50 Winters Later: Big Bopper Jr - 'Chantilly Lace'

[@jscho8674]

I never got to meet him in person, but I talked to him on the phone a lot. I ran the box office at a concert venue, and he called me looking for passes for his daughter and friends to our VIP club. He was surprised when I knew exactly who his dad was and repeated the lyrics to "Chantilly Lace" to him. He gave me a "Helllooooo baaaaaby" and I nearly died. That first phone call lasted about an hour and a half. I gave him my direct number, and he called me periodically over the next couple of years. He was so awesome. ❤

[@joanofarcxxi]

Like father like son. ❤. He did his daddy justice. Sad to hear he has gone too. But now they are together in heaven.❤

[@itravisoni]

He put His own spin to this one wonderful.

[@DriftyAlison0]

RIP Big Bopper JR. You will be missed. At least your with your dad now.

[@king_fresh27]

When did he die?

[@キアン-l6c]

King Fresh 2010 heart attack

[@theyakkomanguy7522]

@@king_fresh27 He died on August 21st, 2013 from heart failure. He was survived by his sons, Jay Jr., Thomas, daughter Ashlyn, granddaughters Hadley, Justine, and grandson Jimmy.

[@dr.miguelitoloveless9478]

Sorry,...he isn't with his dad, now.

[@DriftyAlison0]

@@dr.miguelitoloveless9478 yes he is.

[@bobbyjay75]

Rest in piece big bopper jr. he passed in 2013 :(

[@albievanwalsem6705]

His father would be so proud on his son if he sees this.

[@ToyUniverse-Official]

Agree Bopper Jr could sing good

[@ErwinLawson7771]

He saw this from heaven along with valens and holly

[@lookingforwyatteearp3137]

So proud of him seeing his son steal his material and Thunder?

[@lookingforwyatteearp3137]

@@ErwinLawson7771 yeah I'm sure they did. Time for you to put the crack pipe down now.

[@lookingforwyatteearp3137]

@lana lake she wasn't worth 2 cents.

[@garyfaught3769]

My wife and I were at THIS show. It was 6 below outside but there WAS magic in the air inside. We went to the cornfield the following day. We drove up from San Antonio. Crystal clear skies all the way.

[@HatersWorld]

He finally met his father! Hope they’re having the best time ❤️

[@ShellyS2060]

GreenEyd Girl omg I crrrriiieeed

[@HatersWorld]

Shelly Slavek heartbreaking he loves his daddy so much :(

[@its4it]

Me too.

[@MrClassicRock2011]

So sad Jay passed away. He really loved carrying on the life of his father. Im sure Jay and Bopper are having a good ole time up there. Rest In Peace both of you guys.

[@GREG62944]

Chantilly Lace...

[@rayboy7922]

My wife and I met Jr. when we worked at channel 4 news in Beaumont, Texas about 10 years ago, he was a very kind man a real gentleman.

[@danielburks]

You can tell in big bopper jr faces he just misses his father you can just see the hurt in his eyes he never got to meet his dad alive till they did an autopsy on his dad thats the first time he ever got to meet his daddy God bless the both of them

[@RejectedSpiritX]

God. You can almost hear Big Bopper in Junior's voice. Rest in Peace to the both of them.

[@SuperThunderfingers]

Looks like him too

[@ginaschreiner9838]

Looks sounds just like his Daddy

[@antonmasters8626]

Bet they're doing a great duet in Rock and Roll Hall Heaven

[@Plucebro]

This video really made me smile especially in a time when smiling comes hard to come by. Thank you for posting this charming moment at surf ballroom

[@erepsekahs]

But not quite, and so it becomes a money-grab. It's actually very sad that this boy and the whole gang feel the need to do this for money.

[@CarlTMontano]

Had the honor meeting Big Bopper Jr in my hometown of Las Vegas NM he was a nice man

[@dwcoop5390]

I became friends with JP, on the 50th anniversary day of his dad's passing. JP was very kind man. RIP my friend. The big bopper is the one who made sure artists were paid royalties. Another true legend of rock and roll, one of the first to start it all.

[@freddiereagan6705]

Nice to hear

[@aaronking7326]

I cant imagine being onstage...and being My Father in tribute.. Jr brought The Bopper back in amazing fashion....Together in heaven now forever...RIP Big Bopper, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens....Bopper Jr

[@EmmettChapmanUK]

Wow, this made me cry, but also made me smile. You can certainly hear his father in his voice, and see him. May as well be the Big Bopper standing there. Gives me chills that this was recorded 50 years to the day on the very same stage. Can't imagine how difficult this must have been for him.

