Ritchies' first l.p came out february 12, 1959 and yes after his passing. But note it was the official release date and pre-release copies did come out for various reasons. Radio stations, promo parties and whatever Del-fi had planned at the time.
The first pressing on Del-fi records had a song titled "I Got A Gal Named Sue", this song title was later changed to "That's My Little Suzie". The copies that did leak out with the original pressing were caught and replaced with the NEW corrected information.
This original pressing is a fan favorite for collector's of Ritchie Valens, because of it's rarity of release. The ones that were released earlier than February 12, 1959, were handed out for radio stations, promo parties and so forth.
Although even with the second generation release in 1959, some of the first pressing were still seen on shelves.
Some people call the correction a second generation, but it depends on many things.
The first error pressing was limited and not a big release error, although could have been if it was not caught early.
The second generation is what I really call first generation release to the public, due to the fact it was a BIG release.
Also note that the label on the first error pressing was correct with the song title, so no errors were found on label pressing.
The baby blue label for Del-fi is the American Release, as other labels around the world printed the l.p via courtesy of Del-fi Records at that time.
So in respect to all no one is wrong about either releases, just technical.
Enjoy!
RitchieValensWebmaster
DFLP 1201 - (l.p-59-2-101, l.p-59-2-102) - These two numbers are first pressing only, some reprints may carry it, but clearly can see the difference from original from reprint or fake copies. These numbers were used for early pressings.
Track List:
1. That's My Little Suzie
2. In A Turkish Town
3. Come On Let's Go
4. Donna
5. Boney Maronie
6. Ooh, My Head
7. LaBamba
8. Bluebirds Over The Mountain
9. Hi-Tone
10. Framed
11. We Belong Together
12. Dooby-Dooby-Wah
Above is the Canadian Pressing released the same time on Apex Records. Track list of order is the same. The Canadian Release also had the mistitled song on back cover due to the fact that Del-fi did not catch the error, so some Canadian releases have the error.
Label sticker on vinyl is not Del-fi, but Apex Records courtesy of Del-fi. Also the address for Del-fi is not on the back cover of the Canadian pressing.
Otherwise it would be the same release as the U.S Edition.