Though he's never said that the song is based on the tragic crash in Clear Lake, Iowa that claimed the lives of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. Richardson, Don McLean has said that he learned of their deaths as he folded newspapers early on the morning of February 3rd, 1959, preparing for his paper route. You know, with every paper I deliver.
Today marks the 50th Anniversary of the plane crash. I suppose you could say that it was the day the music died. But, you could also say that the music of those three men lives on, as their songs have been covered numerous times over the years, and their influence is farther reaching then they'd ever have imagined. Buddy Holly is said to have told a close friend at the beginning of the Winter Dance Party Tour that his hope was that one day everyone would know his name. Guess what?
If you're driving through Clear Lake, Iowa today, stop by the corn-field where this makeshift memorial resides. If you're not in Iowa, put on some good old rock-n-roll, or YouTube American Pie. Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper - gone 50 years today.
Any thoughts on this day? On the lyrics of American Pie? On how to remember these guys?
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