Los Lobos coming to Mesa Feb 14, 2008
La Bamba (1987): Soundtrack to the Ritchie Valens biopic includes the guys running through such sing-along tunes as Donna and Come On, Let's Go. This album earned double platinum status; no Los Lobos disc before or since has even gone gold, so it's quite a feat. (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
The day the music died ... or did it? Feb 7, 2008
February 3, 1959 -- youngsters all across the nation awoke to startling news: Three rock 'n' roll icons -- Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and "the Big Bopper" J.P. Richardson -- died in a plane crash en route to Minnesota. The plane hardly left the ground before it plummeted; investigators later blamed the tragedy on bad weather and pilot error. (The Cavalier Daily, VA)
Allen Bloom, at 72; promoted circus and musical acts Feb 3, 2008
His hard-earned experience also included the tragic: The plane crash that killed Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. Richardson (the Big Bopper) was during a Feld Productions tour, advanced by Mr. Bloom. His foray into circus promotion came about when the sequins had lost their sparkle and the growls of lions echoed to Big Top emptiness. (Boston Globe)
Fifties in February rolls out the red carpet Feb 3, 2008
Saturday night was the 49th anniversary of the Winter Dance Party that Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. The Big Bopper Richardson performed at before their deaths in a plane crash just north of Clear Lake with pilot Roger Peterson. Jan Liekneg, Rockwell, was one of the people at the Surf that night. (Mason City Globe-Gazette, IO)
Click for Full Story Feb 3, 2008
Forty-nine years ago today in 1959, a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa, claimed the lives of rock-and-roll stars Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson ... Today's Highlight in History:On February 3, 1959, a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa, claimed the lives of rock-and-roll stars Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson. (KWTX.com, TX)
Rare and true Feb 2, 2008
Her friend Buddy Holly, along with Ritchie Valens, J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson and pilot Roger Peterson were killed when their plane crashed just moments after take-off from the Mason City airport on Feb. 3, 1959, following a performance at the Surf. "It was so cold last night. The plane was dark. I just sat there and reflected. It was really a moment," Gerron said. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Fifties in February starts to swing Feb 1, 2008
She saw Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. The Big Bopper Richardson perform at the Laramar Ballroom in Fort Dodge the night before their fateful appearance at the Surf Ballroom in February 1959. We re waiting for next year to get here. (Mason City Globe-Gazette, IO)
Youngsters take to the floor first as Clear Lake celebrates rock 'n' roll Jan 31, 2008
Ritchie Valens is the family s favorite entertainer. Dena Petersen of Clear Lake had never been to the Surf for a Fifties in February celebration. (Mason City Globe-Gazette, IO)
Legends Of Latin Rock Jan 21, 2008
" Not since Ritchie Valens, an anomalous '50s Latino rock 'n' roller, had music with a Latino accent been heard at the top of the pop charts. Latino rock musicians found themselves swept up in a cultural movement. The bands all played benefits for Chavez's United Farm Workers. Chicano artwork decorated the album covers that could have come straight off the murals painted on Mission District walls. But these young musicians were not just following the Afro-Cuban traditions of their musical... (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
10 things to do this weekend Jan 18, 2008
REMEMBER. The Willowbrook Ballroom will be transformed into the site of a re-enactment of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper's final show. This 2-hour live WINTER DANCE PARTY is an annual re-enactment to honor the day the music died: Feb. 3, 1959. (Crain's Chicago Business)
Buddy Holly's Widow Threatens To Sue Peggy Sue Buddy Holly's widow is trying to keep the woman whose name was made famous by the hit song "Peggy Sue" from selling a book about the rock 'n' roll pioneer. More... Jan 14, 2008
The star was killed on February 3, 1959, in a plane crash, along with singers Ritchie Valens and JP 'The Big Bopper' Richardson. Holly was 22. (Sky News)
Huckabee charm plays well in Iowa Dec 2, 2007
The historic venue, of course, was where Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens played hours before dying in a plane crash in 1959. Music, like religion, goes to the soul of the Baptist preacher-turned-politician. (The Palm Beach Post)
Columbia Records/Sony Music Soundtrax Release 'August Rush - Music From The Motion Picture' Nov 22, 2007
The album also includes a variety of cover performances including Chris Botti & Paula Cole's interpretation of Billie Holiday's "God Bless The Child," Leon Thomas III's reinvention of the traditional Mexican folk tune "La Bamba" (which became a signature hit for the late Ritchie Valens in 1958), and Rhys Meyers' take on Van Morrison's "Moondance" (also covered by Chris Botti as a bonus track on the album). Rounding out "August Rush - Music From The Motion Picture" are variations on Johann... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Columbia Records Announces the Release of 'August Rush - Music From The Motion Picture' Featuring Tracks By Chris Botti & Paula Cole, John Legend, John Ondrasik, Kaki King, Jonathan Rhys Meyers & More Nov 15, 2007
