Rock ‘n’ Roll Tragedy Quiz: Are You an Expert?
On a day that shook the very foundation of rock ‘n’ roll history, February 3, 1959, three iconic stars met their untimely end in a tragic airplane crash along with their pilot, Roger Peterson. As we approach the 56th anniversary of this solemn event, let’s delve into some key questions surrounding that fateful night and the lives lost.
1. Can you name the three singers who perished in the crash?
2. In which state did this tragic incident occur?
3. What was The Big Bopper’s real name?
4. Who was the oldest among the three singers?
5. What was J.P. Richardson’s second job at the time of the crash?
6. What was the name of the group Buddy Holly sang with during the latter part of his career?
7. Which song marked Buddy Holly & The Crickets’ first Top 40 hit?
8. In addition to their first hit, which other song by Buddy Holly & The Crickets landed in the Top 10?
9. The Big Bopper had only one Top 10 hit in his career. What was it?
10. What was the title of Ritchie Valens’ one Top 10 hit before his life was cut short?
11. Besides his Top 10 hit, what was the other Top 25 song by Ritchie Valens?
12. Which of the three singers was responsible for writing the hit song “Running Bear”?
13. Who recorded the iconic song “American Pie” in memory of the tragic plane crash victims?
Let’s explore the answers to these questions that shed light on the lives and legacies of these rock ‘n’ roll legends:
1. Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper.
2. Iowa. The crash occurred shortly after takeoff from Mason City (Iowa) Municipal Airport.
3. Jiles Perry (J.P.) Richardson.
4. The Big Bopper, who was 28 years old at the time, making him the oldest of the three.
5. J.P. Richardson worked as a disc jockey, hosting the “Dishwashers’ Serenade” shift on KTRM radio in Beaumont, Texas.
6. The Crickets.
7. “That’ll Be the Day,” which climbed to No. 1 on the charts in the summer of 1957.
8. “Peggy Sue,” reaching No. 3 at the end of 1957.
9. “Chantilly Lace,” which rose to No. 6 in the summer of 1958.
10. “Donna,” reaching No. 2 in the winter of 1959.
11. “La Bamba,” a Mexican folk song, climbed to No. 22 in the winter of 1959.
12. J.P. Richardson wrote “Running Bear,” a No. 1 hit for Johnny Preston in January 1960.
13. Don McLean recorded “American Pie,” which claimed the No. 1 spot for four weeks spanning 1971 and 1972, inspired by the tragic loss of the three performers.
As we remember these legendary figures and their lasting impact on the world of rock ‘n’ roll, let us honor their memory and music.