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The Day the Music Died: What happened to Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper
Summary
On Feb. 3, 1959, a small charter plane carrying Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson and pilot Roger Peterson crashed near Clear Lake, Iowa, killing all aboard; the loss influenced American popular music and was later memorialized in Don McLean's song "American Pie."
Content
On Feb. 3, 1959, a small charter plane carrying Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson and pilot Roger Peterson crashed near Clear Lake, Iowa. They were traveling between tour stops on the Winter Dance Party tour. Official accounts report the flight encountered poor winter weather and that the pilot lost control of the aircraft. The deaths of the three performers became a defining moment in American popular music.
Reported details:
- Feb. 3, 1959 — crash near Clear Lake, Iowa.
- Those on board included Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson and pilot Roger Peterson.
- Authorities and historical accounts report poor winter weather and loss of control as factors in the crash.
- The deaths influenced later musicians and were memorialized in Don McLean's song "American Pie."
Summary:
The crash ended the lives and rising careers of three influential performers and left a lasting mark on popular music history. Undetermined at this time.