE, CA — The community is mourning the loss of Watsonville resident Bob Morales. The older brother of Ritchie Valens, Morales, known to many as “La Bamba Bob,” died on Sept. 15 at home surrounded by his family, according to a Facebook post from his daughter Bly Morales. He was 81.

The longtime resident, known for his gray mohawk and penchant for smoking marijuana, was a beloved fixture in the Watsonville community.

Actor Esai Morales, who portrayed Morales in the 1987 movie “La Bamba,” posted a short, touching farewell on Facebook. The two were not related. Read more here.

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