The line 'The day the music died' from the song "American Pie" refers to February 3rd 1959 when Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and which other well known musical talent were tragically killed?

J.P. Richardson was also known as the Big Bopper.

Both Waylon Jennings and Tommy Allsup who were forming part of Buddy Hollys' band on the tour, swapped their seats on the ill fated plane with Valens and Richardson.

The song American Pie was written some years later by Don MacLean and released in 1971 and has been covered by many since including Madonna who brought a new era of fans to the song and the story behind it.

More Info: en.m.wikipedia.org

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39 Comments

Johnny Rock

He wrote another beautiful song about Vincent Van Gogh titled "Vincent".

Vicki L. Rojo

The detailed history is amazing! The song writter is amazing to have so much talent, history, ability to write this song with such indepht meanings. I always loved the song; however, at the time I was so young that I had no understanding to all the references this song refers to. To this day I still love and enjoy the song, and although I knew it was a sad song -- it's much more sadder now that I understand the history Allsup losing his seat to Valens in a coin toss flipped by a third party -- the details just goes on and on with this incident. The sadness goes on and on as you learn of the details.

Kevin Dale Streets

I've never heard Madonna do it, but it's probably a good thing...

Corey Taylor

"I can't remember if I cried, when I read about his widowed bride, but something touched me deep inside, The Day The Music Died."

Ajay Patel

Made me think of the movie La Bamba.

elizawheeler

Oh baby that's what I like....

james parrillo

teacherchicky, John Denver, too

teacherchicky

It's amazing how many of the REALLY great artists died in airplane crashes!!

illonabird

Subsequent to a concert, Eric Clapton and some others were supposed to helicopter to the next gig, but Stevie Ray Vaughan had a cold and Clapton gave him his seat. We all know how that went. Stuff happens. The loss of extraordinary talent weighs on us forever.