La Bamba, the musical biopic chronicling the remarkable rise of Richie Valens, proved to be a game-changer upon its 1987 release, and the film is now getting the coffee-table book treatment with La Bamba: A Visual History.

The book, to be published this spring by L.A.-based Hat & Beard, spotlights the photography of Merrick Morton, who was hired by producer Taylor Hackford to shoot special stills that would be distinct from the publicity shots commissioned by Columbia Pictures.

La Bamba: A Visual History also has a written component that includes an introduction by RJ Smith and an essay by Carlos Aguilar, who obtained interviews with Hackford, director Luis Valdez and stars Lou Diamond Phillips, Esai Morales and Rosana DeSoto.

The volume, printed in a limited edition of 3,000 copies, is available for pre-order at the H & B site for $50. The publisher has set a June ship date.

If you’re wondering why there are no photos of HITS, we were banned from the set on day one of shooting.