But, February made me shiver with every paper I’d deliver
Bad news on the doorstep – I couldn’t take one more step
I can’t remember if I cried when I read about his widowed bride
Something touched me deep inside the day the music died
So, bye bye Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry
Them good ol’ boys were drinking whiskey and rye, singing…
This’ll be the day that I die
This’ll be the day that I die
“American Pie” Lyrics – Don McLean
I was twelve when this song came out in 1971. I had no idea what it meant, I only knew that it always made me tear up. Years later I learned the story about “the day the music died”. Although I wasn’t even born yet, I still feel like my life lost something special that day.
The 1959 plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper was fifty-four years ago, on Feburary 3, 1959. These artists were so young, and yet they had a profound influence on the music that came after them.
Buddy Holly
While Buddy Holly was only 22, critic Bruce Eder considered Holly “the single most influential creative force in early rock and roll.” His music inspired The Beatles, Elvis Costello, The Rolling Stones, Don McLean, Bob Dylan, Steve Winwood, and Eric Clapton. Keith Richards once said Holly had “an influence on everybody.” Holly was among the first to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 and in 2004, Rolling Stone ranked Holly #13 among “The 100 Greatest Artists of All Time”.
The Big Bopper
The Big Bopper. Isn’t that just one of the best names ever for a rock and roll star?!?!?! I never knew his real name until I did research for this post, it was Jiles Perry Richardson, Jr. He was a disc jockey, singer and songwriter. He wrote White Lightnin’, a #1 hit for George Jones and Running Bear, a #1 hit for Johnny Preston.
The Big Bopper was 28 at the time of the accident. He wasn’t even supposed to be on the plane, but he had been sick so Waylon Jennings generously gave up his seat and took the bus instead.
Ritchie Valens
Ritchie Valens was only 17, but he is considered a pioneer of Chicano rock and Latin rock and is recognized as the first Latino to successfully cross over into mainstream rock. His recording career only lasted eight months, but during this time he had several hits. Valens’ inspiration can be heard in the music of Carlos Santana, and Selena as well as many musicians of Latino heritage.
There was room for one more on the small airplane. Holly’s guitarist, Tommy Allsup, agreed to flip a coin with Ritchie Valens for the remaining seat; Valens won, and boarded the plane, overcoming his fear of flying, which was brought on by a freak accident at his Pacoima Junior High School, when two airplanes collided over the playground, killing or injuring several of his friends.
Today I’m remembering the day the music died. The music of these artists will live in our hearts for always.
Peace, Love & Joy,
Joyce
What are your favorite songs by these artists? Leave your comment below.
- My favorite Buddy Holly songs are “That’ll Be The Day“ and “Peggy Sue”
- My favorite Ritchie Valens songs are “La Bamba“ and “Donna”
- My favorite by The Big Bopper is “Chantilly Lace“, but I also love “Purple People Eater“.
The featured card is one of the projects available at my February stamp camps! Do you live too far away to attend? Order the supplies you need to CASE this card and I’ll be glad to send you the step-by-step tutorial. You can order supplies for this project at joycefisher.stampinup.net
All supplies used are from the 2012-2013 Stampin’ Up! catalog unless otherwise noted:
- Natural Composition Specialty Designer Series Paper (126917)
- Glossy, raised pattern printed on heavy-weight Natural paper.
- Real Red Core’dinations Card Stock (Spring 2013 Catalog)
- Stampin’ Sanding Block (129367 – Spring 2013 Catalog)
- Basic Black Card Stock (121045)
- Real Red 5/8″ Satin Ribbon (Retired)
- Substitute: Cherry Cobbler 1/2″ Seam Binding Ribbon (120992)
- Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (113439)
- Manhattan Flower Embossing Folder (114517)
- Paper Snips (103579)
My card was CASE’d with permission from Cheryl Garratt on Stampin’ Connection, the Stampin’ Up! demonstrator forum. Here is the original card by Cheryl Garratt.
My version of Cheryl’s card. You can make this card at my February stamp camps!
Hi Anne,
I learned so many interesting things about each of these musicians while I was researching this article. I ended up spending a couple hours on Wikipedia…that place is almost as addictive as Pinterest!!! I’m so glad you are coming to the stamp camp so you can make this card.
Peace, Love & Joy,
Joyce
Thanks for the remembering the day the music died. Great tribute and i learned alot! I want to make that card!