BUDDY HOLLY STORY

Born in Lubbock Texas, Buddy’s very short career ended in a plane crash in Clear Lake. Iowa. Holly’s last performance was at the SURF BALLROOM in Clear Lake. At 22, he had many years to go. Although it was less important then, his stature grew as the years went on and was celebrated in a line of a huge seller by Don McLean in AMERICAN PIE in 72’ The words were “THE DAY THE MUSIC DIED”. American Pie was later reprised by Madonna.  A 50^th anniversary will be held in Clear Lake in the days leading up to his death on February 3^rd. Also in the plane was 17 year old Ritchie Valens and 28 year old Big Bopper (J.P. Richardson.)

There were near blizzard conditions and THE GAZETTE of the corridor of Cedar Rapids and Iowa City interviewed some of the folks in attendance at the last dance. The wreckage of the twisted tiny plane was found at 9:15 the morning of the 3^rd. Of all times to die, Holly and fellow travelers died on a dark and brutal early morning sometime after

1 AM.

In some ways, Holly’s death in 59’ ended the first phase of rock music. From his death there have been many phases and changes and revisions. Today, Holly’s music would be classified as ADULT CONTMEPORARY / POP ROCK.

HITS INCLUDED:

PEGGY SUE

RAVE ON

EARLY IN THE MORNING

IT DOESN’T MATTER ANYMORE

THAT WILL BE THE DAY

OH BOY!

MAYBE BABY

THINK IT OVER.

THE GAZETTE (1/22/09) 9W

THE BILLBOARD BOOK OF TOP 40 HITS, WHITBURN, JOEL (BIILBOARD PUBLICATIONS: NEW YORK, 1985.