The Day The Music Died

[cosworth151]

Fifty years ago today, 3 Feb 1959, was "The day the music died."

Rock pioneers Buddy Holly, Richie Vallens and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, along with pilot Roger Peterson, flew out of Mason City, Iowa Airport and into history. The three musician had just played The Winter Dance Party at the Surf Ball Room in nearby Crystal Lake. The plane crashed in a snowstorm about 5 miles north of Crystal Lake. All aboard perished. Besides changing the course of rock & roll, the incident became the inspiration for Don McLean's famous song "American Pie,"

I was in Mason City a few years ago, and went to the Surf Ballroom. It has been completely restored and is still a concert venue.  A stone memorial to those lost in the crash stands in front of it.

[Steven Roy]

I had no idea that American Pie was about that.  I must listen to it again now I know.