The soundtrack album includes original tracks by John Legend ("Someday"), John Ondrasik ("King of the Earth") and female guitar virtuoso Kaki King ("Bari Improv," "Ritual Dance"); covers by Chris Botti & Paula Cole (Billie Holiday's "God Bless The Child"), Leon Thomas III (Ritchie Valens' "La Bamba"), and Jonathan Rhys Meyers (pieces based on works by Johann Sebastian Bach and Sir Edward Elgar as well as Van Morrison's "Moondance," also covered by Chris Botti on the album); and selections from... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Rock & Roll FantasyMarty West has found a way to show his passion for a unique theme park and Arizona. Nov 13, 2007
The 1950s area would be reminiscent of Palisades Amusement Park in New Jersey and include rides like Bill Haley omets' "Rock Around the Clock" Ferris wheel, Ritchie Valens' "La Bamba" carousel, Jerry Lee Lewis' "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" roller coaster and Danny uniors' "At the Hop, " an overview ride. Every decade would have overview rides with tours of music and memories - like the History Channel if it were a three-dimensional, whole-body experience. (Casa Grande Valley Newspapers, AZ)
Huckabee: Rock star status based on political post Oct 18, 2007
The Surf Ballroom was the venue Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper played before a fatal plane crash in 1959, a fact not lost on Huckabee. "I will not be flying out that night," he said to laughter at a Manchester law firm. (Concord Monitor)
American Sabor: Latinos in U.S. Popular Music Opens at EMP|SFM Oct. 13 Oct 13, 2007
Exhibition highlights include: -- 100 artifacts, including Ritchie Valens' Harmony electric guitar and the Mexican-style vest he wore on American Bandstand in 1958; a trombone belonging to salsa star Willie Colon; a gown worn by salsa star Celia Cruz; and much more. -- Instrument interactives that demonstrate how to play hooks from well-known Latino songs and a mixer that allows visitors to remix Latino songs. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
nine great movies on child prodigies Oct 7, 2007
"La Bamba" (1987): This biopic might have moved up a few spots if 16-year-old guitar phenom Ritchie Valens wasn't long in the tooth by child prodigy standards. And actor Lou Diamond Phillips, who played Valens, was 25 when the movie came out. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
Tribute bands fill North County venues Sep 21, 2007
Actor/musician John Mueller heads up the cast of this live music/theater show that re-creates the final date of the Winter Dance Party, the ill-fated winter concert tour that included Buddy Holly, J.T. "The Big Bopper" Richardson and Latino pop star Ritchie Valens. After their concert on Feb. 3, 1959, in Clear Lake, Iowa, the three singers boarded a small charter plane for Fargo, N.D., that crashed shortly after takeoff, killing everyone aboard. (North County Times)
Untold Story of The Big Bopper Timed for 50th Anniversary of THE DAY THE MUSIC DIED Sep 18, 2007
HOUSTON, Sept. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Potion Pictures announced today pre-production of THE DAY THE MUSIC DIED, the story of The Big Bopper, who died in the infamous plane crash on February 3, 1959, with Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens ... John Mueller, famed for his inventive New Winter Dance Party Tour, will play Buddy Holly; Ray Anthony is slated to play Ritchie Valens, a role he has re-created on Mueller's tours and in Branson, MO.. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Leslie's VMA live blog Sep 9, 2007
" The story goes on to talk about the worrisome prospect of the public using these people as icons, and how bad that is. Umm...urkay, Dr. People. What I want to know is where the money they were given to conduct this "study" went, since my 8-year-old goddaughter could probably have written a report that comes to the same conclusion. And she probably would have at least drawn a pretty picture on hers. Anyway, since we're on the subject, here are my top five most mourned musicians who died young... (The Palm Beach Post)
Rock star = health risk Sep 6, 2007
3) Buddy Holly (23 years old): Died in a plane crash, along with Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper. The aftermath of their death inspired my favorite line from "La Bamba" - "No, Bob. Not my Ritchie! Not my Ritchie!" ("Not My Ritchie" was also the name of a 1990's power pop band, who don't appear to be together anymore, but who had a kick-butt name. (The Palm Beach Post)
Hall of Fame will honor Siouxland bands Sep 1, 2007
A special tribute to the late Ritchie Valens will also be presented during the show. Ten members of Valens family will be attending the ceremony and concert. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Their own private 'Pepper' Jul 22, 2007
