It was February 3rd, 1959 when three young, promising Rock and Roll music stars - Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and Jiles Richardson - all died in a tragic plane crash in Clear Lake, Iowa. Buddy Holly and Jiles Richardson were in their 20's while Ritchie Valens was just 17 years old at the time of their passing. All three singers were considered to be the trailblazers of an era where Rock and Roll music was the antithesis to the good-natured, easy listening styles of Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, and others.
1950s Rock and Roll was an era believed to belong to the generation of the young and daring who wanted to prove that music can be different but enjoyed through twisting and fancy footwork to the sounds of a heavy beat and straightforward melodies.
Throughout the decades, Rock and Roll music has evolved in both the type of instrument used and musical style that inspired many generations of musicians to infuse their own brand and identity.
Early styles of Rock and Roll were either played with a piano or saxophone that later gave way to guitars and drums as preferred musical instruments.
Decades later, Rock and Roll music has changed and touched on different genres of music that combine elements of R&B, Jazz, and Country Music.
Famous musicians like Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney and others like them found 1950s Rock and Roll as the generation that Holly, Valens and Richardson became known for.
Twelve years later in 1971, popular Folk singer, Don McLean wrote "American Pie" to remember the trio's short-lived musical careers in the heels of cultural change and the Rock and Roll music that started it all.
Check out this YouTube video of Don McLean's live performance of the song, "American Pie" from his 1972 BBC music concert in England. Hope you enjoy the raw, acoustic style that was once reminiscent of the 1950s.