Winter Dance Party Tribute 3rd February 1959

[@lawyerep]

My man Buddy. I was 13 when he passed. I'm 67 and still play my Fender and sing his songs. I was indeed lucky to be a teen when rock 'n roll was born. I lived the music. Long live rock 'n roll!

[@countalucard4226]

lawyerep same here!

[@jacejames404]

Man you're lucky living during the golden era of rock

[@garychambers5850]

I was only 5 when Buddy passed. The first time I learned of Buddy Holly was 1965, when The Beatles recorded "Words of Love" on their American album "The Beatles VI

[@doowopnuts]

I had just turned 15 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ReltubTheWiz]

I was just coming up to 2, but his music has reverberated throughout my life! I'm 64 now

[@BluE-uo8tu]

Hearing all 3 of their voices announce this tour and not knowing that 11 days later their lives would be cut short.. gives me goosebumps

[@michaelhampton9493]

Hearing Eddie Cochran sing Three Stars always brings a lump to my throat , because ironically just over a year later Eddie was dead. R.I.P EDDIE BUDDY BOPPER AND RICHIE

[@joseruvalcaba1927]

michael hampton It kills me how you can tell Eddie wants to cry! greatest musicians always leave ths 🌎! but they're with God waiting on us!

[@John-ob7dh]

@@DUKEJETT80 there is a memorial stone set where Eddie died on that road in Chippenham.

[@wilsonle61]

Listening to Holley, Valens, and the Bopper in the intro saying they were going to be at the Winter Dance Party is truly chilling.

[@superman31172]

Ritchie Vallens was a superstar at 17 when i was 17 i was just trying to get thru High School

[@tinopacheco2617]

That sounds pretty cool. Wish I was born in your era. Today’s music is trash.

[@martymcmannis8662]

@@tinopacheco2617 Trash? Learn to appreciate it. If it wasn't for the Crickets, we wouldn't have today's music. Is Johann Sebastian Bach trash to?

[@tinopacheco2617]

Stfu you don’t know shit. I’m talking about today’s music with the rap industry rapping about drugs , sex , money , etc. Now that’s trash now gtfo.

[@davehollamon1985]

Today we remember these 3 Greats!! if Maria didn't have a mis-carriage when she heard we ( may) have had a 58 yr. old Buddy Jr. carrying on Dads music. Their Music will Never die, they influenced Many, & Many have done their songs! Thanks, & R.I.P. guys!

[@tatianaroldan1201]

What a beautiful lyric a piece of Art!!!! I always cry when I see a video of Buddy Holly the Greatest musicians of all times!!!! He was way before my time, but there is something that hurts very deep in my heart!!!! I wished I could have seen him at least once performing. I believe it would have been one of the greatest days in my life!!!! Love Buddy forever!!!!!!!!!!

[@cowscows100]

I grew up listenibg to these guys. I graduated high school in 1959 and I still listen to their music to this day.

[@edwardjones5343]

Buddy Holley was a man out of his time....genius . legend...you bet your ass..he was THE MAN. R.I.P. BUDDEY HOLLEY and thanks for the memories

[@edwardjones5343]

Note HOLLEY

[@cassimbharoocha8284]

Edward Jones do you mean Charles Holley? :)

[@thecreamyone3606]

Timeless

[@diegoaguero769]

The best pictures of ritchie valens.

[@BuddyHolly4]

As a life long Buddy Holly fan (I'm 66) I am amazed at these photos. I though I had seen them all. Waylon Jennings was really doing overtime by playing bass for not only Buddy but for Richie and the Big Bopper. Buddy made him learn the bass two weeks before the start of the tour. Thanks so much for the video.

[@TheFarmerfitz]

Wow.. Today is 60 yrs since their passing... Similar weather overnight as well... Kind of makes a eary feeling...

[@ladraper7134]

Erie feeling.

[@VelaNovaBlaze]

TheFarmerfitz 61 now :(

[@xbdjdjcdbdnndbdndb1613]

I saw a picture of it snowing really heavily in NY. I can almost imagine like “how is it possible for these pilots to even see clearly in those kind of conditions especially nowadays?

[@davidfriedman7823]

Buddy Holly wrote so many good songs. If he had lived long I wonder what he would have written. Especially when music started changing in the 60s

[@countalucard4226]

David Friedman would he have become a hippie?