[@freddiereagan6705]

Yeah dude

[@labradax]

Nice, great way to honor his father.

[@freddiereagan6705]

Epic

[@musclecarluvr1]

Bopper Jr. you know how to make a grown man tear up. Your Daddy is watching. He is an Angel proudly resting on your shoulders and he will never, ever leave you. Your Dad was a good man. His light still shines bright because of you. Thanks....

[@cynicallydepressed1]

His 'backing band' is actually the phenomenally talented John Mueller group, impersonating Buddy Holly as part of (along with a Ritchie Valens impersonator) an amazing 'Winter Dance Party' recreation. I've seen many such shows as a huge Holly fan (and oldies fan in general). I've met them all, and it will ALL be missed even more when these folks 'fade away'. The show is so perfect, it was not only graced with the ACTUAL son of the Bopper, but Holly's niece had gone out with them on tour a few times, as well as being sanctioned PERSONALLY by Buddy Holly's widow. It is sad J.P. Jr. is gone from us now, but if you ever see this show coming to your town, make it a priority to go and see it. Trust me, you'll go home tired (from dancing) and very happy!

[@randymontgomery7862]

RIP to the 'Big Bopper" and Jr. Great music 🎶

[@RM-en9gk]

He got to meet hes father face to face b4 he died. J.p body was still perfectly preserved

[@davidwhite4874]

Yeah, then sold his coffin on eBay.

[@J.cd33]

@@davidwhite4874 old*

[@davidwhite4874]

@@J.cd33 Pffft.....

[@davidh1249]

@@davidwhite4874 No,He didn't sell his father's coffin on eBay.There was some talk about selling it to help fund a musical about his father,but in the end he donated it to a Museum.As a sidenote,any time a body is exhumed it is illegal to re-use the coffin,a new coffin has to be used when the body is reburied.

[@davidwhite4874]

@@davidh1249 Is it still in the museum, then? The last reports I can find after a cursory search of the internet are from 2009, where he said he would give it to a museum with a view to possibly selling it later on......

[@matthewzablocki8602]

May the both rest in peace. I didn't even know Junior passed away. Kinda eerie cause he sounds just like his Dad.

[@aloisemason3972]

This is phenomenal....Big Bopper was such a legend and 5his song is such a hit..RIP Big Bopper..your still a HIT in 2021

[@hammycats6919]

This is eerie but bloody awesome. You can feel the atmosphere and essence of his dad 👍

[@freddiereagan6705]

Yep

[@allisonthecat]

Here, here, tears but I admire how JP Richardson, Jr. holds his daddy's memory and legacy in his heart so magnificently. The Big Bopper Sr. will never die with that kind of love and attitude his son has for keeping his music alive!!!!!!!!!!!

[@lonewolff5576]

First time ever listening to Big Bopper's son, I was only originally a fan of Ritchie because of the movie that introduced me to his songs. But I am a history buff and went down a rabbit hole. It's amazing how much he sounded just like his father. I feel so sad that he never got to know him and only grew up with those who told him stories or reading old article. Regardless, this video proves he made his father proud. May they both rest in peace and rock with the angels and lord above alongside Buddy, Ritchie, and all others of their time.

[@Micky1958]

Wow. He really takes after his Daddy. R.I. P. Big Bopper!!!

[@russferris7767]

I can definitely see Bopper's spirit living in him. -Well done and great fun.

[@shontemoses2833]

R.I.P. Bopper Jr.

[@TerryMMA85X]

oh he died also? too bad this guy never made any original shit...Love Big Bopper but this is depressing as shit...

[@marlie4872]

Shonte Moses Did Bopper Jr. Have a kid? I would totally see a Bopper Jr. Jr!

[@ultimatekyle3067]

+GrassyMania B luckily for u he did.As of i know he atleast has two sons

[@marlie4872]

Lego Stopmotions Incorporated 101 Oh, that's good.

[@ultimatekyle3067]

+GrassyMania B yep

[@motorcop505]

RIP to Big Bopper and Big Bopper, Jr. Thank you so much for sharing this!!!!

[@gindywilliams1045]

This has always been one of my favorite songs I used to sing it with my son when he was a little boy and now I sing it to my grand babies

[@pablogutierrez3137]

i got goose bumps, he has the same voice, wooooow!!!!

