What is the birth name of "The Big Bopper?"

Jiles Perry "J. P." Richardson Jr. (October 24, 1930 – February 3, 1959), known as The Big Bopper, was an American musician, songwriter, and disc jockey whose big rockabilly look, style, voice, and exuberant personality made him an early rock and roll star.

He is best known for his 1958 recording of "Chantilly Lace".

"Chantilly Lace and pretty face and a ponytail hangin' down. Got a wiggle in her walk and a giggle in her talk - makes the world go round. There ain't nothin in the world Like a big eyed girl, That makes me act so funny, Make me spend my money, Make me feel real loose like a long-necked goose, Like a girl, oh baby that's what I like. What's that baby, but, but, Oh BABY that's what I like!"

On February 3, 1959, Richardson died in a plane crash in Clear Lake, Iowa, along with music stars Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens and pilot Roger Peterson. The accident was famously referred to as "The Day the Music Died" in Don McLean's 1971 song "American Pie".

Richardson worked part-time at Beaumont, Texas radio station KTRM (now KZZB). He was hired by the station full-time in 1949 and quit college. Richardson married Adrianne Joy Fryou on April 18, 1952, and their daughter Debra Joy was born in December 1953, soon after Richardson was promoted to supervisor of announcers at KTRM.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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Larry Jones

No telling how famous he would have become if he had survived. The night that plane crashed was indeed "the day the music died."

William Laughlin

Larry Jones, The big bopper died on that plane along with Richie Valens, 17, of La Bamba fame and Buddy Holly, 22. The tragic story involved a group of artists on tour. Dion DiMucci didn't want to pay for the flight to Fargo, ND, but Waylon Jennings was keen to fly with Buddy, but exchanged his seat with J.P. Richardson because he had a cold. Tommy Allsup was included in the group, but Ritchie Valens offered to flip him for the seat since he was ill. Buddy Holly was probably the biggest name at that time, in the group. This is indeed the day the music died as described in Don Mclean's song, American Pie, but it was not known as such until his song released.