Buddy Holly 50 Winters Later

Tomorrow is the 50th anniversary of the great Buddy Holly's death. On February 3rd 1959 Charles Hardin Holley played his final concert at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake Iowa before dying in a terrible plane crash along with legendary rockers the Big Bopper and Richie Valens. Good reason to call February 2nd the Day the Music Died. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has added the Surf Ballroom to their list of designated rock 'n' roll landmarks. The Surf's week long series of commemorative events is entitled 50 Winters Later and concludes today with an anniversary concert.

I was first introduced to Buddy Holly about five years ago when I saw a production of The Buddy Holly Story. Actually, I saw it twice. And saw it once more a few years later. I had no chance of not being hooked by his good ol' rock and roll. It's why I love to do the twist. If you dare mention Buddy around my dad, he will sing his praises to no end before he lowers his eyes, shakes his head and says with conviction, "Think of the music we could have had if he didn't die." If you've ever enjoyed The Beatles, Elvis, Bob Dylan, Jimmy Page, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen or just about any feel good pop song since Buddy's short 18 month rock and roll ride, you owe him. You owe him big time.

Click HERE to listen to Buddy Holly