February 3rd, a date memorialized in the Don McLean song, American Pie is known as the day the music died. It was on this date just a little after midnight that a small plane carrying three of the world's biggest music stars, Buddy Holly, J.P. "Big Bopper" Richardson and Ritchie Valens crashed killing all on board near Mason City, Iowa.

The group had just finished preforming the Winter Dance Party at the now legendary Surf Ballroom.

What you might not have known is that the tragedy had an impact beyond the music industry and the many fans of the young rockers. The story goes that Buddy Holly's pregnant wife found out about his death when she heard about it on the news. Since then law enforcement has maintained a policy of notification of next of kin prior to releasing names to the media.

Another legend from that night involves Country Star Waylon Jennings. Jennings was scheduled to be on the flight and gave his seat up at the last minute. He allegedly said, "fine take my seat. I hope your damn plane crashes." Jennings was haunted by those words until his death. It was only in the final years of his life that he was even willing to discuss that night.

 

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