[@TerryMMA85X]

you must be both deaf AND stupid

[@perkaholic1266]

You must be stupid. be respectful to this man, cause he died bro. Mind your own business and let this man believe what he believes.

[@TerryMMA85X]

annd? watch your mouth...I shoukld respect and change my views on someone all because they DIED? yeah...Great logic...He was a perverted individual. Did you know him?

[@TerryMMA85X]

I simply believe what I believe..Im not allowed to have an opinion if it down not suit your own? Fuck on off with that silly ass 1 dimensional thinking you and the rest of the world is so caught up doing....

[@jamesagwe2981]

After all he was trained by the best.

[@maddogwrestlingfan]

What a great moment that was. I teared up a bit when he talked of his pops briefcase. I'm only 46 but have been a Big Bopper fan since I was 3. God Bless you Bopper JR. Your dad is an American Icon...

[@deannamartin6903]

Hi my name is Deanna Martin. I live in Chauvin, Louisiana. I am 76 years old and I am the niece of The BIG Bopper. His wife Teetsie was my mom's youngest sister. Uncle J.P. was a wonderful husband, wonderful father to his daughter Debra and was happily waiting for the birth of his second child. That child was a boy named Jay Perry. I never had the pleasure of meeting his children.

[@madnessgmd]

@@deannamartin6903 it says you are 73 on Wikipedia

[@jkadoodle]

You’re 58 now

[@SoCalKev]

R.I.P Big Bopper Jr both Big Boppers are now Big Legends!

[@freddiereagan6705]

Agreed

[@molovesrings]

He looks exactly like his father. I think its amazing how much he tried to keep his fathers memory alive. It sure is amazing how that survived the crash. Rip Big Bopper Sr. & Big Bopper Jr.! Wish I got to meet Jr.

[@spiderreed350]

I wouldn't say exactly at all.but a little bit.

[@cheriegoodwin6819]

No one survived the crash ??

[@RG-hf4et]

@@cheriegoodwin6819 No one survived.

[@cheriegoodwin6819]

@@RG-hf4et I know ? that's what I said in answer to the original post ? All 4 ppl died on impact....

[@molovesrings]

@@cheriegoodwin6819I thought the briefcase had survived the crash. That’s what I meant when I said I couldn’t believe it survived the crash. I now realize it was held in the ballroom the entire time. I know everyone died upon impact. I apologize for my mistake.

[@gindywilliams1045]

Wow he definitely sounded like his late father especially that laugh seems like even though he never had the chance to get to know his late father he seemed like a very humble down to earth man just as the big bopper was

[@AnimeVampireFanGirl]

His Father would be smiling right next to him, Proud of his son. My heart cried out knowing that he can take his Father's suitcase (Sorry couldn't spell) Home after so many years. 😭💕 Your Father is so proud of you!

[@pocher69]

I have had the pleasure seeing him live a while ago and he was amazing!!! John Mueller and Ray Anthony are amazing Buddy and Ritchie!!! The Winter Dance Party is a must see!!!

[@brendabrooks1539]

I grew up listening to his music! His son is definitely a Jr.!!! Glad I stumbled across this !! Made me day!! May you both RIP!! AWESOMENESS VIDEO!!!

[@angiedmoody172]

JP would have been so proud of him,he sounds just like him....Well done 😍

[@rafaelsocorro3363]

He is legend like father like son Rest in peace.

[@82566]

If this doesn't make y you smile n tear up ...somethins wrong w ya 🥺😊 Thank u for sharing

[@79Fimac]

I saw them perform in Dubuque, Iowa several years ago. It was like stepping back in a time machine. Great performances, great music, that will always live.

[@freddiereagan6705]

Yeah

[@devonmoors]

Great music!

[@hellokitty1982mf]

What a nice tribute to his dad! Love the last verse.

[@Lilibear-1]

I love this song can listen to it over and over. The day of this tragedy was the day my mom was born. Out of the 3 singers that passes the Big Bopper seems like the one with the funnest personality seems like he was fun to be around and his son seems to have taken the same persona. RIP to all of them such a sad ending to that night

[@MisterMasterShafter1]

I recently saw a picture of The Bopper's coffin at the mortuary before he was buried, and there was a guitar shaped wreath next to it, sent from Elvis.

