It Was 50 Years Ago Today That the Music Died

On Feb. 3, 1959, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and JP "The Big Bopper" Richardson were killed in a plane crash after leaving a Rock 'n Roll gig in Clear Lake, Iowa. All three young rockers were at the top of their game, carving out a lasting place for themselves in a music format that was still in its infancy.

The event was immortalized in Don McLean's epic tune, "American Pie." (Don't listen to the Madonna version, it's a travesty.)

Long live Rock and Roll.