Since Don MacLean's 1972 tribute American Pie, the tragic event has come to be known as "the day the music died." In the early morning hours of February 3rd, 1959, three of the biggest stars in rock and roll, and their young pilot died in a small plane crash in an Iowa cornfield. The news swept radio airwaves that morning: Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and The Big Bopper were gone.
Valens' and Holly's Music Hugely Influential
J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson was a 28 year-old former Texas radio DJ who was best known for his 1958 hit "Chantilly Lace." Richie Valens, just 17, was a rising star whose hits "Donna" and "LaBamba" placed him at the top of the current teen heartthrob list. After his death, Valens' music would go on to pioneer the chicano rock movement, influencing bands like Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys.
But 22 year-old Lubbock, Texas' Buddy Holly was the biggest star of them all in 1959. Holly was an innovative songwriter, vocalist and guitarist whose songs ("That'll Be the Day", "Peggy Sue", "Not Fade Away" and many others) have become classics. According to Bob Dylan: "Buddy Holly's music is as valid today as when he made the records."
Winter Dance Party Troubles
On the fateful night, the three musicians, along with Dion & the Belmonts and assorted bandmembers had just finished a gig at the nearby Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa. It was one of several stops on the Winter Dance Party tour of the upper midwest, and while the show had gone well, the tour itself was a disaster.
All the musicians traveled in one poorly heated bus, Holly's drummer had to be hospitalized for frostbite, and several others had colds or the flu. The situation prompted Holly to charter a flight to the next destination, Fargo, North Dakota, so he and his band members --Tommy Allsup and Waylon Jennings-- could get some rest. The other musicians would have to ride the bus as usual.
An Unlucky Flip of the Coin
When the show at the Surf ended, however, a snowstorm had blown in from the north. Richardson, who had the flu, convinced Jennings to give up his seat. Valens, who was actually afraid of flying, had begged Allsup for his seat all evening and finally won it in a coin flip.
Over the years there has been much conjecture as to the cause of the crash, piloted by a relatively inexperienced, 18 year old local pilot, Roger Peterson, although the truth seems to be relatively straightforward. In the end, what matters is that four young lives were lost. The music has gone on to inspire and influence generations of rockers.
Clear Lake, Surf Ballroom, Hall of Fame Will Commemorate Historic Night
The 50th Anniversary of "the day the music died", will be commemorated with a series of special events from January 28th to February 2nd, 2009 in Clear lake, Iowa. The "Winter Dance Party 50th Anniversary" will be co-produced by the non-profit Surf Ballroom and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland.
Events will include a film festival, art exhibit, educational programs, and concerts. Tours of the Surf Ballroom will be given daily. Symposiums featuring members of the Holly and Valens family will take place, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will designate the ballroom as a historic rock and roll landmark.
The Winter Dance Party 50th Anniversary Concert
The week of events will culminate in a concert at the Surf Ballroom exactly 50 years after the historic last performance of Holly, Valens and Richardson. Just a few of those scheduled to perform: Tommy Allsup, The Big Bopper, Jr., The Crickets, Joe Ely, Wanda Jackson, Los Lobos, Graham Nash, Delbert McClinton, and Los Lonely Boys. For more information, visit 50 Winters Later or the Surf Ballroom websites.
Other Sources: Des Moines Register, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Dale Van Every - Dale Van Every is a freelance and fiction writer living in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He earned his Masters Degree in English Literature from ...
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