[@kelliintexas3575]

Big Bopper played all Elvis' songs when him & the Blue moon boys drove from New Mexico to Flordia hitting all the small clubs & record stations. Elvis would hang out late and eat. When Elvis played Lubbock, Odessa/Midland & Hobbs, NM he was in Buddy Holly's back yard! Buddy Holly went together Elvis in Odessa and Elvis told him to call Sam @ Sun. They called and Sam refused the call!!

[@steveg3885]

Bless Jr. From a Ritchie Valens Fan. So much pain, but it Cheers me up to watch Jr sing to his Father.

[@mikedonn71]

God bless, Big Bopper Jr. Your dad was a legend, and your tribute must make him proud up there looking down at you.

[@ryanasche9569]

This is to great may his father rest in peace.

[@ryanasche9569]

Did not know that

[@flyingo]

***** That guy who looks almost exactly like Buddy Holly is my friend John Mueller who is the leader of that tribute show. He's been crowned the best BH act ever by Buddy's widow. His web site is: www.yourbuddyjohn.com/ and he has made quite the career for himself with this show. He and I went to Jr. High and High School together.

[@Lovelybones1973]

Flying O This video made me feel good! what an awesome group of guys and what an honor to play in the band with JP "The Big Bopper" Richardson's son!!

[@heinzjandik7937]

Flying O Saw them back in 2004 in Branson/Mo. It was a fantastic show included also Bobby Vee's son.

[@TONYFROMRANCHO]

He did his dad proud!!! So cool thanks for posting!!!!

[@Shannonstomb]

Wow! That is so cool to see him pay tribute to his dad! :)

[@freddiereagan6705]

Yeah agreed

[@susanrodgers9222]

Great legacy...Now they are together singing in heaven....

[@TheShoemakerb1]

Wow! He was great! Had a lot of the power in his voice that his father had. When I went to see the tour, he was out sick, and they had to bring in a last minute replacement, I think from a show in Vegas. I don't know if he ever rejoined the tour, but if wasn't that long after that he passed away. That tour is the best possible, and I can't recommend it enough. I know he did his father proud by performing with them.

[@peterdaniel66]

God bless you Jr... You are a credit to your dad and what a wonderful way to respect his memory. He would be proud of you..

[@survivingsicklecell1732]

RIP big bopper your great music lives on

[@michellehill1820]

Rip to BUDDY HOLLY and Rich and big bopper.

[@allisonthecat]

Wow Mr. Smith thank you for telling us your wonderful story to us kids like myself. My mother and father weren't even yet 5 years old when The Big Bopper and friends tragic plan crash, tears. I hop to see Mr. JP Richardson Jr. one day, I admire the way he keeps his daddy in his heart.

[@CitizenMcCain]

Your father is smiling down upon you Big Bopper Jr. You're a chip off the ole' block. Thanks!

[@robwatts4623]

My favourite song when I was a kid in the 60s ..my dad had bought a 78 record and I discovered it when I was 4.. Lol ..

[@laketahoe96]

I had just lost my dad a couple of months before we worked together for the first time. We talked about it and I had the honor of playing your fathers song "Someone Watching Over You" I miss my dad. They are watching over us

[@shawnmoyer5789]

Wow! Jiles your son's got it! Like you said Jay "The Bopper was not laid to rest. Jiles P. Richardson is laid to rest." The Bopper will always be with us!!" RIP Jay tell your dad we love and miss his music.

[@bluesatsunset]

Man that's awesome. Thank you so much for posting this clip. 53 years never forgotten.

[@mrsweetguy38]

i think your great i know your dad would be proud i thought i would cry when you talked to your dad on the phone 50 years to the day of his death you keep doing what your doing he's wasthing and proud of his son

[@williamball1452]

Thanks to two big men.Rock In Peace,Boys!!!

[@jamesclappsy1963]

God gives us gifts like the big bobber ,riche valens and buddy holly but sometimes he takes them away too soon! As long we remember them they truly will be never gone ! I think Paul Stanley said it best when he tells us all never stop rocking!!!!! And just think about the rock and roll band god has now! Truly the day music die it never did it's in all of us !! St Jimmy

[@VirgilCowen]

Touching tribute to a fabulous singer

[@larryvermeer6170]

Good evening my friend Thanks junior redoing your father song here again

[@mikegeorge7824]

Well, that bought a tear to my eye. Love the Bopper's music.

[@allaboard70]

R.I.P. Jay P. Richardson, August 21, 2013. A very sad day.

[@Votedjt2024]

Big bopper sr is true legend best singer rest in peace

[@mazkennedy5419]

Fantastic tribute to his father ❤️

[@Wooley689]

This was fantastic, hate I didn't see this years ago.

