The Day the Music Died Anniversary

[RoadDog]

This Friday will mark the 47th anniversary of the tragic deaths of three of rock and roll's brightest stars. After playing at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. Richardson, better known as The Big Bopper, died when their small plane crashed at 1:05 AM, five minutes after taking off from the Clear Lake airport. The date was February 3, 1959.

The ballroom is still open and there is a monument erected in the field where they died. Of course, one of the greatest tributes was Don McLean's 1971 ode, "American Pie." "Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the the levee was dry. And good old boys drinking whiskey and rye saying this will be the day that I die."

You can get a good account of it at wikipedia under The Day the Music Died.

Perhaps some of you have been there and can give some more information or add some sites.

Keep on Down that Two Lane Highway and the Music DID NOT Die.-RoadDog

[PNW Judy]

It's so odd to feel such nostalgia and sadness over an event that happened when I was just barely old enough to talk, much less sing.

Thanks for the update. I love your trivia. Keep it coming!