Perhaps the news dated February 3, 1959, announcing that a Beech Bonanza craft carrying Ritchie Valens, the Big Bopper, and Buddy Holly had gone down in a snowy Iowa field. The song is perfectly aware of the connection it is making: in place of the Beatles' last crashing chord is the sound of a crashing airplane. (Boston Globe)
Don McLean to play at State Theatre during Fest Jul 11, 2007
"American Pie" is usually interpreted as a response to "The Day the Music Died," when rock musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper died in a plane crash. McLean has stated that he would rather not explain the lyrics and leave it to stand to interpretations, though he has confirmed the first verse, at least, does refer to Holly. (Daily Collegian, PA)
'American Pie' Was A Long, Long Time Ago Jul 9, 2007
He was a 13-year-old paperboy on February 3, 1959, when he delivered the news that three pioneers of rock 'n' roll Ritchie Valens, the Big Bopper and Buddy Holly had died in a plane crash. "I was always interested in the in in the American experience. And I suddenly, in my little head, I realized that I could use rock 'n' roll and the story of rock 'n' roll and forward-moving lyrics, starting with the death of Buddy Holly, to tell the story of America," he said. (CBS News)
Buddy Holly stands larger than life nearly 50 years after he and his music died Jul 1, 2007
He was 22 when he died in 1959 in a plane crash that also killed Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper. The song "American Pie" recalled this tragedy as "the day the music died," but Holly's influence lived on in the Beatles (Paul McCartney owns Holly's song catalog), in Bob Dylan (who saw Holly perform two nights before the crash), and in a majestic array of hits that had me psyched to make a long-dreamed-of pilgrimage to the singer's West Texas hometown and to the studio across the New Mexico... (Boston Globe)
A Star is Born Jun 28, 2007
The Buddy Holly Story is a musical celebration of Holly, who shot to stardom in 1957 but died in a plane crash two years later alongside J.P. Richardson, also known as the Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens, famous for his hit "La Bamba." Mr. Cohen, who saw The Buddy Holly Story at the beginning of its 14-year run in London, says the show meshes well with current musical interests. "Right now, there is very much a resurgence of doo-wop and rock 'n' roll. A lot of towns are sponsoring doo-wop... (Hopewell Valley News, NJ)
Crews Attempt To Contain Lake Tahoe Fire Jun 26, 2007
Pictured: Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens. Sponsored Links. (NBC4.tv, CA)
Soul and substance Jun 8, 2007
I was four years old when I watched La Bamba, about the rise of (Mexican-American) singer Ritchie Valens. I loved the movie and the soundtrack had tunes like Donna, La Bamba, Come On, Lets Go and Lonely Teardrops. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
» Concert listings May 31, 2007
July 7 - Doo Wop Hall of Fame: Jimmy Beaumont and the Skyliners, Shirley Reeves, George Gallo's Mystics, Shep's Limelights, Ritchie Valens Review with Emie Valens y Robbins' Royalty of Rock n' Roll All Stars. $45, $55. (CTNow.com)
Fun Wedding Dance Music May 22, 2007
Ritchie Valens-- La Bamba. 3) Cheesy and fun dance songs. (Suite101.com)
High marks for "The Constant Wife" in Stratford May 19, 2007
Imagine attending the last concert that Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens performed on stage together. Think of hearing "Peggy Sue," "Chantilly Lace," and "La Bamba" by performers who are so talented you can't imagine those classics sung any better anywhere. (Stratford Star, CT)
First Latino in Rockabilly Hall of Fame May 12, 2007
"I think that is appropriate, as Ritchie Valens did one of his last shows there," Timmers said via e-mail. "Chan has great ties to the Valens family.". (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
It's A Culture, Not A Trend: Bands Are Rocking Bilingually More Than Ever Mar 22, 2007
There have been successful bilingual bands in the past Ozomatli have been bringing audiences their unique combination of hip-hop/funk/Latin beats since the mid-'90s; roots rockers Los Lobos started performing in East L.A. in the late '70s; and there have been several Spanish-language or bilingual hits on the U.S. charts since the '50s (notably the late Ritchie Valens' "La Bamba," which became a hit again when Los Lobos covered it in '87). But there's no question that the number of musicians... (VHI.com -- Music News)
Question: Is this a trivial pursuit? Mar 20, 2007
Most people know that Ritchie Valens wrote the song, "Donna," for his high-school sweetheart. What was her last name. (Orlando Sentinel)
College financial aid offerd at MPHS Mar 8, 2007
The Winter Dance Party Scholarship This $500 scholarship was established to commemorate the life and contributions of the Big Bopper, Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly, Roger Peterson (pilot), and Darrel Hein (Winter Dance Party organizer). Candidates for this scholarship must meet the following criteria: be enrolling in a college as a music major; be a graduating senior from an Iowa high school; submit documentation of cumulative GPA; submit a one page essay entitled, "Why I have chosen to major in... (Kalona News, IA)
