It was also covered by Howard Huntsberry for the 1987 biographical movie about Ritchie Valens, La Bamba, and Huey Lewis's performance of the song in the 2000 karaoke-themed film Duets was also released as part of the film's soundtrack.
The Bell and San Juan Story followed in 1989 featuring a variety of well-known artists such as writer/director Jacobo Morales (whose film Lo que le Pasó a Santiago is the only Puerto Rican film nominated for a Best Foreign Movie Oscar), Cordelia González (Born on the Fourth of July, Mambo Kings), Rosana de Soto (Stand and Deliver, La Bamba) and others.
He has appeared on screen in several movies, including La Bamba starring Lou Diamond Phillips as '50s rock star Ritchie Valens.
In January 1990, Martinez won the All campus Southwest Texas State Talent show as a Sigma Nu by singing his rendition of "La Bamba" and "Twist and Shout".