February 3, 2009 marks fifty years since the plane crash that killed Buddy Holly along with fellow Texas music icon J.P."The Big Bopper" Richardson and Richie Valens. They will be remembered and honored in commemoration events across the nation. Lubbock, the hometown of Buddy Holly, is the home of The Buddy Holly Center, which honors his memory year-round, but on the anniversary of the fatal crash they will be having special event. Jessica Camacho is with the Buddy Holly Center. You can find out more about the center and Buddy Holly online at www.buddyhollycenter.org.
ALSO ON THIS WEEK'S SHOW:
Segment 2: Buddy Holly left his mark on the nation and the globe with his music, and it will never be forgotten that he was a native Texan and developed his musical talent playing in Lubbock. Texas Music Magazine is remembering Buddy Holly with a special commemorative issue. Richard Skanse, the magazine's editor, talks about Holly's lasting musical influence.
Segment 3: J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson is frequently overlooked when it comes to remembering the February 3 plane crash in Clear Lake, Iowa, but there are some who are working to give the Big Bopper his due. Johnette Duff has written a screenplay about the music legend and she’s working on getting the film produced. She says the Big Bopper was more than just a one-hit wonder.
Segment 4: The Big Bopper did not live to see the birth of his son, Jay Richardson, but Jay has adopted his father’s on stage persona. He performs as "The Big Bopper, Jr." The Big Bopper was born in Sabine Pass, Texas, and was a DJ in Beaumont when he recoded his hit song, "Chantilly Lace." On the 50th anniversary of the plane crash that took his father’s life, Jay will be performing at the Surf Ballroon in Clear Lake, Iowa — the last place his father was on stage. We caught up with Jay as he was on the road to Clear Lake to recreate the last concert of his gather, Buddy Holly and Richie Valens.
