The Day The Music Died

In looking over the facts that I found for today's This Day In Rock, there were different instances in which almost each day could be coined "the day the music died". Of course, only one truly holds the possible reason as to why that song was even written, however any time there is death in the music world, on some level the music dies, even if it is just a little.

February 3rd, 1959 is the day that coined the phrase "the day the music died" as Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper were killed in a plane crash. Leaving from Clear Lake, Iowa at just a little after 1 a.m. and due to a snow storm that reduces visibility to a minimum, pilot Roger Peterson lost his bearings and flew the plane into the ground.



1967 Brings us to the story of Joe Meek who was a British producer of Rock and Pop music. Remembered for his instrumental hit Telstar, written for the Tornadoes, Meek killed his landlady before turning the gun on himself committing suicide.

2003 found producer Phil Spector arrested during the murder investigation of actress Lana Clarkson, who was found dead at the entrance to Spector's home. He was freed after posting $1 million bond.

For this last track, we'll backtrack just a few years, BUT if finds out of the realm of death and brings us into birth. Every time that an artist releases a CD, they are giving birth out of their creativity, giving life to music. On this day in 1998, Pearl Jam released their 5th album entitled Yield and would reach #2 on the Billboard 200.

Life and death are part of this continuous circle that we are all a part of. I mourn over music's losses and rejoice over the new things that continue to be brought forth from so many talented musicians and songwriters. But I never fail to appreciate what they give to us, out of their talents, out of the well of their creativity, out of themselves.


Source: roadcrewmag.com