Back in my school days, there was a spunky and long song with a chorus that said, “Bye bye Miss American Pie.” It was written, performed, and recorded by Don Maclean. And lots of people thought the song was about Buddy Holly when it said, “…the day the music died.” But Mr. Maclean says maybe, maybe not.
One thing’s for sure. The bye bye certainly fits Buddy Holly’s last day.
And the only reason I bring it up is because Buddy Holly’s last day was February 3rd, back in 1959. It was also the last day, on planet Earth, for Ritchie Valens, and “The Big Bopper,” J.P. Richardson.
From what I’ve heard and read, the whole tour for the collection of 50’s bands, was a disaster in the making. They all had to drive lots of miles between appearances. And it was all during what one reporter said was “one of the deadliest winters the Midwest had seen in decades” And I can tell you, from experience, how awful it can be to drive through Iowa and the Midwest in the middle of winter. (ask me about my truck on I-35 one howling night)
But the show must go on.
So, the bands kept making it to each “gig.” And what ended up being the last show, for some of them, was in Clear Lake, Iowa. People who were there said it was something they’d never forget. So, I guess Buddy and the gang were fired up. And that’s good.
Because after the show, the doomed musicians got on a small, chartered plane. And it crashed not long after takeoff. So, fans around the world had to say bye bye to some big names in rock-n-roll.
And whether or not American Pie mentions them, they found out, in an instant, how quickly your soul can be removed from your body.
That’s more important to know than anything else you’ve got going on in this world. Because you and I are eternal beings. But our bodies only last so long. And circumstances you never dreamed of can change the whole direction of your eternity.
So, be sure you sing a new song
With the Word that you can take along
Through the years that forever brings
And way beyond all these earthly things.
Stay tuned,
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