The Day the Music Died . . . Hell no . . .

Everyday it's a-gettin' closer

Goin' faster than a roller coaster . . .

I fear that the Don McLean song “American Pie” is the only reason young people know of Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens, but the music is worth revisiting.

I hope that you've been wearin' yer horn-rimmed glasses in honor of "The Day the Music Died". That's right February 3 marks the 50th anniversary of the plane crash in the frozen tundra of Clear Lake Iowa that killed the three rock 'n rollers along with the pilot, Roger Peterson.

In 16 months (Sept. 1957-Feb. 1959), Holly created a body of work that influenced The Beatles, Stones, Eric Clapton, Elton John and countless others. After the crash, Lennon and McCartney changed their bands name from Johnny and the Moondogs to The Beatles.

Today, our rock 'n roll ‘way back machine’ have no plans on theorizing the "what if’s" . . . from that snowy day. While here at the asylum I wanted to share with you one of the greatest singles of all-time.

I found this video of the band on Arthur Murray Dance Party on YouTube. The video and sound is better than the Sullivan kinescope and the intro is hilarious.

Recorded in 1957 at Norman Petty's studio in Clovis, New Mexico. Buddy Holly & The Cricket's "That'll Be the Day" takes its title from the legendary John Wayne flick, The Searchers. Can you think of a better song from that era? Really . . . can you? "That'll Be the Day" is a dose of pure magic medicine . . . the kind of song that whispers sweet nothings in yer ear until you lose your pantaloons. A rollickin' runaway of thunderin' genius with an infectious bite that will be remembered the same way people remember Elvis, Mozart and the rest of the gang.

The other boys were also in the beginnings of skyrocketing careers. We are all poorer being deprived of music they all might still be making today had fate not intervened.

I met another great entertainer who lost a coin toss for that very plane ride but won his life and career instead. That was the late, great Waylon Jennings who performed at Lanier Land in Georgia years ago. It’s ironic how lives are changed by the seemingly toss of a coin.

If Holly lived he’d be 72 years old today. I hope there is a Rock and Roll Heaven with one hell of a band formed over the years. They’ve all been gone so long but left us music we still listen to today along with those bittersweet memories. Don McClain and his hit song got it wrong, thankfully the music still lives!

And for those bands out there that jump into corporate planes to make your gigs . . . May all your future flights be piloted by "Sully" Sullenberger.

Rest in peace . . . Buddy and the boys.

And thanks.

Ice