Friday, February 3rd, 1959 is known in the music world as "the day the music died"-- in reference to Don McLean's song, "American Pie" and the death of Lubbock native-turned-superstar Buddy Holly. Entertainers Holly, Richie Valens and the Big Bopper(J.P. Richardson) died along with the pilot in the 1 a.m. crash of a small plane after a concert in Clear Lake, Iowa the night before. In Lubbock The Buddy Holly Center will honor its native son with special events all day Friday, the 53rd anniversary, with the center charging no admittance fee that day.

 

Screenings of "Buddy Holly: Rave On" featuring rare footage, exclusive interview and new research will be at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Then at 5:30 p.m. there will be a book signing and talk by author Ryan Vandergriff, who wrote the book, "Dancing as if There's No Tomorrow" . Plus refreshments and a cash bar will be available from 6-9 p.m. for the First Friday Art Trail.

You might want to make it by one of these events on this 53rd anniversary of Holly's death. His music is said to have impacted artists like no other influence. This is surely in my top ten list of favorite songs, if not #1.

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