02/03/2024
On this day in 1959, we lost 3 Rock n Roll Legends, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Vallens, and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson.
On 2 February 1959, the three artists played their last show at the Surfball Room in Clear Lake, Iowa. People in the articles I've read and interviews I've seen said there was a different feel in the room that night. Everyone was so happy and lively. People were having fun. The music was amazing. It was just a good night.
Before the show was over, Buddy had gotten a charter plane so he could get to the next city quicker allowing him to do laundry and get some rest. The busses that they were using for their tour sucked. They were school busses! They had no heater. They would break down constantly.
Buddy had rented the plane for himself and his band (Tommy Allsup and Waylon Jennings), yes THE Waylon Jennings. After the show, Big Bopper had asked Waylon if he could take his seat on the plane. That night Waylon was feeling generous and gave him his seat. Ritchie went and asked Tommy for his seat. They decided to flip a coin and Ritchie won.
As the three rock Legends left for the airport Buddy said to Waylon, in a joking manner, "I hope your bus breaks down!"
Waylon responded "I hope your plane crashes!"
Later that night, pilot Roger Peterson took off into the cold storm of Clear Lake, Iowa, with the three rock Legends on board. The plane crashed, in a cornfield less than 6 miles away from the airport at 1 a.m.
All four lives on board were lost the morning of the 3rd of February 1959. People also know that day as The Day That Music Died.
What memories do you have with their music??? I'd love to hear your stories! 🙂
Buddy Holly: 7 Sept, 1937- 3 Feb, 1959
Ritchie Valens: 13 May, 1941- 3 Feb, 1959
J.P. "Big Bopper" Richardson: 24 Oct, 1930- 3 Feb, 1959
Pilot Roger Peterson: 24 May, 1937- 3 Feb, 1959
