the death of rock 'n' roll

1950-1963

1950-1963

Rock n Roll ruled the airwaves for over a decade. However, the innocence of this protected generation

would be shattered in the 1960s.

- Violence of the Civil Rights Movement begins

- JFK, Malcolm X, and MLK Jr. are assassinated

- Troops are sent to Vietnam

- American Anti- War protests turn violent

The “Day the Music Died”

February 3, 1959: The Day the Music Died

- Winter Dance Tour: 24 Midwest Cities

(3 weeks)

- Problem: tour bus’s heater system broke.

- Clear Lake Iowa, was not on the original tour schedule…it was added last minute.

February 3, 1959: The Day the Music Died

- Buddy Holly, J.P. “The Big Bopper” and Richardson Ritchie Valens,

• Only 3 passenger seats $36 per person = supposed to be for Holly’s band the Crickets.

• Big Bopper had the flu…convinced a Cricket to let him fly instead.

• Valens = poor Latino kid, never flew on a plane…”won” a coin toss.

• Pilot = 21 yr old Roger Peterson

Don McLean“American Pie”

http://www.videosift.com/video/Buddy-Holly-The-Day-The-Music-Died-American-Pie

How is Don McLean’s song a tribute to Holly’s, Valens’s, and Bopper’s deaths?

What other 1960s events does this song identify as the contributing factors in the death of Rock N Roll?

Don McLean“American Pie”

Now for ten years we’ve been on our ownAnd moss grows fat on a rollin’ stone,But that’s not how it used to be.When the jester sang for the king and queen,In a coat he borrowed from James DeanAnd a voice that came from you and me,

Don McLean“American Pie”

The courtroom was adjourned;No verdict was returned.

And while Lennon read a book of Marx,The quartet practiced in the park,

Don McLean“American Pie”

Helter skelter in a summer swelter.The birds flew off with a fallout shelter,Eight miles high and falling fast.It landed foul on the grass.The players tried for a forward pass,With the jester on the sidelines in a cast.

Don McLean“American Pie”

Now the half-time air was sweet perfumeWhile the sergeants played a marching tune.

Don McLean“American Pie”

We all got up to dance,Oh, but we never got the chance!`cause the players tried to take the field;The marching band refused to yield.Do you recall what was revealedThe day the music died?

Don McLean“American Pie”

Oh, and as I watched him on the stage

My hands were clenched in fists of rage.No angel born in hellCould break that Satan’s spell.And as the flames climbed high into the nightTo light the sacrificial rite,I saw Satan laughing with delightThe day the music died

Don McLean“American Pie”

And in the streets: the children screamed,

The lovers cried, and the poets dreamed.But not a word was spoken;The church bells all were broken.And the three men I admire most:The father, son, and the holy ghost,They caught the last train for the coastThe day the music died.

Pop Quiz Time!!1.) Name the Ohio DJ who gave rock n roll its name

2.) What is a 45?

3.) Why did parents fear artists like Elvis Presley?

4.) How did Ritchie Valens end up on the doomed flight?

5.) Why do music historians consider the death of Holly, Valens, and the Big Bopper the death of rock n roll?