The Day the Music Died

[Hulk]

50 years ago today, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper (and their pilot, Roger Peterson) died in a plane crash that shocked the world of music, and inspired the song "American Pie".

A bit of trivia, Waylon Jennings, who was in the band was supposed to be on the plane as well, but Big Bopper begged for his seat as he had the flu and didn't want to go in the bus. Waylon went on to become one of the most influential Country Music stars ever, and is better known to Megoheads as The Balladeer (narrator) of The Dukes of Hazzard, not to mention the artist behind the shows theme "Good Ole Boys".

[Bizarro Amy]

From what I've read, after Waylon told Buddy that he wouldn't be on the plane with him, they teased each other. "Well, I hope your old bus freezes up again." Waylon's snappy comeback was, "Well I hope your old plane crashes."
Also, Ritchie Valens ended up on the plane due to a coin toss. A former Crickets member was planning to ride in the plane, but Ritchie flipped him for the seat because he was sick. The other guy later on opened a club named, "The Heads Up Saloon," in reference to Ritchie's call of heads and "winning" the coing toss.

[Marvelmania]

Interesting. I had no idea that Waylon was in the band or narrated the Dukes of Hazzard.

[Bizarro Amy]

I don't think Waylon Jennings was in Buddy Holly's band. They were all part of a concert tour called "The Winter Dance Party." Holly, the Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens were the main acts. Since there were a few other acts on the tour, such as Dion, I thought Jennings was just another one of the performers.

[huedell]

Sad event...great thread.

Big fan of rock history here....RIP.

[megoat]

I don't think Waylon Jennings was in Buddy Holly's band. They were all part of a concert tour called "The Winter Dance Party." Holly, the Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens were the main acts. Since there were a few other acts on the tour, such as Dion, I thought Jennings was just another one of the performers.

In 1959, Jennings was FAR from being a successful solo artist. He was indeed in Buddy's band.....

[kingdom warrior]

This tragic event also was the end of the first act in Rock and Roll history. soon after this Rock and Roll was sanitized for a bit from it's rebellious roots.

The second act 60-63 had Wholesome Rock and Roll stars who came into play such as Paul Anka,Ricky Nelson, Girl groups and The Motown sound was hitting it's groove. Elvis came back but was no longer the 50's Rebel. The Colonel made sure that Elvis now appealed to everyone.

[toys2cool]

very sad