The Big Bopper
Jiles Perry Richardson Jr., also known as The Big Bopper, was an American musician with a larger-than-life personality and a deep, bold voice. Born in 1930 in Sabine Pass, Texas, Richardson began his career as a radio show host who referred to himself as The Big Bopper after seeing some college students dance The Bop.
Jiles Perry Richardson Jr. Source: Wikipedia
He became a well-known singer in 1958 after his hit song Chantilly Lace spent 22 weeks (!) in the national top 40 hits. Now in the public’s eye, The Big Bopper felt he was ready to tear up some stages, and in 1959, he joined the Winter Dance Party tour for a ride that would sadly be the last of his life. He was 28 at the time of the crash.