[@Thisisaname-i3o]

@@countalucard4226 no chance

[@wisecracker1814]

uhhh, more songs..?

[@coryshannon3815]

Considering Waylon Jennings was a friend and member of his band, I could see him taking on some outlaw elements to his music. Maybe not becoming full country, but some outlaw country type lyrics, as he'd get older, and maturity would make his lyrics go a little deeper.

[@violaw2358]

Eddie's song is such a beautiful tribute!

[@ElvisThunders]

Buddy, Ritchie and the Bopper are kept alive because of the fans and not because of money grubbing legality people!

[@doowopnuts]

You betcha !

[@henrysonnemann2597]

Even now in 2023. And I wasn't there in those days.😢

[@erikvereb9995]

I honestly believe very strongly that the deaths of these three young men had to be and still is the worst tragedy the the music world ever suffered ! ! ! ! But what a great choice of song to keep their memory alive ! ! ! !

[@lazurm]

Erik, Mozart's death at age 35 was pretty bad.

[@erikvereb9995]

@@lazurm I'm sure it was

[@SuperBettyboop40]

Who would dislike 3 people who went away so soon and made rock and roll a sensation, I like to know! That person who disliked this is a idot! ty for sharing this ! I love history like this.

[@larryb8022]

The Big Bopper, the last of his kind, he was one of the all time greats.🙏🏻RIP

[@stlbusker3025]

Thank You for the memories Sam, Joe & Archie. We will NEVER forget your names!

[@tonyblue1388]

Ritchie had an old soul, he even looks older!

[@Burco1]

The photos of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper performing are amazing!

[@bunnybastille1]

This is such a fantastic video. I too love hearing Ritchie, the Bopper, and Buddy speaking. Their deaths left such a big void in rock and roll. When you watch Buddy and see what talent he had and the potential he had, you kind of realize that the Beatles did nothing that hadn't been done before, and in many cases, better, by Buddy. RIP, all three of you. You are still missed.

[@bradymarshall6744]

65 years ago today these legends died but there legacy lives on rip RIP buddy, Booper, Ritchie,

[@1BostonTerrierGirl]

I As a baby, I ROCKED with my baby-setters' to the music of Buddy Holly, JP Richardson (The Big Bopper), and Ritchie Valens. I loved their music then and still love it now! Started to play the guitar at the age of 5 because of these three men. When the plane crash happened, I was 4 and heard the news the next day on the radio. This is proof the music didn't die. It exploded! And gave birth to Rock and Roll we know today! Thank you for sharing and keeping the music alive. Two thumbs up, subscribed and much loved.

[@stevenlassiter1532]

my Mom took those Ft Dodge, Iowa pics. Pretty Cool. Wish i.had been around for that Concert.

[@jmoe84058]

I have been a huge fan of old music because of Ritchie Valens and it makes me so happy to see the different youtube videos and the comments don't have a negative or thumbs down on the comment...they deserve only thumbs up because they died tragically and were loved for their music.

[@Younglove422]

This is a fantastic video. Thank you so much for putting this up where all their fans can see it. Buddy, Richie & Big Bopper were, in my opinion, the best that Rock & Roll had to offer & still is the best. I have been a fan since they started out in the 50's & I still am. Thank goodness for KZbin where we can see the good videos of yesterday.

[@835tair]

You're right, that's necessary, contemporary confirm the things ,which could be never known .They were big stars, never relighting three stars,unfortunately

[@buddyholly3527]

The Big Bopper was ok but he was nowhere on the same level as Buddy or Ritchie. He’s more famous and known for dying in the plane crash with Buddy and Ritchie than for his music.

[@muffs55mercury61]

Tragic in that Eddie Cochran met his own violent death just 14 months later. This is the first time I've heard his song. Very touching.

[@cynthiaturner8419]

I wasn't born when buddy holly Ritchie valens and the big bopper died i wish i was so i could have seen them play i think it would have been great 👍

[@joseminchoca477]

And still hat offs for this legendary Rock and roll stars long life for them forever

[@tammysigmon853]

My Daddy taught me about these greats. Although I was raised in the 70s and 80s, I loved this music too. Without these greats, there wouldn't have been Lemmy Kilmister. Lemmy never mentioned these guys, but he mentioned this era as his influence.

