Setting: 1957–1959; From the labor camps of Northern California to the neon lights of American Bandstand and the cold skies of Iowa. The film opens in 1957, following 16-year-old Richard Valenzuela (Lou Diamond Phillips), who lives with his mother, Connie, and siblings in a Northern California migrant labor camp. Richard is a talented musician who uses a beat-up guitar as an escape from the hardships of poverty. His life changes when his older half-brother, Bob Morales (Esai Morales), returns from prison. Despite their close bond, Bob is a volatile figure who struggles with alcoholism and resents his brother’s focus and burgeoning success. Richard’s talent is discovered by record producer Bob Keane (Joe Pantoliano), owner of Del-Fi Records, who signs him to a contract. At Keane's urging, Richard shortens his name to Ritchie Valens to appeal to a wider audience.