Fifty years ago today, singers Buddy Holly (Charles Hardin Holley), Richie Valens, and J.P. (The Big Bopper) Richardson---plus pilot Roger Peterson---died in a plane crash a few miles north of Clear Lake, Iowa. They had just finished performing at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake. (Being all of 7-1/2 months old at the time, I have no personal recollection of this event.)
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From the Waterloo Courier: Recollections from one of the first photographers on the scene of the plane crash.
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And, an article from the Mason City Globe-Gazette.
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Tommy Allsup, the guitarist for Buddy Holly on that night 50 years ago, relates flipping a coin with Holly to see which of them would get to ride the plane instead of the cold bus they'd been using:
Buddy Holly singing True Love Ways:
Buddy Holly singing Peggy Sue:
Richie Valens of La Bamba fame:
Waylon Jennings gave up his plane seat to The Big Bopper, who sings Chantilly Lace here:
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10 comments:
time flies... I was not a droplet yet... but history introduced me to them... and music of course.
You put this together real well my friend!!
Those songs took me back to yester-year for sure. I was 24 at the time, and had a 3 yr old daughter. She and I used to "bop" around the house to "Chantilly Lace."
Fifty years ago I was...should I say? 18 years old and I remember the news reports of the time, and what a shock it was to hear such sad news. I especially loved "The Big Bopper" and danced often to "Chantilly Lace" and "Peggy Sue" and who didn't love cuddling up close and dancing to "True Loves Ways" with your date. Oh! the memories you brought back today.
I have always found that Waylan Jennings part of the story very interesting...
I grew up on a farm north of Clarion in north central Iowa. Clear Lake is only about 45 miles away and I have driven by the Surf many times. I went to school in Mason City for two years and we often went to Clear Lake.
Yes, that was quite a night....
Take care.
Why is the background of your blog suddenly Kelly green??? Are you gearing up early for St. Patrick's Day or something? :)
I was 17 when that plane crashed, but I was already a Freshman in college and so as befit a child of that time was moving beyond rock-and-roll as too high-school for words. I was more into a capella choir by then. (Even back then I ran counter to the crowd.)
This is so great. I loved watching the videos.
Oh, Laura.....you're just too young....its not fair.
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Hi, Kathleen,
Thank you for stopping and for the kind words.
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Hi, Pat,
That sounds fun.....you and your little daughter having a good time dancing! And, I like your profile kitty photo.....be sure to come back here tomorrow.....
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Hi, Gramma Ann,
Its neat to hear from people who were old enough to appreciate Buddy Holly's music when he was living. Thanks for your comment.
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Hi, Russell,
Yeah....that's just spooky what Waylon Jennings jokingly said to Buddy Holly before the plane took off. An experience like that could definitely haunt a person for life.
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Hi, rhymsie,
I should say, "counter-culture rhymsie". A person's got to live to the beat of their inner drum, or choir, or whatever it may be.
I don't know what happened to my blog.....its green with jealousy over something, perhaps. Just kidding. I wanted something Valentiney, but was too chicken to choose the red hearts.....maybe next week.
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Hi, Egghead,
Yeah, aren't those old videos really something. The internet and YouTube is simply amazing.....its fun and educational to be able to view old videos like that.
Jeanelle, that is a fabulous tribute! I, like you was just a mere baby when this happened, but it didn't stop me from loving the music!
Wonderful Tribute! Their music has traveled through time to touch so many.
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