[@MrJohnny583]

Whoa! Really?

[@gennymikel4296]

Cool video, really cool. I get tears sometimes thinking about these guys.

[@s.c.7362]

Heartbreaking. Buddy's wife was pregnant when they crashed and her profound upset made her miscarry. Can you imagine?!?! The only part of Buddy she had left and it was stolen from her! Unfathomable.

[@Lghtning38]

@@hurricaneflorence7612 all i can say is wow

[@historyman7526]

I’m pretty sure that Big Boppers wife was pregnant also

[@historyman7526]

Karl Childers I reckon mmmmhmm

[@historyman7526]

Karl Childers I don’t reckon

[@fozzieatdetourbillnye5514]

@@historyman7526 You are correct. At least her baby survived

[@markhendershot3734]

saw buddy holly at the duluth armory when i was a kid,me mum took me, remember buddy wore a tie.......

[@moriA503]

Great song by ritchie valens!!!

[@johnoconnell2885]

Ritchie’s sound and style would have made him many hit records for many years to come. Buddy Holly was a natural born rock n roll star. Buddy would have been as big as Elvis. Big Bopper would have made many more novelty classic hits and would have been extremely successful

[@rockinmosquito]

As far as the Big Bopper, did you know he was working on a Video Jukebox? He made a video 20+ years before MTV.

[@jaygre4836]

Only one Elvis, one Beatles. Picked up guitar because of Buddy/Ritchie (to fight depression when they died). Started writing because of them also. Had a lot of great/bad times. Wouldn't trade em!

[@devinw5150]

Buddy was a great songwriter but no way would he been as big as Elvis. There’s only one king of R&R.

[@AgTigress]

Thank you for this. I was nearly 18 in February 1959. I can remember the shock and the pain incredibly clearly still.

[@bluestarlighting29]

Thank You for share this video clip, I could been there back 1980s or early but guess my parents keep from me. Use live in Iowa back start kindergarten and first grade, and second grade other school in Iowa , my middle school or high school no one said nothing until got video at yard sale. Few schools been not far , once there 2015. See photos on Wall lots great memories. Like dream come true. Had let most my favorite artist play there. Glad I did. Once life. Always be remember Buddy Holly and Richie Valens and Be Bop. Still buy cds and cassette tapes and records. Never be another Buddy Holly and Richie Valens and Be Bop. God bless all them. Truly beautiful song at end this video. Please remember them Forever. Rock N Roll classic hits songs. Songs my mom use listen on radio stations back her school days in Iowa.

[@devynjames9146]

you have to be real heartless to dislike this.....

[@AReneeDesign23]

they don't know what real music is; feel sorry for them....

[@terriecotham1567]

You have to remember music is to the ears what art is to the eyes

[@MrJohnny583]

58 years ago today. RIP guys.

[@VelaNovaBlaze]

MrJohnny583 61 now :(

[@StrangeScaryNewEngland]

62 now 😭 Still love them so much

[@schymcgee]

AWSOME!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! R.I.P. Buddy (Charles), Ritchie (Ricardo), Big Bopper (Jiles). That was and has to be the saddest day in the history of the world! Love you and will never forget you. SDM

[@MrYeloot]

schymcgee Ritchie’s name was Richard, not Ricardo. Sheesh

[@daveyt4802]

Just visited the Surf ballroom and the crash site. Most interesting place I visited all year. Just stopped by on the way home, didn't know the history at all. Came up on google maps. Went to John Wayne's hometown and museum too.

[@maryhinnenkamp5252]

All I can say is Wow..totally awesome.. I will always look to the north to see the 3 stars!!

[@stelvis7413]

Every time I hear that radio broadcast announcing the crash, I get chills. Also, I never heard those alternate takes from Buddy & JP. Thanks for this.

[@25FIREBALL]

a few years ago me n my son stopped at the surf to pay our respects---the sun was shinning when we went in--when we left it was dark and snowing---to say the least i was freaked out---we were on our way to pick up a dirt track race car in minn.-guess buddy - ritchie and the bopper were watching over us as that turned out to be one of my better cars in my 50 years behind the wheel---thank you for posting---

[@jenniwhitney5619]

I wish there were a recording of their last concert at the Surf Ballroom.