Big Bopper autopsy debunks gun rumors Mar 7, 2007
- J.P. The Big Bopper Richardson suffered massive fractures and likely died immediately in the 1959 plane crash that also killed early rock n rollers Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens, a forensic anthropologist said Tuesday after exhuming the body. There have been rumors a gun might have been fired on board the plane and that the Big Bopper might have survived the crash and died trying to get help. (MSNBC -- Music)
Big Bopper Rumors Put To Rest Mar 7, 2007
Flowers adourn a memorial Feb. 6, 1999, at the spot where the plane carrying Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson and their pilot Roger Peterson crashed, killing all aboard Feb. 3, 1959, near Clear Lake, Iowa ... (AP) J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson suffered massive fractures and likely died immediately in the 1959 plane crash that also killed early rock 'n' rollers Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens, a forensic anthropologist said Tuesday after exhuming the body. (CBS News -- US)
Forensic expert says Big Bopper died instantly in '59 plane crash that killed rockers Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens Mar 7, 2007
Archive Quick search. Bass took X-rays of the body and found nothing Tuesday to support those theories. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Doo-wop star Dion discusses spirituality Mar 4, 2007
He spoke of his Bronx upbringing, his early fame and the fateful Winter Dance Party tour of 1959 when he opted not to take the doomed charter flight that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper. DiMucci, 67, also spoke of his drug- and alcohol-fueled excesses in the 1960s before he realized "I really was a lost sinner" and came to faith in Jesus Christ. (The Palm Beach Post)
Steamboat Days lineup nearly complete Feb 24, 2007
Henry, Jojo and Ringo Garza claim Stevie Ray Vaughan, Santa and Ritchie Valens as their inspirations. The Grammy winners are best known for their single "Heaven," which reached No. 1 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart. (The Hawk Eye)
A pie in the sky comes crashing down to earth Feb 8, 2007
I'm sorry, but if Don McLean thinks the day Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly and the other guy crashed and burned was the day music died, then he should broaden his musical horizons ... Could Ritchie Valens have been the Ricky Martin of his day. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Standing-room-only crowd jams the Surf Feb 3, 2007
Tom recalled the day in 1989 when he was wondering if the community had a remembrance of some sort for Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. The Big Bopper Richardson, all of whom perished in a plane crash just north of the Mason City Airport on Feb. 3,1959, following a performance at the Surf. He was in luck. (Mason City Globe-Gazette, IO)
Rochette first, Hawker second and Leung third after short program Jan 19, 2007
The Big Bopper, who died in a 1959 plane crash that also killed Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens, will be exhumed in an attempt to clear up a mystery around their deaths. Two U.S. researchers are presenting a study aimed at identifying the "bottleneck" in the brain that makes it hard for people to multitask as a reason to avoid talking on a cellphone while driving. (CBC News)
Big Boppers Son Looks For Answers Jan 18, 2007
Jay Richardson says he's doing it in hopes of answering questions about how his father died in a 1959 plane crash which also claimed the lives of rock 'n' rollers Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens. Jay Richardson never knew his father, J. P. Richardson, who was better known as "The Big Bopper.". (KWTX.com, TX)
Big Bopper's Son Wants Mystery Solved Jan 18, 2007
In this Feb. 6, 1999, photo, flowers adorn a memorial at the spot where the plane carrying Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson and their pilot, Roger Peterson, crashed near Clear Lake, Iowa, on Feb. 3, 1959, killing all four men ... (AP) The son of "The Big Bopper" has hired a forensic anthropologist to try to answer questions about how his father died in the 1959 plane crash that also took the lives of famous early rock 'n' rollers Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens. (CBS News -- US)
Big Bopper's son hopes autopsy answers questions about '59 crash Jan 18, 2007
-- The son of ``The Big Bopper'' has hired a forensic anthropologist to answer questions about how his father died in a 1959 plane crash along with rock 'n' rollers Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens. Jay Richardson, who performs tribute shows as ``The Big Bopper Jr.,'' hopes it will settle rumors a gun might have been fired on board the plane, and show whether his father could have survived the crash and died later after trying to go for help. (Sun-Sentinel.com)
Born-again bluesman Jan 5, 2007
In 1959 his group, the Belmonts, went on tour with Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper. The Winter Dance Party was a freezing three-week trudge through the mid-west on a bus with broken heating and by February 3 Holly had had enough. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
