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The music world has said goodbye to numerous 
artists this year,

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but on this day in 1959, three young stars 
died in a plane crash in Iowa.

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One America's Cameron Cramer has more on 
the tragedy that's called The Day The Music 
Died.

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* Well, that'll be the day when you say goodbye, 
Yes, that'll be the day when you make me 
cry *

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Cameron Cramer: Buddy Holly was famous for 
hits like that, as well as his iconic glasses.

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On this day in 1959, the 22 year old singer, 
including two fellow musicians died in a 
plane crash in Clear Lake, Iowa

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Holly spung onto the rock and roll scene 
as an opening act for Elvis Presley,

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But soon, crowds would be flocking to see 
Holly, with singles like That'll Be The Day, 
Peggy Sue and Maybe Baby.

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* Maybe Baby, I'll have you, maybe baby, 
you'll be too *

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In early 1959, Holly and his band were in 
the midst of a Winter Dance Party tour across 
the midwest.

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Joining Holly's band were two other young 
musicians, 17 year old Ritchie Valens...

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* Para bailar La Bamba *

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* Para bailar La Bamba *

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* Se necessita una poca de gracia *

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And 28 year old JP Richardson, known as The 
Big Bopper.

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* Chantilly Lace has a pretty face and a 
ponytail *

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Commuting by bus on the tour,

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the harsh winter climate, combined with poor 
routing decisions marred the festivities.

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Heating problems with the bus played a role 
in many of the musicians catching the flu, 
while a drummer suffered frostbite

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By early February, the musicians needed to 
make a change.

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Holly decided to charter a plane after playing 
in Clear Lake, Iowa.

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The flight would take him and two other passengers 
to Fargo, North Dakota.

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Valens got his seat on the plane by coin 
flip.

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While Richardson was not supposed to be on 
the flight, but after falling ill, he convinced 
Waylon Jennings to give up his seat in order 
to rest.

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In poor weather, a 21 year old pilot named 
Roger Peterson took off with the three passengers.

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Minutes after takeoff, the flight would encounter 
trouble.

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The wreckage was found just six miles from 
the airport.

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All aboard were dead.

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An investigation showed the young pilot was 
not trained to fly in the inclement weather,

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as that required knowledge of specific instrument 
sets.

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Today, a tribute featuring Holly's iconic 
glasses is located near the crash site.

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While fellow musician, Don McLean addressed 
the tragedy in this 1971 number one hit.

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* But something touched me deep inside *

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* The day *

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* the music *

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* died *

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Cameron Cramer, One America News

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* Bye, miss American Pie *