Fans pay tribute to Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens & the Big Bopper
Written by admin on February 3, 2012 – 1:38 pm -| Fans around the world are commemorating the 53rd anniversary of the death of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J. P. Richardson (the Big Bopper) today.
Among the main events is the annual four-day commemoration of the Winter Dance Party at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa. This was the last venue that the stars played before boarding the plane that would tragically crash shortly after take off. The Surf Ballroom has been designated a historical landmark by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and was listed in the National Register of Historic Places last year. |
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The Buddy Holly Center in Buddy’s home town of Lubbock, Texas is also marking the occasion by opening its doors free of charge from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm this evening. The permanent exhibition includes photographs, clothing, report cards, a pair of Holly’s trademake glasses and his Fender Stratocaster guitar.
Let’s step back in time for an example of how the media reacted to the tragedy in 1959. Ren Grevatt had this to say in his February 9, 1959 “On the Beat” column for Billboard Magazine:
Moving up to date, Dion DiMucci, who also played on the Winter Dance Party tour, has paid tribute to the three on his Facebook page:
| “Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper – You are well loved and missed my friends. May God bless you always. With love and affection.” |
Related items:
“Listen to Me: Buddy Holly” – tribute album
Test your knowledge of Buddy Holly
Tags: Big Bopper, Buddy Holly, Richie Valens
Posted in Rock 'n' roll |