[@marytormey4522]

Hi ,hearing this makes me go back in time ,first heard Buddy Holly as a kid and have loved his music to this day ,it's amazing how many he influenced including the Beatles ,the rolling Stones and more ,thanks for sharing loving rock forever , so I don't know

[@edwardrossman9448]

People dont talk about this a lot but Richie Valens was one of the greatest talents ever for his age. What he accomplished at his young age is stunning really. He would have been a major star on a par of some of the all time greats. He was on the cutting edge of innovation and writing his own songs.

[@rockinmosquito]

100% correct.

[@davidpaz9389]

Jimmy Page from Led Zeppelin is the biggest inspiration for countless guitarists. Ritchie Valens was Jimmy Page's guitar hero.

[@jmen4ever257]

Read somewhere,that the bopper,as well as being a great song writer, was working on building a recording studio, and had several singers interested in signing up with him.Another ten years, and he might have become VERY wealthy in the music biz.

[@Tornado1994]

+jmen4ever Richardson planned on becoming a producer. He also embraced Black music and Black Artists. Being the only Southern DJ to play Rock & Roll at the time.

[@axelbodin3089]

R.I.P Three stars. Buddy was in my opinion the biggest star with most hits.

[@aloisemason3972]

Bug Bopper was a rock n roller for sure..Buddy Holly was a fantastic singer and Richie was tremendously great at singing and playing guitar..so sad we lost these singers and entertainers..I think the Big Bopper sounds alot like Elvis Presley..these young men were definitely legends and would have been bigger if it weren't for the airplane crash..it's a gruesome story and three young men in the music world taken away from us so fast..thank you for giving the world such great songs and music while you lived..may God bless you all..

[@Adrians_films]

Bug?

[@ashscot50]

J P Richardson aka The Big Bopper was a Texas radio DJ and song writer. He wrote George Jones first hit record, "White Lightning" and "Running Bear" for his friend Johny Preston. "Chantilly Lace" was his only hit record of any note.

[@Tornado1994]

Everytime I look at the photo with the three of them together, it just makes me sad. 3 warm hearted good people. Heroes. Just trying to provide a better life for tier families. Buddy for his Elena and their unborn child, Ritchie for his mom,baby sister,Donna, and to help guide his big brother Bob, and JP for his wife, daughter and at the time unborn son. On top of the fact, that RACE was non existent. As Buddy and JP were anti segregationists.

[@survivingsicklecell1732]

I wonder if Buddy Holly child is alive didn't hear nothing about it

[@Tornado1994]

@@survivingsicklecell1732 Elena tragically miscarried.

[@fozzieatdetourbillnye5514]

I try to think with Big Bopper he was very happy in his last moments knowing he was going to be a dad for the 2nd time. His wife, daughter and son have all since passed; in some kind of strange twist, maybe he was spared being a lonely 95 year old man and now their all together. And with Ritchie, a fellow CA native, he ultimately did what he wanted. He loved performing and tried to overcome his fear that caused him to do what he liked. Unlike Buddy, who wanted to leave the business to become a stay at home dad, he wanted to write songs and sing and continue to perform. Sad? Yes. Would I have loved to see him live? He was only 17; of course. Was his destiny cut short? I think his destiny was what it was. This tragic event happened 30 years to the date I was born

[@56cadd]

@@survivingsicklecell1732 ..hahahahahahaha..!

[@mariia099]

FozzieatDetour BillNye buddy wanted to be a stay at home dad?

[@kohedunn]

A terrible day for music …….We miss you still....

[@brendavandyk2624]

Little did dear Eddie Cochran know he would die too young May God keep them safe in His arms. I am sure they are all together in heaven.

[@robertdunham5677]

Some of these pictures were from a few days before...at the Capitol Theatre in Davenport, Iowa

[@jackieharpold1664]

I was born when rock and roll was going strong in the fifties to sixties . I remember watching Elvis on television in 1957 and I was only fifteen.

[@GhostBoy-zn8uf]

Sad how today 60 years ago these 3 talented musicians and their pilot lost their lives

[@FrankieParadiso4evah]

Very moving tribute by the equally great Eddie Cochran, who had premonitions about his own impending death, according to his fiancee Sharon Sheeley.

