On February 3, 1959, American rock and roll musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and “The Big Bopper” J. P. Richardson were killed in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa, together with pilot Roger Peterson.
The event later became known as “The Day the Music Died”, after singer-songwriter Don McLean referred to it as such in his 1971 song “American Pie”.
At the time, Holly and his band, consisting of Waylon Jennings, Tommy Allsup, and Carl Bunch, were playing on the “Winter Dance Party” tour across the Midwest. The Day The Music Died (Waylon Jennings and Tommy Allsup were bumped from the flight.)
Here’s a new version of the Song, with Don McClean and the group Home Free:
Here’s the original:
Have always loved this song, the anthem of my college years. Know all the words by heart, up to about verse 5 or so. Thanks, Stella!
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Wasl in high school when Don McClean came to Canton for a concert with Chicago (they were Chicago Transit Authority then) and Blood, Sweat, and Tears. Had never even heard of Don McClain, until he started playing this song.
Had no idea who the guys in the song were either, but we all recognized a great song when we heard it. It sure has held up over the years.
Was a great concert, too.
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Boy that song gets me….every time! Thanks Stella – I enjoyed the new rendition and listened to the old as well. Good times back then. SImpler.
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