What Happened to Ritchie Valen’s Brother Bob Morales?

After his brother’s death, Bob Morales went on a downward spiral with alcohol consumption. After his recovery from alcohol addiction, he successfully beat prostate cancer. But Bob never forgot his brother and the love they shared, throughout all this turmoil. People are wondering what happened to Ritchie Valen’s brother, what he is doing now and we have details about him right here from his cancer to recovery.

Bob Morales is the older brother of Ritchie Valens, late 1950s singing sensation,  aside from being in the world-famous La Bamba movie. The rock ‘n’ roll pioneer was one of the first exponents of the Chicano rock movement with several hit songs like “La Bamba,” “Come On, Let’s Go,” “Donna,” and “Little Girl.”

Ritchie Valens and Bob Morales acted in a movie together La Bamba. It was released in the year 1987. It was American biographical film that follows the life and career of Chicano rock ‘n’ roll star Ritchie Valens.

Bob Morales family photo

Addicted to Alcohol

Ritchie Valens died in an unfortunate plane crash on February 3 of 1959, in Mason City, Iowa, and the whole world mourned as it lost one of its most talented singers. Bob Morales was only 21 years old when his brother died. After Morales found out about his brother’s death, he became very bitter and angry, and he started drinking heavily. His struggle with alcohol led Ritchie to a detox center several times.

Beating Prostate Cancer

After his recovery from alcohol addiction, Morales found out that he had prostate cancer, in 2012. He had to undergo 42 radiation therapies in 42 days. After the treatment, depression had set in. He did not have any ambition and the motivation to anything. He simply followed the doctor’s instructions to drink plenty of water to wash everything off his system.

After he successfully beat prostate cancer, Morales started supporting the non-profit organization, Grind Out Hunger.

What is Bob Morales doing now?

Bob Morales is married to Joanie whom he has a daughter with.His daughter Bly works at Second Harvest, which helps feed the needy. There is no more information on where Morales currently is or what he is doing today in 2018. Many are wondering if Bob Morales is even alive considering his age.

Bob Morales

Leave a Reply