On This Day, Feb. 3, 1959: The Day The Music Died: Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper die in a plane crash

Musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and “The Big Bopper” J. P. Richardson died in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa.

The trio was touring together as part of the Winter Dance Party tour. In order to not have to travel on a cold tour bus, Holly chartered a plane to the next venue. Richards got his spot on the plane because he had the flu, and Valens got the last spot on the plane in a coin toss with one of Holly’s band members Tommy Allsup.

The pilot, who also died in the flight, lost control of the plane due to poor wintery conditions.

The trio’s death became known as “The Day the Music Died,” after singer Don McLean referred to it as that in his classic 1971 song “American Pie.”