People who've said "no" to Al

[minnick27]

No, I heard that story before. I fully believe that the Valens family would try and get royalties for it because it is known as a Valens song. Im sure they got royalties from Los Lobos when they recorded it

[JCM]

What it's known for and what it is are two different things.

[minnick27]

I agree with you, but that doesnt stop people from trying. If Ritchie Valens hadnt made the song famous Al never would have parodied it 25 years later, therefore Al owes his heirs money

[Way_Moby]

I've heard this rumor too, but I've never been able to verify it anywhere.

[JCM]

If Ritchie Valens hadnt made the song famous Al never would have parodied it 25 years later, therefore Al owes his heirs money

That's a very rash assumption, as it was already a popular Mexican folk song anyway.

[minnick27]

Ok, he brought the song into the view of mainstream America

[bizarreblair]

If you want verification, watch the Kevin Polack interview with Al. It's on youtube, so you should have no problem finding it. It was a very long and thorough interview. Kevin brings it up and Al confirms it.

[JCM]

What does Al confirm? Did he or did he not pay the guy?

[bizarreblair]

Yes, he gave money to the estate of Ritchie Valens after the album was released and they approached him.

[JCM]

Well, forget him, then.