Two days ago, hubs and I made another bucket list hit.
We visited Clear Lake, Iowa where Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. Richardson (The Big Bopper) played their last concert before they were all killed in a fatal plane crash just a few miles out of Clear Lake.
After watching the documentary about Don McLean’s song, “American Pie”, (titled the same as this blog post), we knew we could drive a new route to be sure to visit the Surf (feature photo) and the memorial site in the farmer’s field that has been maintained since the crash on Feb 3, 1959. The memorial is about 3 miles from town.
Because I was introduced to 50’s R&R from the time I was around four years old (by my aunt, who was a teenager at the time), the whole day was powerfully meaningful for me.
This immersive experience building just opened in September and is very well doneNot Fade Away is a 360° experience about the history of rock and roll music at the SurfThe museum in the new building houses many great photos and artifacts Buddy Holly’s jacket and mic from the last performance of his life If you love music, you’d love the Surf Ballroom This is the adjacent lounge. The number of artists from every genre of music who have played here is staggering The stage and dance floor of the surf. I felt like I had stepped into history The booths and tables were numerous Enough seating for 2100 people here and another 160 in the loungeStanding on that stage for a selfie was an emotional moment for meThe green room next to the stage. Every entertainer who has played there has signed Hubs found the booths a tad snugThe streets in Clear Lake are named in tributeThis is the parking lot for the memorial siteThe glasses mark the beginning of the walk to the memorial site. People leave glasses as a tribute. I left a pair of sunglasses It’s a quarter mile walk through a field to the memorial Memorial to the pilot of the planeThe memorial to the artists is simple and still very powerful This will no doubt be my only visit to a memorial in a corn fieldIt was a windy day, and I was quite sombre because of the experience
I wonder how their music would have evolved if they had lived. Great fan of Buddy Holly and have been to see his stage show about the story of his life several times
That’s definitely something to ponder on, Carole. Who knows … maybe it wouldn’t have evolved at all, and would have faded away (a bit of tongue in cheek there, lol). I didn’t know there was a stage show about his life. That’s something I’m sure I’d enjoy. Have a great day!
I have always wanted to visit. Until I do, we can enjoy your post and detailed photos. It puts it all into perspective in so many ways. Every music fan should make this pilgrimage. 💯
Thank you for sharing this special trip Terry. A more innocent time when songs were upbeat fun devoid of unnecessary filthy lyrics unlike today. You have encouraged me to watch bio films on these talented young men who were taken out early.
You’re very welcome, Lana. There are movies about both Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens. I’m not sure about JP Richardson. The documentary one about Don McLean’s Song, American Pie is recent, and very good. Have a great day!
I would love to visit that place, although there is no surf in that part of the country. They’ve done a great job keeping it alive and respectful to the tradition. Lucky you and hubs.
Thanks for this post, Terry. I had not heard of this place. Iowa is not far from our home, and there are lots of good bike trails there. Perhaps we will visit someday. I’ll have to look for that documentary, too.
Radically Retired 
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