The Day the Music Died commemorates the tragic plane crash on February 3, 1959, that claimed the lives of rock and roll pioneers Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson, and pilot Roger Peterson near Clear Lake, Iowa.
Quick Facts
When is it: February 3rd annually
Tagged as: Music History Memorial Day
What’s the hashtag: #TheDayTheMusicDied
When was it founded: 1971
Who founded it: Don McLean (through his song “American Pie”)
History of The Day the Music Died
The tragedy occurred during the “Winter Dance Party” tour when Holly chartered a small plane to avoid traveling in the cold tour bus. Richardson, who was ill, took Waylon Jennings’ seat, while Valens won his seat in a coin toss with Tommy Allsup. The plane crashed shortly after takeoff in poor weather conditions, instantly killing all passengers.
Timeline
1959: Fatal plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa
1971: Don McLean releases “American Pie”
1979: The Surf Ballroom begins hosting annual memorial concerts
2007: Big Bopper’s body exhumed for further investigation
2015: Don McLean sells “American Pie” lyrics for $1.2M
Dates 2025-2030
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | February 3 | Monday |
| 2026 | February 3 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | February 3 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | February 3 | Saturday |
| 2029 | February 3 | Sunday |
| 2030 | February 3 | Monday |
How The Day is Observed
- Listen to “American Pie” and music from the fallen artists
- Attend memorial concerts at the Surf Ballroom
- Visit the crash site memorial
- Host rock and roll tribute nights
Fun Facts About the Day
- Ritchie Valens was only 17 when he died
- The plane was a 1947 Beechcraft Bonanza
- The coin toss that sealed Valens’ fate was with a 50-cent piece
- Bobby Vee made his stage debut as a replacement performer
- The tour continued with new performers including Frankie Avalon
Quiz
- Who wrote the song that gave this day its name?
- What was the name of the tour?
- How did Valens get his seat on the plane?
-(Answers: 1. Don McLean, 2. Winter Dance Party, 3. Won it in a coin toss)
FAQs
Q: Why was the plane chartered?
A: To avoid traveling in the cold tour bus that lacked heating
Q: How old were the musicians?
A: Buddy Holly was 22, Ritchie Valens was 17, and The Big Bopper was 28
Related
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
- National Music Day
- American Pie Day
- Iowa Music History
- Aviation Memorial Day