The Surf Ballroom
On February 3, 1959, the morning after their performance at the Surf, the three rock & roll icons, along with pilot Roger Peterson died in a plane crash just a few miles away... “You're going to Iowa for what?” After being asked that question, often sarcastically, numerous times following our explanation for our planned visit, we decided to give up on telling the truth. “We are visiting an old family friend”- a seemingly more acceptable reason to find ourselves in Iowa; an excuse less worthy of great detail or compassion. After all, Iowa is no Las Vegas. One doesn’t just pack up on a whim and visit for the thrills and frills. My bother James and I had to believe in our journey by ourselves and hopefully let its purpose motivate us. We were on a mission and we were determined to see it through. Sadly though, we felt as if we were the last champions of American history. As long time fans of the mid-century way of life and the historical events of that era, we were traveling to Clear Lake, IA to visit the Surf Ballroom- and that was pretty much it. The Surf Ballroom served as the LAST concert venue for Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper (J.P. Richardson). On February 3, 1959, the morning after their performance at the Surf, the three rock & roll icons, along with pilot Roger Peterson died in a plane crash just a few miles away.
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