[@garyfaught3769]

Eddie died on April 17,1960 only 14 months later. He was only 21.

[@larryvermeer6170]

RIP Buddy and Ritchie valen and JP the big bopper to

[@kursed01]

If you ever get a chance to visit the crash site and go to the ballroom Please do!! The Ballroom is a place still stuck to the past. When I was there the stage and all was the same. I remember looking at a fake plant by the stage and everyone that played that night autographed it on the base. It definitely takes you back to the day the music died!!

[@maggiegarber246]

I went to the Winter Dance Party every year from 2014 through 2020 at the Surf. It was canceled this year. Only drawback to attending is the cold, snow and ice! In 2019, it was below zero! In 2015, I suddenly had the realization that the date these 3 played the Surf was my mother’s 40th birthday.

[@IAMdeathblade]

Rest In Peace buddy 🎶🎸, Ritchie 🎶, Bopper 🎶, Rodger ✈️ 60 years later your memories live on and forever will🙏🏻

[@sorshiaemms5959]

AWWSOME TRIBUTE NEVER HERD THAT BIG BOPPER TUNE BEFORE OR BUDDYS ALTERNATE TO THAT SONG ALL THREE MEN WERE VERY TALENTED WHO KNOWS WERE THERE MUSIC WOULD HAVE GONE WITH THE NEW ELECTRONICS THAT WERE TO COME NICE TO SEE EDDIE COCHRAN S TRIBUTE SONG WHO WES ALSO A GREAT TALENT AND DID NOT HAVE MUCH MORE THAN A YEAR TO LIVE HIMSELF AT THIS POINT THANKS

[@moriA503]

Amazing music by Ritchie valens .. true talent by this young man RIP

[@adelinagarza2812]

Carlos Garza here again may Ritche Valenz Buddy Holly and Big Booper rest in the Eternal Joy of Our Lord JesusvChrist Amén

[@kathymartin8887]

This gives me goosebumps

[@erikvereb9995]

Such a tragic loss to their family their friends fans everywhere and the music industry ! !

[@genevievemott5043]

I love buddy's voice 😍😍😍

[@tarasmith7859]

This brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so much for posting.

[@slicksnewonenow]

Just seeing Waylon Jennings playing bass in those old photographs, reminds me of how deeply hurt he always was, because (in his words) it was his friend Buddy and not him on that plane.

[@pandorapiam3374]

I really like this video. Good find! I have always loved Buddy. I did not realise that Richie was only 17.

[@robjontay5052]

Ritchie was 17 Years old. UNBELIEVABLE...

[@maggiegarber246]

His sister attends the Winter Dance Party in a jacket embroidered “Forever 17”.

[@frjohnetjames]

Who ask

[@charlyW34]

Very well done! I'm always happy to see care and attention involving this sort of video. Nice choice of tunes (undubbed Buddy), great photos, several new to me. I'm impressed. Thanks ugfrog

[@survivingsicklecell1732]

That's got to be the saddest song that Eddie Cochran ever sang rip bright stars with tears in my eyes

[@wormsnake1]

Ritchie looked so old. They all did!! So cool to see him play behind the drum kit. So much talent on that tour and sadly on the plane that fateful night. Pure talent never dies and there music will always live on. God bless them all. R.I.P. 🙏❤️.x

[@Adrians_films]

He played drums for everyone, the belmonts played for him

[@frjohnetjames]

Buddy holly only 1936-1959

[@1lenny]

Hi Mark..nice tribute to Buddy,Ritchie & the Bopper on this 52nd anniversary of that tragic day.I still remember that day well.I'm playing their music also today.Also losing Eddie the following year was also sad. Thanks for posting this.

[@larryvermeer6170]

Good afternoon my friend I was born in 1955 to This was great music 🎶 in this era of music 🎵🎶 to Today's music 🎵🎶 is like garbage to Am still listening to this music in august of 2024 to

[@lettermen1]

@justmusicandme Wow! Thanks for sharing Loretta, glad I didn't miss this one! Mark, you did a great job producing this piece of R'n'R History. It deserves a LOT of views!

[@chicagofan76]

I went to the Surf Ballroom and the crash site in August 2023. Great to finally see both but very sad too. My Day The Music Died Playlist has 59 songs on it.

