They Died Too Young

"The Day The Music Died"

"Music Pop Hits" remembers those that died in their musical prime.

The listings of artists we've included in this feature are of musicians that are part of well known groups or well known soloists that have met with a tragic end. They'll also have featured pages in our Music Pop Hits website as indicated by the page links under an icon as pictured left and is featured to the right of each entry.

Although we can comprehend that the verb "Young" refers to a youthful age Our feature "They Died Too Young" in this instance refers to any artist that had much more to give and was still in the height of their musical prime.

"February 3rd 1959"

In his 1971 hit song "American Pie," Don McLean referred to an event that rocked the world

"The Day the Music Died"

We lost among others three influential music stars in a single plane crash that was heading for ......

Charles Hardin "Buddy" Holley aka Buddy Holly

(September 7, 1936 – February 3, 1959) was an American singer-songwriter and a pioneer of rock and roll. - Died aged 22

Richard Steve Valenzuela aka Ritchie Valens

(May 13, 1941 – February 3, 1959) was an American singer, songwriter and guitarist. 8 months into his career - Died aged 17

Jiles Perry "J. P." Richardson, Jr. aka The Big Bopper

(October 24, 1930 – February 3, 1959), called JP by friends but commonly known as The Big Bopper, was an American disc jockey who utilised his personality well to become an early rock and roll star. - Died aged 29

KEY : Information as listed below

Listed Alphabetically by Musician' s Surname
Musician Name	Cause Of Death	Age
Musician Summaries as provided by - www.wikipedia.com		Music LINK

Alpha Listing

A

Howard “Skydog” Duane Allman Motor-cycle accident
24

(November 20, 1946 – October 29, 1971) session musician and lead guitarist & one of the founding members of the “The Allman Brothers Band” – Died aged 24 from a motor-cycle accident, that crushed several internal organs.

B

Jesse Lorenzo Belvin

Motor vehicle accident

27

(December 15, 1932 – February 6, 1960) was an American R&B singer, pianist and songwriter popular in the 1950s, whose success came to an abrupt holt - Died aged 27 - Car accident, Jesse Belvin and his wife were killed in a head-on collision.

Thomas Richard 'Tommy' Bolin

Asphyxiation

25

(August 1, 1951, December 4, 1976) was an American-born guitarist best known for his work with Zephyr (from 1969 to 1971), The James Gang (from 1973 through 1974), Deep Purple (from 1975 to 1976), and his solo work. – Died aged 25 – Asphyxiation, due to drug & Alcohol abuse.

C

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