The Day the Music Died (34 images)

Flowers and tributes are left at the site of the plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J. P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson near Clear Lake, Iowa on February 2, 2009. Singer Don McLean coined the phrase "the day the music died" in his hit song American Pie referring to the death of the three rock 'n' roll pioneers in the early morning hours of February 3, 1959. Thousands of people descended upon Clear Lake to celebrate the 50th anniversary of "the day the music died". (UPI Photo/Brian Kersey)

Rock 'n' roll fans walk by a giant pair of Buddy Holly glasses as they visit the site of the plane crash that killed Holly, Ritchie Valens and J. P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson near Clear Lake, Iowa on February 2, 2009. Singer Don McLean coined the phrase "the day the music died" in his hit song American Pie referring to the death of the three rock 'n' roll pioneers in the early morning hours of February 3, 1959. Thousands of people descended upon Clear Lake to celebrate the 50th anniversary of "the day the music died". (UPI Photo/Brian Kersey)

Jan (L) and Dan Hanson of Cedar Falls, Iowa dance before a tribute concert memorializing Buddy Holly, J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson and Ritchie Valens at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa on February 2, 2009. The three rock 'n' roll pioneers played their last show at the Surf Ballroom 50 years ago to the day. Singer Don McLean coined the phrase "the day the music died" in his hit song "American Pie" referring to the plane crash that killed the three stars in the early morning hours of February 3, 1959. (UPI Photo/Brian Kersey)

Rock 'n' roll enjoy a tribute concert memorializing Buddy Holly, J.P. "The Big Booper" Richardson and Ritchie Valens at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa on February 2, 2009. The three rock 'n' roll pioneers played their last show at the Surf Ballroom 50 years ago to the day. Singer Don McLean coined the phrase "the day the music died" in his hit song American Pie referring to the death of the plane crash that killed the three stars in the early morning hours of February 3, 1959. (UPI Photo/Brian Kersey)