[@dannyweasner5823]

WoW -- This is extremely Awesome of his Son (J.P. Richardson Jr.) big time. He sounds alot like his Father big TiME ! So now he up in Heaven with his Father -- God Bless them both ! R.i.P.......Buddies. Somewhat very SAD also.....

[@kirbyjohnson5487]

That was. Great. And sad too. Must have been very hard for the big bopper jr to fill his dad's foot prints. He love his father with all his heart, and never meet him. Now that's true love.

[@blank5390]

lol..awesome memory. Great job Jr. dad would be proud :)

[@toddbob55]

wow that's just like listening to his father.

[@BrenGraham85]

It was real good to see this video, I really liked the last part that Bopper junior added, "This briefcase is coming home" and the extra verse :)

[@remnant3333]

I look back at Chantilly Lace often. Big Bopper was one of a kind and awesome!!! So sad the way he died.

[@allisonthecat]

I my lord I want to hug you sweetheart God Bless you for having the burden of carrying your daddy's legacy on. Even though the plane crash is called "The Day The Music Died," that is absolutely false, you Daddy and the rest of the guys music will live on eternally, tears. Hell I'm 26 and love your daddy's music, "Chantilly Lace," is one of my all time favorite songs to dance too!!!

[@gaberamirez7246]

He seems so nice he really loved his dad..hopefullly I go to see one of he's shows...

[@angelika_munkastrap4634]

Awwwww what a wonderful tribute to a legend

[@Johnny7051MC]

So sad to hear about Bopper Jr., I didn't know he had passed away. What a touching and heartfelt video about his dad's briefcase, amazing!! I hope they are both up there together in Rock and Roll Heaven belting out Bopper Sr.'s timeless tunes, Requiescat in Pace to them both.

[@bouboubaltais60]

Its so amazing WOW rest in peace to the big bopper and long life to big bopper jr you so amazing son 🤟🏻👏🏻

[@rockingearlmike]

What a great memory now already 60 years after....... may his father R.I.P.

[@donnakowalski2622]

That was awesome :) RIP Jr.

[@DelilahDeWylde]

I feel lucky I got to see him back in the early 2000's.

[@cardboardheadguy7814]

His dad would be so proud. Rip Big Bopper and big hopper jr

[@MikeBlitzMag]

Absolute, utter perfection!

[@EightTwoElco]

im 14, and you may be thinking i listen to rap and hip hop like the other kids my age. The truth is i dont, i was raised around old music. it is all i ever listened to and all i have ever known. Old beats New in music. Old music has feeling and soul in it. A meaning to it. The lyrics have meaning. Rap and hip hop is just blabbering things that dont make sense. Like if you agree that Old Music is way better than new music. R.I.P The Big Bopper R.I.P Bopper Jr. R.I.P Buddy Holley R.I.P Ritchie Valens May you all rest in peace along with the other great artists. You gave soul to music.

[@aliciapilotta5913]

Singing Chantilly Lace in Heaven with his Dad now

[@tonearm29]

This gave me chills just watching it, what a great video.

[@clemilsom227]

Wonderfull Big Bopper Jr has the same talent the Big Bopper had

[@RejectedSpiritX]

Had. Unfortunately, Big Bopper Jr. passed away August 21st, 2013.

[@megandzoesmom6573]

Looks just like his dad.. sounds just like him!!❤

[@racer434443]

Meet this guy at the iowa state fair years ago

[@zoiberg316]

fantastic got a lump in my throat. close my eyes and you could swear it was the bopper himself. awesome. thank you for posting this

[@MrThomascow]

Great to know he lives on, classic post, cheers

[@carolinaelizabethcallojas7192]

Ayer con la película La Bamba, conocí a su padre, ahora disfrutando el tema en la voz de su hijo, qe emoción.

[@flightofthebumblebee9529]

He looks a LOT like his dad. I would say his old man but Jiles passed away at 28. Very young. Rest easy Jiles, Buddy, and Richie.

[@cwb0051]

He Sure Is His Fathers Son..God Bless Him...

[@trevorthompson7604]

Brilliant

[@janinewarwick]

Amazing tribute for hes father and was also sad at the same time , watching this video really feel the emotion . Was so sad 3 fantastic singers died and the plot of that plane 😢 just nice that they are never forgotten people still enjoy there music after all this time bet they themselves would been shocked