The Week the Music Lived and Died

For most people, music is an important part of their life.  If you ever thought about it, there is a lot of music out there and there's a wide variety things you can listen to.  When did music become so big? You might look back to the days of Bing Crosby in the 1940's and 1950's and then Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley in the 1950's and 1960's.

The first week of February marks two big events in music history.  Today, February 7, 1964, is the 55th anniversary of The Beatles coming to America.  Their arrival at JFK airport resulted in pandemonium. Although they were panned by the press, The Beatles captured America in a very short period of time.  Their two appearances on the Ed Sullivan Variety Show that month are still considered two of the most watched television shows in history.  Although the band broke up in 1970, their six years of records changed music forever and they are still considered the greatest band of all-time. One year ago, I blogged about February 7, 1964 in more detail.

It was February 3, 1959, five years earlier than when The Beatles arrived and 60 years ago this week, "the day the music died."  Three young, talented musicians, Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens, were killed in a plane crash during a snowstorm in Iowa after performing together.  They say that sometimes a person's life can change with the snap of a finger or flip of a coin.  Ritchie Valens, who was only 17, "won"a coin toss for a ride on that plane. 

The plane accident was immortalized when song writer and singer, Don McLean, wrote the song "American Pie" in 1971.  It is still considered one of the all-time great songs and although it is about America, it references "the crash" as "the day the music died."  Years ago I heard him interviewed and he was asked, "What does "American Pie mean to you." He replied, "it means I don't have to get up in the morning and go to work."

At some point shortly after the album was released I was walking with my friend Paul down Main St. in Metuchen, NJ.  One of us kicked a wallet that had $12 in it.  We turned it into the police and they said if no one claimed it in 30 days, the money would be ours.  With my $6, I bought the album "American Pie" and the song is still my favorite song 48 years later.

The first week of February is almost over. It may be a good time to listen to some great music.  You can hear a Beatle song almost anytime, which is a tribute to their legendary career.  Take a listen to "American Pie, " or listen to a song from Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper or Ritchie Valens. (Peggy Sue", "La Bamba" or "Chantilly Lace")

The truth is that the day of the wild welcome for The Beatles at JFK airport has faded from memory, unless you were actually there.  The tragic day the small plane was found in Iowa has also faded after all these years.

But great music? No, it doesn't fade away, it lives on for generations to enjoy-enjoy it.