Remembering Buddy, Ritchie and the Big Bopper

Buddy Holly

Feb. 3. 2014 marks the 55th anniversary of the day early rock stars Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. ‘The Big Bopper’ Richardson died in a plane crash in 1959, following a performance in Clear Lake, Iowa. The event is known in rock 'n' roll history as ‘the day the music died.’ 

Ritchie Valens

I was born a couple of years after the three were killed and grew up listening to the Beatles and other rock musicians of the late 1960s. I wasn't familiar with Holly, Valens, the Big Bopper and other performers of the late 1950s and early 1960s until 1975, when I was a freshman at Arlington High School. 

I learned about rock's early years through WVVX 103.1 FM, a Highland Park radio station that back then offered an odd program schedule that featured song's from rock's early years late at night, but switched to foreign-language programs during the day. The radio station's playlist included top hits as well as some obscure titles.

I was fascinated and entertained by most of the music. I developed a serious interest in what became known as rock's formative years and listened to that music almost exclusively throughout high school.

I pause each year to remember the lives lost in that 1959 plane crash. Over the years I have pondered the impact the event had on the history of rock and roll, but mostly I just make an effort to listen to the music these artists left us. I think their music is important (and remains popular) because the lyrics speak of experiences common to generations of American teens. With all of that stated, here are a few modest observations.

I think most rock fans know Holly for ‘Peggy Sue,’ and ‘That Will be the Day,’ but 1957’s ‘Not Fade Away,’ is one of my favorite Holly songs, though not as popular as his other hits. Holly's life and short career was dramatized in the 1978 movie 'The Buddy Holly Story,' which received an Oscar nomination for actor Gary Busey's work in the leading role.

Valens (Richard Steven Valenzuela) is probably best remembered for his 1958 recording of ‘La Bamba,’ which Rolling Stone magazine included in its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Times. 

I always enjoy listening to ‘La Bamba,’ but I prefer the melancholy ‘Donna’ and the up-tempo ‘Come On Let’s Go.’ Actor Lou Diamond Phillips portrayed Valens in the 1987 film ‘La Bamba.’

'The Big Bopper' 

The Big Bopper is remembered for ‘Chantilly Lace,’ a rollicking recording of a rockin’ phone call. I also enjoy ‘The Big Bopper’s Wedding,’ a toe-tapper about a groom getting cold feet during the wedding ceremony.

Whether you're a longtime fan of these artists or unfamiliar with their work, I hope you'll take a few minutes to listen to the songs highlighted above. I think you'll enjoy the sounds. I also hope we will continue to remember three talented musicians who made history during rock 'n' roll's early years. 

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