Texas Musicians: The Big Bopper

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Welcome to July, where it feels pretty May-like! Only for one day, though, but I’ll take it!! New month, new countdown, and this month I’m remembering my trip to Texas earlier this year by celebrating the musicians born in Texas. Let’s get started! The Big Bopper Hey, wasn’t he just on the list in February? Why, yes, thanks for remembering! As with a lot of Texans (past and present), Jiles Perry Richardson went by his initials, J.P. His father was an oilfield worker (also like a lot of Texans at that time), and he grew up in Beaumont. He studied pre-law in college (can’t you see those commercials…“have you been injured in an accident? Call the Big Bopper and he’ll bop ‘em!” ) but dropped out when he got a full-time job as a DJ on a radio station. He also got married and served in the Army as a radar technician. Back in those days, DJs and singers had a close relationship, as performers were frequently stopping by stations to promote their new single or their concert. As a DJ, Richardson became friends with a few Texas musicians, such as George Jones (who’ll be on this list later). Jones recorded Richardson’s song “White Lightnin’”, becoming Jones’ first #1 song. Richardson wrote primarily lighthearted and novelty-type tunes (as evidenced by his best-known song, “Chantilly Lace”); however, he could write a ballad. His song “Beggar to a King” was a #1 country hit for Hank Snow in 1962. Based on the popularity of “Chantilly Lace,” Richardson was invited to join the Winter Dance Party tour with other young rock and rollers. And you all know what happened next. At 28, Richardson was the oldest victim of “the Day the Music Died.” Richardson is buried in Beaumont, with a Texas historical marker near his grave. He may be the “forgotten member” in the Day the Music Died, but not by me…and not by a lot of folks. The Big Bopper Born Jiles Perry Richardson, Jr. October 24, 1930, Sabine Pass Died February 3, 1959, Clear Lake Iowa (plane crash) (age 28) HALLS OF FAME: Rockabilly; Texas Country Music Here’s one you’ve probably never heard from him before, “Pink Petticoats”: