The Day The Music Died

On February 3, 1959, Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens died in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa. Don McLean in his famous song, "American Pie," referred to it as the day the music died. It's odd that I remember it since I was only 11, but maybe it was because I had older brothers who listened to the radio. However, I'm guessing it was Charles because my memories are of Joe listening to jazz. I actually still enjoy "Take Five" by Dave Brubeck because I heard it a lot in our house and it's a good memory.

But I digress. I also loved "American Pie" without ever realizing at the time what the song referenced. I'm not real sure when I figured it out, but it probably wasn't until someone explained it to me, since I've never been able to interpret lyrics (or poetry or any form of literature). I'm a numbers person and my brain just doesn't work that way. So, I now know that all this had to do with February 3rd. I'd like to say that I'll remember it from now on, but that's doubtful. I'm old, you know.