Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens & Big Bopper Exhibit Launches at Final Venue From the Night They Died originally appeared on Parade.
Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson were tragically killed in a plane crash on February 3, 1959, after playing at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa. Just after take off, their plane crashed in a field a few miles north of Clear Lake, and all three musicians plus the pilot were killed instantly. That date came to be known as “the day the music died,” immortalized in Don McLean’s hit song “American Pie.”
The Surf Ballroom announced on Wednesday, August 6, that on what would have been Buddy Holly’s 88th birthday, the venue is debuting a first-of-its-kind tribute to the rock ‘n roll icons called Not Fade Away: The Immersive Surf Ballroom Experience. The opening activities start on Thursday, September 4, with a book signing, and then on Sunday, September 7 (Holly’s birthday), the exhibit will open with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The exhibit will be in the newly completed Music Enrichment Center (MEC). It is described as a “transformative, multi-sensory journey through the birth of rock ‘n’ roll and the timeless sound that changed American music forever,” using “immersive digital storytelling, historic artifacts, restored audio, and original archival materials.”
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The never-before-seen artifacts on display include:
Les Paul innovations:
One of only two existing prototypes for the solid body electric guitar called “The Log,” hand-built by Les Paul in approximately 1937
Les Paul’s original handwritten plans for the very first 8-track tape recording device
Les Paul’s original 8-track console, which revolutionized modern recording
1970 custom Gibson guitar owned and played by Les Paul
Les Paul’s signature groundbreaking “Paulverizer,” one of only three in existence
Celebrity musician artifacts:
Guitar signed by Buddy Holly while on the 1959 Winter Dance Party Tour
Les Paul guitar owned and played by Slash, former lead guitarist of Guns ‘n’ Roses
Les Paul guitar owned and played by Warren Haynes, formerly of the Allman Brothers
Stratocaster signed by legendary blues guitarist Buddy Guy
BB King signed “Lucille” guitar
Willie Nelson signed guitar
Don McLean signed American Pie LP and guitar
Accordion owned and played by Lawrence Welk
Leather top hat worn by Slash
Personal effects of Holly, Valens, and Richardson:
Microphone used by Buddy Holly at his last performance at The Surf Ballroom in 1959
Red corduroy jacket Buddy Holly wore during his last performance in San Antonio, TX
Original camera that was used to take the Pulitzer-nominated photos of the fatal plane crash on Feb 3, 1959, that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson
Hand-tooled leather wallet owned by Ritchie Valens and recovered from the crash
Briefcase owned by J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson and recovered from the crash
A pair of cufflinks owned by Buddy Holly and recovered from the crash
Ritchie Valens original Del-Fi Gold Record for “La Bamba” and “Donna”
Upright bass from the final performance of Buddy Holly’s band, The Crickets
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“Not Fade Away reflects the power of public-private partnership and our shared commitment to preserving and promoting Clear Lake’s unique place in American music history,” said Clear Lake Mayor Nelson Crabb in a statement. “This project brings national attention, educational opportunity, and cultural significance to our community. It’s an investment not only in heritage, but in our future.”
“This is a moment years in the making,” added Brian Luallen, CEO of the Surf Ballroom & Museum. “We’ve combined cutting-edge technology with the soul of rock ‘n’ roll to tell a story that is as moving as it is unforgettable. ‘Not Fade Away’ honors the legacy of the artists who helped define a generation—and reminds us why their music still matters today.”
“This isn’t just about music,” said Jeff Nicholas, President of North Iowa Cultural Center and Museum’s Board of Directors. “It’s about memory, emotion, and the voices that continue to echo across generations. With ‘Not Fade Away,’ we’re creating a space where history comes alive — and where our children and grandchildren can understand just how powerful one song, one show, or one moment can be.”
For tickets and more information about the exhibit, check out the official website.
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Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens & Big Bopper Exhibit Launches at Final Venue From the Night They Died first appeared on Parade on Aug 6, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