[@75smurfette]

What a lovely and well-rounded tribute! The song "Three Songs" always gets to me, what a terrible tragedy.

[@marsazorean62]

Think it over blew my mind.

[@badhival3779]

What could’ve been 😞😢

[@lindalicata8303]

Great video. RIP. Buddy, Ritchie and Big Bopper.

[@MrJorlop]

where did you found this??? this is a treasure! a promo of that tour announced by themselves!

[@kidblonde]

Wow, what a fantastic video! So f*#@!ng well made! This video should have an award... and it certainly already has one for those who know about this stuff ... Thank you so much for posting this!

[@JohnnyLightningYoutube]

Fantastic tribute! Bravo!

[@Kiwitakimago]

Lou Diamond Phillips played Richie spot on!

[@jovanym2931]

How ? He didn’t even look like him or sound like him

[@randomperson8926]

@@jovanym2931 lol exactly, just thirsty for the money

[@thefonzkiss]

Didn’t look or act anything like him. The real Richie was overweight and shy. Not a Latin lover type.

[@torinogt7963]

Buddy Holly is my idol i am 27 yrs I love listening to the 50s.

[@KaydeyRai]

I've never heard Ritchie's speaking voice before - it sounds different to what I thought it would

[@IAMdeathblade]

I know he sounds weird.

[@MrJohnny583]

+KaydeyRai Maybe you were expecting Lou Diamond Philips voice?

[@KaydeyRai]

+MrJohnny583 I was expecting it to be a little deeper and younger sounding

[@kathymartin8887]

I thought he'd have a accent .what a smile

[@satanicmajesty67]

kathy martin an accent? he didn't even know Spanish..

[@henrysonnemann2597]

I'm from "62 and crazy about 50's Rock&Roll. Buddy Holly is my hero. Never to be forgotten.😢❤🎉

[@davidmaslow7473]

Thanks for posting! this is some Great rock and roll history.Rock on!

[@adelinagarza2812]

In 1959 I was 12 years old, at that time I did not listen to much rock and roll. But in 1962 atv15 years old I began to like girls and rock and roll My name is Carlos

[@Dude_From_Nowhere]

Adelina Garza I wasn't even born until 21 years later and still find this to be a sad day...The day the music died, to be precise.

[@michaelhampton9493]

Did you know that Buddy drummed for Ritchie on that show

[@MrJoint888]

Love you guys

[@buddyhollylives]

Contains some pics I've never seen before. And, believe me, I've seen quite a lot of our mutual Buddy!

[@tree7249]

The big bopper was the old guy on the tour. Look at him. He was a baby too all of maybe 26.

[@buddyh17]

buddy was the best ever !....end of report.....my motto ?.......i have to be good in this world, so I can meet buddy in the next !....hopefully the good Lord will let me

[@julesbailey6770]

That picture of big bopper Ritchie and buddy is doctored with Ritchie originally not being in the original

[@davidgough4152]

I have a flyer advertising the show. Such a sad day. I have never forgotten that.

[@thefonzkiss]

You will have a replica one from the Buddy Holly Story musical.

[@quetzalflight5790]

EVERYBODY SENDS OUR LOVE TO THIS PRESENT DAY THANK YOU FOR POSTING AND MAY GOD CHRIST BLESS YOU FOR POSTING THIS GREAT VIDEO WE HAVE BEEN WANTING AND WAITING FOR....THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU😖😤⛪😉👍🏁👆

[@joshuaplotkin8826]

the bus ride would have been 8 hours and it wasn't heated. Buddy Holly turned to one of his band mates who was going to be on the bus and said "I hope your bus freezes". the band mate replied "I hope your plane crashes". that was the last time they spoke. it haunted him for years.

[@kursed01]

DUKEJETT80 ...nope..it was the Great late Waylon Jennings..

[@garyfaught3769]

Waylon, years later wrote a moving song about his friend Buddy Holly, appropriately titled "Old Friend". Definitely worth taking a listen to.

[@John-ob7dh]

That band mate was Waylon Jennings.

[@elgato-v2g]

Wie kann man einen Flugzeugabsturz wünschen. Er soll immer an seinen Satz denken.Idiot!

[@joshuaplotkin8826]

@@elgato-v2g don't speak German. No idea what the hell you just said