Today is: The Day the Music Died

So go the lyrics to the first verse of Don McLean's 1971 folk rock song "American Pie," which went to No. 1 on Billboard's Hot 100 the following year. What was this music that made him smile, when was this February day that made him shiver, and what did he mean by "the day the music died"? McLean is singing of rock and roll musicians Buddy Holly, J.P. Richardson (known as "The Big Bopper"), and Ritchie Valens, who died in a plane crash in the early hours of Feb. 3, 1959. On The Day the Music Died, we remember their passing and honor their legacy.

The three musicians were taking part in the Winter Dance Party, a grueling 24-date tour of the Midwest in January and February of 1959.

Source: Checkiday.com

This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Today is: The Day the Music Died