Buddy Holly's Death Has Kept This Building Alive | Exploring The Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa 🎸

I'm sure you've heard the classic rock song 'American Pie' by Don McLean?
"So, bye, bye, Miss American Pie
Drove my Chevy to The Levee, but The Levee was dry..."
The 1971 hit tune is based on a tragedy that happened following a concert at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa. Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson headlined the show, which took place on the evening of February 2, 1959.
The stop was part of a 24-day, 24-city tour across the Midwest. The tour bus was so cold and drafty that Buddy Holly's drummer caught a severe case of frostbite and had to drop off the tour.
In an attempt to get a decent night's rest, Buddy Holly chartered a flight from Clear Lake to Fargo, North Dakota. The flight cost around $380 per musician in today's money. Holly, Valens, and Richardson were all on board.
The single-propeller aircraft took off from the Mason City Municipal Airport shortly before 1 a.m. There was light snow, winds around 25 miles per hour, and worsening winter conditions. The plane crashed six miles north of the airfield, killing the three young musicians and the 21-year-old pilot.
Nowadays, the Surf Ballroom is as much a music venue as it is a history museum. The Surf is open year-round. Admission is free, though a $5 donation per person is suggested.
The Surf Ballroom website: www.surfballroom.com/

[@winetimesports8477]

Great video! I have been here twice. Even came to the 2023 winter dance party concert they still have. Got to meet Connie valens. Was a blast and one of my favorite places I’ve ever been. So glad you got to interview these people that were there

[@sportscardrippingteacher]

I was walking my dog and saw a car with a sticker Kevin Across America. Awesome video! I remember watching the Buddy Holly movie with my dad when I was younger.

[@KevinAcrossAmerica]

I'm happy to hear the sticker is serving its purpose 😊 And I'm even happier to hear you enjoyed the video. I had a ton of fun producing it.

[@bridgetg9605]

That was fabulous. Brought back so many memories. 😅

[@KevinAcrossAmerica]

I love hearing that! Thanks for watching.

[@barrytooley6724]

The last song played that night was ‘Brown Eyed Handsome man’ by Buddy Holly..