Fifty years ago this week, on February 3, 1959, Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and the Big Bopper were killed in a plane crash. Some believe it was “the day the music died” as immortalized in Don McLean’s song “American Pie.” Three of rock and roll’s seminal artists dead just when this new music form was being born.
Of course, the music didn’t die and all three (especially Holly) not only influenced but gave direction to what we take for granted as “rock music.”
Richie Valens could arguably be called the first punk rocker with his swagger and punctuating music. The Big Bopper had only one hit (“Chantilly Lace”) but his cool, hep attitude and appearance is at the root of pop music. And Buddy Holly and the Crickets are the epitome of the two guitar, bass and drums rock band that we know and love.
As I write this, I’m listening to an old album on my iPhone by The Rumour, Graham Parker’s band in the 70’s and 80’s. What a long way from tube amps to mp3’s on a portable music player. I worked at a record store collecting hundreds of LP’s, and I also remember when (during my wholesale days) we boxed up the 8 tracks and vinyl records in K-Mart to make room for CD’s.
The Virgin megastore in Manhattan closed recently. Tower Records went out of business a few years back. And to think that iTunes (an online site) is the #1 seller of music?
The music didn’t die and it’s not really that long of a path from Fender Twin Reverbs to mpeg-3 compressed music files. Rock and roll is a part of the DNA of America and that genetic code will find a way to come alive in spite of attempts to ban it, tax it or copyright control it. When Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison died many thought rock had died.
Yeah, see how accurate that prediction was?
Bruce Springsteen, in a recent “Fresh Air” interview, said that at the heart of rock and roll is a primal urge (he used far more explicit language). Rock music is the perfect vehicle for communicating that urge what with the pounding bass drum, low throbbing tones of the bass, and squealing guitar solos. You get the picture.
So, here’s to rock and roll music and all those who dream of making it big or who spend hours playing Guitar Hero (or Rock Band) or who know that in life it is the same as it is in music: “It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing.”
Everyday seems a little longer
Every way love’s a little stronger
Come what may
Do you ever long for, true love from me
Everyday it’s a-gettin’ closer
Goin’ faster than a roller coaster
Love like yours will surely come my way
A-hey, a-hey-hey
Love like yours will surely come my wayó”Everyday” by Buddy HollyDoug Gebhard is the interim pastor at John Calvin Presbyterian Church.