By Tim Knight (1989).  The story of Music Hall of Fame Inductee J.P. Richardson "The Big Bopper" whose novelty songs and radio personality made him one of the rising rock and roll stars of the 1950s.  His career was tragically cut short the "Day the Music Died".  Along with Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens, he was killed in a plane crash February 3, 1959.