About the song
“Donna,” a heartfelt ballad penned by Ritchie Valens, stands as one of the quintessential songs of the late 1950s. Released in 1958 on Del-Fi Records, this track epitomizes the era’s musical sentiment with its evocative ’50s progression. Dedicated to Valens’ high school sweetheart, Donna Ludwig, “Donna” not only reflects the personal affection of the artist but also captures a universal sense of longing and romance. The song swiftly became Valens’ highest-charting single, reaching an impressive No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1959, just behind Lloyd Price’s “Stagger Lee.”
The recording session for “Donna” took place on September 16, 1958, at Los Angeles’ famed Gold Star Studios. Bob Keene, a notable producer, led the session with a team of talented musicians including Earl Palmer on drums and Buddy Clark on bass. The guitar work was shared among Valens, Rene Hall, Irving Ashby, and Carol Kaye, creating a rich, melodic sound that perfectly complements the song’s emotional depth.
Notably, “Donna” was the A-side of a single paired with “La Bamba,” another of Valens’ hits. This single was one of only four released during Valens’ brief career, making each release all the more significant. Original pressings of the single featured distinctive black and sea green labels, a collectible detail for enthusiasts.
Valens’ rendition of “Donna” achieved considerable acclaim, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop singles chart and No. 11 on the Hot R&B Sides chart. The song’s popularity endured beyond Valens’ tragic death in 1959, demonstrating its lasting impact on the music industry.
Over the years, “Donna” has been covered by numerous artists, each bringing their own flair to the classic tune. Los Lobos included a version in the 1987 film “La Bamba,” which dramatizes Valens’ life, and other notable covers include renditions by Donny Osmond, Gary Glitter, and Cliff Richard. The song has also seen adaptations by Swedish band Hep Stars and Yugoslavian rock groups, illustrating its wide-reaching influence.
In addition to its musical legacy, “Donna” has been featured in various media, from television commercials to popular TV shows like “That ’70s Show” and “Parks and Recreation,” highlighting its enduring resonance across different contexts. The song’s simple yet poignant message continues to captivate listeners, affirming Ritchie Valens’ place as a pioneering artist whose work remains cherished to this day.
Video
Lyrics
The next song I’ll do for you is playing 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 the time and all my love
For you, ooh-ooh
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-oh-oh